Daniel's Good Day Literature Guide
What makes a good day for you? Finding that each person sees their world a little differently is the basis for this children’s colorful picture book written by former kindergarten teacher, Micha Archer. A young boy named Daniel visits many community members throughout his neighborhood and asks each of them; “What makes a good day to you?” He is able to see and hear many diverse viewpoints and grows to understand that everyone, even he, has their own idea of what makes a good day.
Literature Guide by Lisa Sandor
Before Reading
Ask: Do you ever wake up and say, "It's going to be a Good Day"? What do you want to happen for you to have a good day? What makes a perfect day?
Show: Look at the picture of Daniel on the cover. On the cover, Daniel looks like he is about to lift off the ground---what do you think about that? What words do you use to describe “a good day?” What are things you do to get yourself ready for a good day?
Connect: Many different things can make a day a good day. Sometimes we can be surprised when something happens to make a good day, but sometimes we hope for something special. Let us read the book and see what the people in Daniel's neighborhood hope for in a good day.
During Reading
Ask: Who are the community members Daniel sees as he walks to his Grandma's house? What question does Daniel ask as he takes his walk? What are some of the answers he receives?
Show: Look at the page with the bus driver. Talk about why “please and thank you” makes a good day for her. When we say "please and thank you," we can make a good day for someone else. We are being generous with our words. Look at all the different people getting on the bus. Talk about differences (age, gender, skin color, size, clothing).
Connect: Have you ever ridden on a bus? What do you say to bus drivers, store workers, and other people to show your kindness and brighten a day? Do you think humans should speak to humans walking by that they do not know, as in say "hello”? What are ways we can start a conversation or share a simple kindness?
After Reading
Ask: What made Daniel's good day turn into a perfect day? What would make your day a perfect day? Have you ever gone for a walk with your parents and talked to people in your neighborhood? Talk about safety when you walk.
Show: Look back for details in the pictures showing people are having a good day even though the book does not mention them.
Connect: Look through the pages and talk about locations that are the same and different in your neighborhood. Do you have a newsstand in your neighborhood? Have you ever had a picnic at the park? Why do we have a crosswalk?
Activities
- Go for a walk and visit others in your neighborhood. Say hello to your community members and ask them what makes a good day for them. You may bring them a "good day message", handmade gift or a gift from nature, like a painted stone.
- Draw a picture of your neighborhood or larger community. Be sure to add the community resources you see each day. Draw pictures of people doing their jobs. You may draw a community job you would like to have when you grow up.
- Phone or video chat a relative or friend. Ask them what makes a good day for them. Write the answers down and talk about all the different answers you receive. Different things make different people happy. Ask your family member or friend if you can do something for them to make it a perfect day.
- Make a Perfect Day. Help a neighbor with lawn chores, unloading groceries, or taking out the garbage. Help your neighbor have a perfect day!
- Visit a Senior Center. Take time to visit residents at a local senior center. Play cards, read a book, talk with them about their childhood. Ask your new friends what makes a good day for them. Ask them what you can do to make their day a perfect day.