Here you’ll find a variety of lesson plans, with one for each age group. Feel free to mix and match the activities that work best for your students. There’s also an alternative lesson plan at the end for even more flexibility.
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Pre-K Lesson Plan (Ages 3-4)
Students will be able to identify and name common emotions.
Students will explore different ways to express feelings appropriately.
Students will use imagination to transform simple objects or situations.
Grade One is No Fun book or watch the read aloud here
Begin by watching the author's engaging read-aloud video of "Grade One is No Fun or reading the book (5-10 minutes)
Discussing Henny D's Feelings: After the story, lead a discussion about Henny D's emotions throughout the book. Ask questions like: 'How did Henny D feel when she first went to Grade One?' 'How did her feelings change?' 'What made her feel better?' Encourage students to share times they've felt similar emotions. (10-15 minutes)
Feelings Puppets Craft: Provide students with craft sticks and construction paper. Guide them to draw different emotion faces (happy, sad, angry, surprised) on paper circles. Attach the faces to craft sticks to create 'Feelings Puppets.' (15-20 minutes)
Puppet Play: Glum to Fun!: Using their puppets, have students act out simple scenarios where a character feels 'glum' and then uses their imagination or a kind action to turn the situation into 'fun.' Model an example first, then allow students to try with partners or individually. (10-15 minutes)
Creative Expression Drawing: Distribute blank paper and drawing materials. Ask students to draw a picture of something that makes them feel happy and 'sparkly,' like Henny D's transformed day. Encourage them to use bright colors. (10-15 minutes)
Kindergarten Lesson Plan - Age 5
Students will identify challenges or 'glum' moments in the story and in their own lives.
Students will brainstorm and articulate creative solutions to problems.
Students will understand that imagination can transform perspectives and experiences.
Grade One is No Fun book or watch the read aloud here
Small props for role-playing (e.g., toy blocks, playdough, scarves)
Begin by watching the author's engaging read-aloud video of "Grade One is No Fun or reading the book (5-10 minutes)
Identifying 'Glum' Moments: Discuss the 'glum' situations Henny D faced in grade one (e.g., sitting still, rules, long days). Create a 'Glum' list on chart paper. Ask students to share simple 'glum' moments they might have in their day (e.g., 'I spilled my juice', 'My friend didn't want to play my game'). (10-15 minutes)
Brainstorming 'Fun' Solutions: Revisit Henny D's strategies for turning 'glum' into 'fun' (e.g., imagining clouds, making a game). For each 'glum' item on the list, brainstorm 'fun' solutions as a class. Emphasize using imagination and creativity. (15-20 minutes)
Creative Transformation Station: Set up a designated area with various art supplies and props. In small groups, assign each group a 'glum' scenario. Challenge them to use the materials and their imaginations to act out or create a 'fun' transformation for their scenario. For example, if 'sitting still' is glum, they might imagine their chairs are rockets taking them on an adventure.(20-25 minutes)
Share Our Magic: Bring the class back together. Each group shares their 'glum to fun' transformation, either by explaining their creation or acting out their solution. Celebrate their creativity and problem-solving skills. (10-15 minutes)
1st Grade Lesson Plan - Age 6
Define and identify examples of inner strength and positive mindset within the story.
Articulate personal strategies for overcoming small challenges or 'no fun' situations.
Explore the author's perspective on creativity, problem-solving, and emotional expression.
Grade One is No Fun or watch the read aloud and author Q&A here
Venn diagram worksheet (comparing Henny D's feelings/solutions to their own)
Begin by watching the author's engaging read-aloud video of 'Grade One is No Fun' or reading the book (5-10 minutes)
Author Q&A Exploration: Watch the author Q&A video. Afterward, facilitate a class discussion about what the author said. What inspired her to write the book? What does she want readers to learn? How does she suggest using imagination and dealing with big feelings? (20-25 minutes)
Henny D & Me: A Venn Diagram: Distribute Venn diagram worksheets. Guide students to compare and contrast their own feelings and experiences about starting something new (like school or a new activity) with Henny D's. In the overlapping section, discuss shared feelings or ways they both used imagination or resilience. (15-20 minutes)
My Resilience Recipe: On drawing paper or in their journals, have students draw or write about a time they faced a challenge or a 'no fun' situation and how they used their imagination or persistence to overcome it, just like Henny D. Encourage them to title their work 'My Resilience Recipe' and share it with the class.(15-20 minutes)
2nd Grade Lesson Plan - Age 7
Students will analyze the themes of imagination, resilience, and self-acceptance in the story.
Students will connect Henny D's experiences to their own emotional challenges and problem-solving.
Students will articulate the author's message about transforming obstacles into opportunities.
Grade One is No Fun or watch the read aloud and author Q&A here
Worksheet with sections for 'Challenge' and 'Magical Opportunity' (or plain paper)
Drawing and writing supplies (pencils, crayons, colored pencils)
Begin by watching the author's engaging read-aloud video of 'Grade One is No Fun' or reading the book (5-10 minutes)
Unpacking Henny's Journey: Lead a discussion on the central themes of 'Grade One is No Fun.' Ask students: 'What big feelings did Henny D have?', 'How did she change her mindset?', 'What does 'resilience' mean, and how did Henny show it?' Record key ideas on the board. (10-15 minutes)
Author Q&A Exploration: Watch the author Q&A video and discuss the questions and answers. Encourage students to share their own thoughts and feelings related to the topics discussed by the author, such as dealing with big emotions, finding creativity, or overcoming challenges. (20-25 minutes)
Crafting Personal Magical Opportunities: Distribute the worksheet or plain paper. Instruct students to think of a personal 'no fun' experience or a challenge they've faced (e.g., a difficult task, a disagreement). In the first section, they describe or draw their 'challenge.' In the second section, they write or draw how they could use imagination, a positive outlook, or resilience to turn it into a 'magical opportunity,' just like Henny D. (20-25 minutes)
Gallery Walk & Share: Have students display their 'Magical Opportunities.' Facilitate a 'gallery walk' where students can view each other's work. Afterwards, invite volunteers to share their challenge and how they transformed it. Discuss common themes and strategies. (10-15 minutes)
Alternative Lesson Plan - Ages 3 - 7
Children will recognize emotions and understand that feelings can change.
Children will use their imagination to reframe challenging situations into fun ones.
Children will engage in creative expression through art and movement.
Children will appreciate the joy of being unique and expressing themselves.
Grade One is No Fun or watch the read aloud and author Q&A here
Begin by watching the author's engaging read-aloud video of 'Grade One is No Fun' or reading the book (5-10 minutes)
Feeling Check-in & Henny D's Journey: Ask children how they feel today. Discuss how Henny D felt at the start of school and how her feelings changed throughout the story. Use simple emotion words. (10-15 minutes)
Imagination Movement Game: Play music and ask children to move like Henny D when she was feeling "no fun" (slumped, slow) and then when she found her "sparkle" (dancing, soaring). Discuss how imagination changed her movement. (10-15 minutes)
My "Sparkle Transformation" Art: Provide art materials. Ask children to draw or create a picture showing something that might feel "no fun" (like waiting in line, or cleaning up) and then use glitter, stickers, and colors to show how they could make it "sparkle" and fun using their imagination. (20-25 minutes)
Show and Tell Our Sparkles: Children share their artwork and explain how they used their imagination to make something "fun." Encourage them to use descriptive words. (10-15 minutes)
Optional: Author Q&A Exploration: Watch the author's Q&A video. Discuss what the author says about Henny D's feelings, creativity, and the power of imagination. Keep the discussion age-appropriate and interactive.(20-25 minutes)