David Goes to School – ESL Book Companion Activities
David Goes to School by David Shannon is a classic picture book about a lively boy learning the rules of the classroom — perfect for back-to-school season and September lessons. This ESL book companion turns the story into a full lesson for young learners (Pre-A1 to A2) and includes 9 ready-to-teach activities: pre-reading vocabulary, the read-aloud story, comprehension questions, listening tasks, a behavior sort, and speaking prompts to describe and react. All worksheets are downloadable as PDF and work for online lessons, face-to-face classes and homeschooling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level is the David Goes to School book companion for?
The activities are designed for young learners at CEFR Pre-A1 to A2 — typically ages 5 to 8 who are starting to read in English.
When is the best time to use this lesson?
It works especially well at the start of the school year (back-to-school season, September) when you are teaching classroom rules and school vocabulary, but it can be used any time of year.
Do I need the physical book?
No. You can use the read-aloud video included in the companion. A physical copy or library borrow is a bonus but not required.
Can parents use it at home?
Yes. The instructions are written so any adult can run the lesson — no teaching background needed.