Literacy Lessons for Little Learners: Embracing Identity & Belonging with The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize the importance of emotional well-being, self-acceptance, and belonging. At the Early Excellence Project, we know that books play a powerful role in helping children navigate big emotions, develop confidence, and build connections with others.

This month, we’re featuring The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, a beautifully written and illustrated book that encourages children to embrace what makes them unique while finding common ground with others. Through its heartfelt message, this book reassures young readers that even when they feel different, they are not alone.

In this post, we’ll explore literacy lessons to help your little learner connect with the book’s themes while building essential reading and comprehension skills.

Finding Self Acceptance in Who You Are

In The Day You Begin, a young girl named Angelina feels out of place when she realizes her experiences are different from those of her classmates. She worries that no one will understand her, but as she listens to others and shares her own story, she discovers that everyone has felt like an outsider at some point, and that our differences are what make us special.

This message is especially important during Mental Health Awareness Month, as children may experience moments of self-doubt, loneliness, or uncertainty. Books like The Day You Begin help young learners develop emotional resilience, self-acceptance, and empathy for others.

Start with These Questions:

• Have you ever felt nervous or different in a new place?

• How do you feel when someone listens to your story?

• What are some things that make you special?

• Why do you think it’s important to be kind to ourselves and others?

  
  

These questions help children recognize their emotions and prepare them to engage with the book’s themes.

Building Vocabulary Through Feelings and Connection

The language in The Day You Begin introduces young readers to words that help them understand and express their emotions.

Try These Vocabulary Activities:

• Emotion Words – As you read, point out words like "brave," "nervous," "welcome," and "connection." Talk about what they mean and how they relate to real-life experiences.

• Facial Expressions Game – Say a word like "shy" or "excited," and have your child make a face that matches the emotion.

• Storytelling with Feelings – Encourage your child to tell a short story about a time they felt proud, included, or nervous.

These activities help children name their emotions and build social-emotional awareness, which is a key part of mental health development.

The Power of Sharing Our Stories

One of the most important messages in The Day You Begin is that we all have unique experiences, and sharing them can help us feel understood and connected.

Conversation Starters:

• How did Angelina feel at the beginning of the story?

• What helped her feel more comfortable?

• How do you think listening to others’ stories makes them feel?

• What are some ways we can help others feel included and welcomed?

Encouraging children to reflect on their own experiences and emotions fosters self-awareness and helps them build stronger relationships with others.

Creativity Through Art: Drawing Feelings and Stories

Art is a wonderful way for children to express their emotions and personal experiences.

Activity: "My Story, My Feelings" Collage

• Provide crayons, markers, magazines, and glue.

• Ask your child to create a collage or drawing that represents who they are—their favorite activities, family traditions, or places they love.

• Encourage them to add words that describe how these things make them feel (happy, safe, excited, loved).

• Display their artwork to celebrate their unique story.

This activity reinforces the book’s message that every child’s experience matters and that expressing emotions in creative ways is a healthy way to support mental well-being.

Reflection: How Do We Take Care of Our Emotions?

Mental Health Awareness Month is a great time to teach children how to recognize and care for their emotions.

Reflection Questions:

• What are some things that help you feel happy and calm?

• How do you feel when someone listens to you?

• What is something kind you can say to yourself when you feel nervous?

Encouraging children to talk about their emotions helps them develop lifelong skills for managing feelings, building self-confidence, and developing empathy for others.

Encouraging Self-Acceptance and Connection

The Day You Begin is a gentle yet powerful reminder that even when we feel different, we are never truly alone. By sharing our stories, listening to others, and embracing what makes us unique, we can create a world where everyone feels valued and included.

During Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s especially important to remind children that their feelings matter and that they are surrounded by people who care about them. We hope these literacy lessons spark meaningful conversations and help your little learner build confidence in who they are.

Stay tuned for next month’s book feature in our Literacy Lessons for Little Learners series, and as always, happy reading!