Dive into "The Night Before Kindergarten": A STEAM-Integrated Homeschool Lesson

Dive into "The Night Before Kindergarten": A STEAM-Integrated Homeschool Lesson

Aug 12, 2024

Overview of "The Night Before Kindergarten"

(This post contains affiliate links)

"The Night Before Kindergarten" by Natasha Wing is a delightful children's book that captures the excitement and jitters of starting kindergarten. The story follows children as they prepare for their first day, highlighting their emotions and activities. It's a perfect read for little ones about to embark on their educational journey.


STEAM-Integrated 5E Lesson Plan:


  1. Engage: Kickstart the lesson by discussing the emotions your child might feel about starting something new. Ask, "What are you excited or nervous about when starting kindergarten?" Introduce the book as a way to explore these feelings.
  2. Explore: Read the story aloud, pausing to discuss the children's activities and feelings. Questions like, "What do you think the kids are feeling when they pack their bags?" help align with CCSS standards for understanding narrative sequences and emotions.
  3. Explain: Dive deeper into the concept of preparation and readiness. Discuss how the children in the book prepare for their first day. Ask, "Why is it important to get ready the night before?" This aligns with NGSS standards on understanding planning and preparation.
  4. Elaborate: Encourage your child to create a "First Day of School" checklist, incorporating elements like packing a bag or laying out clothes. This activity fosters organizational skills and aligns with C3 Framework standards for planning and preparation.
  5. Evaluate: Ask your child to retell the story in their own words and share what they would include in their first-day checklist. Questions like, "What was your favorite part of the story?" assess comprehension and promote narrative skills as per CCSS standards.


Get Your Copy of The Night Before Kindergarten


Enrichment Ideas:


  • Create a Morning Routine Chart: Help your child design a chart outlining their morning routine. This visual aid aligns with math standards for sequencing and time.
  • Role-Playing: Act out the first day of kindergarten with your child, encouraging them to express their feelings and practice social interactions.
  • Art Project: Draw or craft a scene from the book, focusing on the emotions of the characters. This ties into art and emotional expression standards.


Standards Met:


  • Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts:
  • RL.K.2: Retell stories, including key details.
  • RL.K.3: Identify characters, settings, and major events in a story.
  • SL.K.1: Participate in collaborative conversations about kindergarten topics and texts with peers and adults.
  • Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):
  • K-2-ETS1-1: Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
  • C3 Framework for Social Studies:
  • D2.Civ.2.K-2: Explain how all people, not just official leaders, play important roles in a community.


This lesson plan and enrichment activities will not only make the story of "The Night Before Kindergarten" come alive but also integrate essential educational standards to enhance your child's learning experience. Happy homeschooling!