Heroes Wear Masks: Elmo's Super Adventure (a return back to school mask book for kids)



Last updated Thursday, September 1, 2022

Author: Sesame Workshop
Date of Publication: 2020
ISBN: 1728236592
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Sep. 2022

Synopsis: Today is going to be a SUPER day! Elmo is heading to school, and he wants to be a school superhero! Young children will join Elmo as he gets ready like a hero and learns about wearing masks and washing hands. With the help of Elmo and his mommy, this all new story from world-renowned education brand Sesame Workshop will help children calm school anxiety and understand new and different routines they may experience during the pandemic, such as wearing a kids face mask, anxiety about leaving home, washing hands frequently, social distancing, and not being able to give hugs or high-fives to friends.

Note to readers:
•  The story was written in 2020 to help kids cope with COVID rules.
•  This is a good story to teach/remind kids how to use BELLY BREATHING.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Ask children: Are we all BREATHING right now? Elmo knows to touch his tummy to make sure he is taking deep BREATH to stay clam. Elmo will teach us in this book.
•  Raise your hand if you have worn a mask. Raise if you wash your hand often.
•  Who sings the ABC song when they wash their hands? Sing the whole song each time and you will know your hands are clean. Elmo will teach us.
•  We will learn what Elmo practiced with his mom before he went to school.

Vocabulary:

•  GERM: a tiny organism we cannot see and causes illnesses, like flu, colds
•  ROUTINE: have a plan for getting ready, for getting things done?

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Does anyone have a ROUTINE after school?
•  Do you miss giving high-5s to your friends?
•  Let’s show each other our BEST wave!
•  Remember Elmo waving?

Craft ideas:
•  Let's put a mask on Elmo!
•  Grandparents Day is Sunday, September 11th. Make a greeting card. (Note: Grandparents Days was established by President Jimmy Carter in 1978 to acknowledge the special relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren)
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest! at https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/september-2022-back-to-school-fun/1st-heroes-wear-masks/

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!