Kindergarten Diary

Portis, A. (2010). Kindergarten diary. New York: Harper Collins.

Summary:

This book hits the high points of what it means to be a new kindergartener: from selecting an appropriate first-day-of-school outfit to playground adventures, new friendships, social skills, show-and-tell, school picture day and more. A lot happens in the first four weeks of school! Our narrator, Anna, has real fears and challenges, as well as many successes. The text is funny and engaging, with dynamic illustrations (a hybrid of collage and pencil, against lined primary paper background) that support this sweet introduction to kindergarten experiences.

Curriculum Connections:

This book could be used as a mentor text to introduce the genre of diaries in fiction, particularly with young readers. It could also stimulate young listeners to make text-to-self connections as they recall their first weeks of kindergarten.

Personal Reflections:

I have used this with kindergarten classes midway through the year as a writing prompt. We reflect as a group on some of the feelings and experiences we recall from the beginning of the year. We talk about what a diary is and then use paper to make a diary entry, including today’s date, an illustration, and caption.

Awards:

Age/Interest Range:

Pre-K-8

Genre/Themes:

Realistic Fiction, Friendship, Social Skills, School, Humor, Diary

Read-Alikes:

Other picture books that introduce the concept of a diary are: Diary of a Worm, Diary of a Fly and Diary of a Spider (Cronin).