My First Day of School

by P.K. Hallinan

On the first day of kindergarten, a child finds out about nametags, safety, manners, bathrooms, snacks, games, and more.

Genres: School, Picture Books

24 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1992

About the author

P.K. Hallinan is the author and illustrator of more than 80 children's books, with over 7,500,000 copies sold worldwide. P.K. first began writing and illustrating 35 years ago when his wife asked him to create a picture book as a Christmas gift for their two young sons.

Reviews

[Unique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Text-to-Text Connection: How is the topic, theme, or story elements connected to a different children's book?

My First Day of School by P.K. Hallinan has a very strong connection to Kindergarten Rocks! These two books share a predictable first day in school, from the beginning to the end of the day. It shows a protagonist not knowing and understanding what to expect. The Protagonist has not their first experience of going to school. Unlike Kindergarten Rocks!, My First Day of School is loaded with very good positive experience throughout the book. P.K. Hallinan creates a very excited and cheerful character named Patrick. Kindergarten Rocks has very shy, timid, and attached to his stuffed animal, Rufus. However, both stories creates a day of fun and stimulation. Kindergarten Rocks!, character Dexter has lost his Rufus and has decided to leave him at home from now on. The character shows problem solving on his own and shows he has become comfortable and more independent after spending his first day at school. Patrick also is very excited to learn and they both can not wait to come back the next day.
Note I would have given the review 5 stars had I not felt offended by the Author/Illustrators hidden, underlined choice of activities and how they were portrayed in his literature. Strangely enough I purchased this book in a Christian Store....

[Karissa Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book that Kindergarten teachers could read to students on the first day of school. Or the teacher could have it on a recommended reading list for parents to read their children’s before school starts. The story is about an eager young boy who is beginning his first day of school. From the time he wakes up, to the time he goes home from school the reader goes through the whole day with him. The nice thing is that it can give new students an idea of how school works, and while there will be difference in the children’s actually school it gives a generally idea. The book might also calm children who are worried about school. Being familiar with how a day might look, student will be able to relate what they are doing in the class to what they heard when someone read them this book. I would however not use this book in any grade other than kindergarten.

[Alma Loredo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about the little boys first day of school. As he was getting ready for school he made sure to eat breakfast and dress his best. As he arrived to school realized everyone else is dressed their best as well. The book explains the journey of the first day as a terrific learning experience. I really liked the way this book shows that the teacher explained the classroom expectations by modeling and explaining the reason behind things such as the nametags. Very nice put together especially the message that learning on the first day of school is a great way to start the year.
I think this would be a great book to initially read on the first day and then do the same as the teacher and go over classroom management.

[Lyndsi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good though I really wouldn't choose this particular book to read to a kid before their first day though. It doesn't really play to the nerves that kids feel and the fears they have before their first day, i makes it seem like everyone should be SUPER EXCITED (rainbow, smiley-face, unicorn) abut going to school.

[Kia M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very cute book. Great book to read to your students on the very first day of class to help ease the minds of those who are overwhelmed. It also shows the importance of teaching your new students their roles in the school setting, and the rules they must follow. Great rhyme scheme.

[Hazim · Rating 3 out of 5]

i want to read ittttttttttttttttttt!!!!!!!!!!!1i love ittttttt!!!!!!

[Kathleen Ruff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a cute book to read for children on their first day of school. (Rhyming words and phrases)

[Sharonneika · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is another book to embrace students on their first day of school. It offers an illustration of how their first day of school may be.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

The entire story rhymes perfectly. I liked this book. It was a fun reading.