Ask your child(ren):

How many times has our family moved? What do you like, or not like? Have you ever not wanted to move?

What emotions do you experience when you learn you are going to move?

Help your child(ren) divide the emotions into two categories: “Happy” and “Sad”. Remind them (and yourself!) that not everyone has the same experiences in moving. Members of your family may even have different experiences. Encourage them to be honest, even if their opinions differ.

Introduce the story characters by their names: Mom, Dad, Nick, Anthony, and Alexander.

After Viewing

Decide in which category each character belonged: “Happy” or “Sad”. We can also add a third category: “Don't Care”.

Dad, Mom, Nick and Anthony are happy.

Alexander is sad.

Why do you think Alexander felt so very alone?

Everyone else is packing and looking forward to the move; he is the only one who wants to stay.

What were the three things his family offered him to help make the move easier? How do you think these things could help Alexander with the move?

A dog; Long-distance calls to his friend Paul; Nick offered to let him stay in his room.

All of these can help Alexander with his adjustment.

His parents tell him some important things about leaving and moving to another place. What did they tell him? Why is this important advice?

They tell him to say good-byes to his favorite places, people, and pets of the neighbors.

Alexander got several "moving gifts" from others to show him that they would really miss him. What would you want others to put in a backpack for you to travel with on the airplane?

No right or wrong answers for this one; encourage your child(ren) to be honest.

Post-Reading Activity

Your Moving Backpack

Needed:

Backpack sheet (ICC for Children Backpack Sheet)

Crayons or markers

Instructions:

On the backpack sheet, have your children draw or write down the “moving gifts” they listed earlier.

Transition: Lesson 1

"Alexander, Who’s Not (Do you hear me? I mean it!) Going to Move" by Judith Voist

BEFORE VIEWING:

When you’re ready, watch the read-aloud video with your child(ren).

After Viewing

Post-Reading Activity

Your Moving Backpack

Session 2: Transition

ICC for Children: Home

Transition: Lesson 2