Emma's First Day of School

by Rosie Willowbrook

A new school can feel big. Emma found her own way.

Grade 1: Early readers10 pages

Emma is nervous about starting school, but discovers that making new friends and learning new things can be the greatest adventure of all.

Characters

Emma

+3 more

Chalk & Pastel

Story Arc

Emma stood by the school gate. She held her big backpack tight. Her eyes looked around slowly.

Many children ran inside. Emma took a deep breath. She walked through the big doors.

Colorful classrooms lined a long hall. Emma peered into one door. A kind teacher smiled.

Ms. Lily welcomed Emma inside. Other kids played with blocks. Emma found a quiet spot.

Emma touched her compass on her bag. She wished she was outside. A friendly boy walked by.

Leo stopped near Emma’s table. He held up his drawing. “Look!” he whispered.

Emma pointed to the sun. Leo beamed a happy smile. Another girl came closer.

Maya saw Emma’s compass. “What is that?” Maya asked softly. Emma’s cheeks felt warm.

Emma showed them her compass. She told them about big trees. They all smiled now.

School felt like fun. Emma felt happy inside. She knew she had new friends.

Make one of your own next.

backpack: A bag you wear on your back to carry things, like books for school.; She held her big backpack tight.
slowly: Moving or doing something in a not fast way.; Her eyes looked around slowly.
colorful: Full of many bright colors, like red, blue, and yellow.; Colorful classrooms lined a long hall.
peered: To look at something closely and carefully, often through a small opening.; Emma peered into one door.
welcomed: To greet someone in a friendly way when they arrive.; Ms. Lily welcomed Emma inside.
quiet: Making little or no noise; not talking or moving much.; Emma found a quiet spot.
compass: A tool that shows you which way is north, south, east, or west.; Emma touched her compass on her bag.
friendly: Being nice and kind to others.; A friendly boy walked by.
whispered: To speak very softly, without using your voice loudly.; “Look!” he whispered.
beamed: To smile in a very happy way.; Leo beamed a happy smile.
softly: In a quiet, gentle way.; “What is that?” Maya asked softly.
warm: Feeling a little hot, like when you feel shy or happy.; Emma’s cheeks felt warm.