First Day Jitters

What did Sarah Jane Hartwell want to do instead of going to her new school?

• She wanted to stay at home in bed.

• She wanted to play with her cat.

• She wanted to go to the doctor for her headache.

What lesson can we learn from Sarah Jane Hartwell’s first day of school?

• If you throw a fit, you will get to stay home.

• If you miss the bus, you are going to have to get a ride to school.

• Everybody gets nervous on their first day in a new place.

How does Mr. Hartwell respond to Sarah Jane’s actions before school?

• He yells and tells her that she will be grounded if she doesn’t get up.

• He is patient and kind, but he doesn’t let her get away with not going to school.

• He ignores her because it is her job to get up and get ready.

Which of these words from the story rhyme?

• quickly through the crowded hallways

• snapped up the shade

• tumbled, stumbled, fumbled

What was the surprising part of the ending in First Day Jitters? (R

• She accidentally went to the wrong school!

• Sarah Jane Hartwell is the new teacher, not a student!

• All her old friends were at her new school!

How are Mrs. Hartwell and her students alike in their point of view?

• They all say they will not like school.

• The students are excited for school, but Mrs. Hartwell is nervous to go.

• They all get a little nervous, worried, and anxious on the first day of school.

How would this story be different if it was about the last day of school?

• Nothing would be different.

• Mr. Hartwell would not drive Mrs. Hartwell to school.

• The kids and teacher would not be nervous, but maybe excited for summer instead.

Based on what you read, and the illustrations, how do you think Mrs. Hartwell will feel after making it through the first day of school?

• She will love her new class and school, and won’t have the “jitters” anymore.

• She will not want to get out of bed everyday, just like the first day.

• She will ask the principal to change her to another class.