{"id":7048126,"date":"2026-08-26T03:20:51","date_gmt":"2026-08-26T03:20:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/uncategorized\/a-not-so-perfect-start\/"},"modified":"2026-08-26T03:20:51","modified_gmt":"2026-08-26T03:20:51","slug":"a-not-so-perfect-start","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7048126","title":{"rendered":"A Not So Perfect Start"},"content":{"rendered":"


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A Not So Perfect Start <\/i>by Tracy Ludwig, illustrated by Maribel Lechuga; Knopf, 2026.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

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A Not So Perfect Start <\/em>is an oh so perfect read-aloud to begin the school year. Likeable Thea, wise and intuitive Ms. Howard, and a range of relatable classmates make for a cast of characters sure to appeal to kiddos in Pre-K\u2014Grade 2. Those in the trenches know all about inevitable, certain-to-occur challenges. Book 1 in The Caring Classroom series sets the tone for positive approaches to messy situations.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

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\u201cThere is a crack, a crack in everything \/ That’s how the light gets in.”<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

~ “Anthem” by Leonard Cohen<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

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Why\u00a0this<\/em> book? Why will it matter to kids?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

We strive for the perfect start, never more so than at the beginning of the school year. Pristine notebooks, pointy pencils, shiny clean backpacks\u2026and then we spill paint on our sneakers, rip the cover of our journal, lose our lunch, or erase a hole in our not so perfect drawing. Kids will relate to Thea and her growing frustration when her perfect plans go awry. That her teacher and classmates join Thea in saving the day in a creative and satisfying way is better than a fresh pack of scented markers. \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

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Why read aloud<\/i>?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

We settle into a safe space as we gather to share a book. As we reflect, exchange thoughts, and explore concepts, we are building background knowledge\u2014and community. When read-aloud sessions are routine, children become comfortable voicing their perspectives. They grow in active listening skills and learn to respect the thoughts, feelings, experiences, and beliefs of others. When we (educators, parents, and caregivers) select age-appropriate, length-appropriate stories based on needs and abilities, we offer children the opportunity to see themselves, see others, find validation, and contemplate solutions\u00a0to conflicts and challenges that they may not have considered.<\/p>\n

Read-aloud sessions are inclusive: there is no reading skill or level barrier, and learning obstacles are mitigated by preparation prior to reading the book aloud. In a read-aloud session there is immersion as well as the comfort of distance from the challenges the characters encounter.<\/p>\n

Reading aloud engages listeners, offering a positive, secure, stress-free \u201clearning without struggle\u201d experience grounded in a book, the value of which cannot be overestimated.<\/p>\n

“You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, or who had ever been alive.” ~\u00a0 James Baldwin<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h6>\n

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Levels and Layers of Learning<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Grade level<\/strong>: Pre-K\u2014Grade 2<\/p>\n

Social-Emotional Learning Themes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Acceptance, connection, courage, creativity, curiosity, dedication, diligence, effort, \u00a0empowerment, encouragement, fortitude, friendship, generosity of spirit, gratitude, hope, inspiration, integrity, kindness, perseverance, persistence, perspective, relationship skills, resilience, resourcefulness, respect, responsibility, self-assurance, self-awareness, self-reliance, social awareness, tenacity, understanding<\/p>\n

Content Area Connections:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Social-Emotional Learning, Art, Community<\/p>\n

\"Big<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>Illustration \u00a9 <\/em>Maribel Lechuga<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Using This Book in the Classroom<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Hit the Ground Running <\/strong><\/span>Ready Resources for Educators, Homeschoolers, and Parents<\/em><\/span><\/h4>\n

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Learn more about Trudy and her books<\/a>.<\/p>\n

View A Not So Perfect Start<\/em> book trailer<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Write Away!\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>Ideas to prompt writing<\/em><\/span><\/h4>\n

Reading, \u00a0writing, listening, and speaking form the core of literacy. In robust literacy instruction we aid students in strengthening the connections between these fundamental processes. Shared reading\u2014and dynamic conversations about text\u2014strengthens reading skills and leads to meaningful writing. Multiple strategies are employed in the process of gaining meaning from reading (background knowledge, text structure, sequence, detail, cause and effect, visualization, summarizing, synthesizing, perspective, and more) and we utilize these strategies in the process of writing. Reading skills support writing, and writing skills support reading.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c[There is} a deep connection between how students read, write, and communicate, and how they develop socially and emotionally.\u201d\u00a0 ~\u00a0 Justina Schlund, Director of Field Learning for CASEL<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h6>\n

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A Not So Perfect Start <\/i>begins with Thea\u2019s BIG Day checklist for the first day of school.\u00a0 What would be on your BIG Day checklist?<\/p>\n

On the first day of school, Thea experiences BIG feelings: excitement, hope, and worry. What do you feel on a BIG Day, such as the first day of school?<\/p>\n

Thea and Ms. Howard talk about being nervous in a new place and when meeting new people. When do you feel nervous?<\/p>\n

Ms. Howard says, \u201cArt doesn\u2019t have to be perfect to be beautiful.\u201d What does she mean?<\/p>\n

What do you like about Thea?<\/p>\n

Re-read the \u201cHelpful Tips for perfectly imperfect You!\u201d at the end of the story. What is your favorite tip on the list? What tip would you add?<\/p>\n

What makes a Caring Classroom? How can you help your classroom become one?<\/p>\n

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\"Big<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>Illustration \u00a9\u00a0<\/em>Maribel Lechuga<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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Poetry Break<\/strong><\/span> Related poetry to recite before or following the reading of this book<\/em><\/span><\/h4>\n

Poetry breaks fit perfectly into the framework of the school day. These brief moments can signal change, smooth or frame transitions\u2014from beginning or ending the day to lining up for lunch; from zipping up backpacks and jackets to shifting from one subject to the next. Poetry breaks can reset mood or tone, providing a moment to pause, reflect, and breathe. Reading a poem aloud typically takes less than a minute, yet it can introduce or reinforce a concept, provide clarity, celebrate language, exemplify rhythm, enhance vocabulary, expand understanding, increase attention span, initiate reflection, spark imagination, or simply summon a giggle. And, poetry soothes and strengthens the spirit.<\/p>\n

“Poetry builds resilience in kids and adults; it fosters Social and Emotional Learning. A well-crafted phrase or two in a poem can help us see an experience in an entirely new way.” ~\u00a0 Elena Aguilar<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h6>\n

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Poetry Collections with Caring Community Themes<\/p>\n