As the summer winds down, some students approach the start of the school year with excitement. New teachers! Shiny new school supplies! Reconnection with friends! Other kids feel more apprehension about the changes in their daily rhythm or the prospect of being away from parents and regular caregivers.
Books are a wonderful tool for helping children name and process their back-to-school emotions. Here are a few book recommendations. Find these titles and more at Plaid Elephant Books, or order online at www.plaidelephantbooks.com
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“Kindergarten Gets Ready” by Naomi Danis – In this sweet, newly-released picture book, kindergarten teacher Mr. Bee prepares his classroom for the year. Watch as he transforms a cluttered classroom into an inviting, orderly space where everything has its place. This satisfying journey shows children with what to expect when they start school, building excitement in the most comforting way—until, at last, here come the new students, ready to explore a room prepared just for them.
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“A Day at School with the Very Hungry Caterpillar” – this board book is perfect for young children starting (or returning to) preschool, introducing them to the daily routines of the classroom.
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“First Day, Hooray!” by June Sobel – this picture book does a great job of honoring the range of feelings children might have as they approach the new school year, whether it’s happy, angry, or excited. The book encourages children to observe and name their feelings and use them to their advantage.
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“We Don’t Eat Our Classmates” by Ryan T. Higgins – This rollicking picture book about a lone dinosaur in a classroom of humans is a perennial favorite. It does a wonderful job of gently teaching an important classroom lesson about playing nicely with friends.
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Lunchbox Notes – One easy way to show a child that you’re thinking of them throughout the school day is to slip a note into their lunchbox. While you can certainly make these yourself, several fun commercial options also exist. These small, heavyweight cards typically have a joke, fact, or affirmation on one side, with blank space to write a personal note on the back. Go for humor with “Gross Facts” lunchbox notes, or keep it sweet with the “Brave, Strong, and Smart” deck of affirmations.
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