As the date nears for school to begin, children may express feelings of excitement, anxiety, even dread. Some eagerly load the backpacks ready for their new year. But to others, especially beginners, the new sights and people might be fearful. While some children make the transition with little adjustment, others need reassurance of what is about to begin.
This is a good time for psychological nurturing (hugs and shared enthusiasm) as well as positive stories to drive away the fears. Following are a few titles that may help:
"Countdown to Kindergarten" by Alison McGhee (Harcourt). It's just 10 days before school starts and this almost-kindergartner knows how to count backwards from 10 to one, but she can't tie her shoes. Each day she schemes a way to avoid this impossible task, but the fears mount about school procedures. On the first day of kindergarten, she discovers only three children can tie their shoes. The agenda for Monday is "shoe tying (teacher can help)." This precious book will allay the fear of school rules for beginners. Cartoonist Harry Bliss (The New Yorker) adds much to the delight of this story.
"Barnaby Goes to School" by Wendy Rouillard (Scholastic) is also an example of first-day fears, as Barnaby must leave behind his parents and dog, Baxter. He's never done that before. When Barnaby helps a shy new friend he is more confident. A note from his parents tucked in his pocket ("luckily Barnaby had practiced reading") gives him a boost of courage. This colorful tale demonstrates the rituals that a child can expect in a school day and includes a special reusable envelope that can be prepared as a surprise for young readers. Even if they haven't practiced reading yet, they'll identify Barnaby's picture and find the courage they need.
For parents who are concerned about maturity and leaving home, "Edward Unready for School" by Rosemary Wells (Dial) is the perfect answer. Edward's wise teacher suggests that "not everyone is ready for the same things at the same time," which allows a child to set his own pace. "Timothy Goes to School" by the same author tells about a 5-year-old who is ready and his very successful day.
"Elizabeti's School" by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen (Lee and Low). This contemporary Tanzanian story introduces children to a school's beginning far away but with similar fears and apprehensions.
"First Day of School" by Helen Oxenbury (Penguin). A child clings to her mother during her first experience in nursery school but a smart teacher and a patient parent make this a good school beginning.
"I Know What You Do When I Go to School" by Ann E. Cannon (Peregrine) exposes the feelings that children have when they leave home believing their place is being usurped by siblings.
"Emily's First Day of School" by Claire Masurel (Penguin). Emily is eager for school and this simple lift-the-flap book is just right for those who have practiced a little reading.
"Back to School? Cool!" by Suzy Spafford (Scholastic) is a beginning reader from the popular Suzy's Zoo series. Here Suzy meets a new classmate who eats tuna and marshmallow sandwiches.
"Don't Eat the Teacher!" (Scholastic) is about a school of fish. That is only one of the puns that Nick Ward includes in a silly story about a shark with a big appetite.
"Miss Bindergarten Takes a Field Trip With Kindergarten" (Dutton) is one of a popular series where a teacher leads young children into many adventures. Others: "Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten," "Miss Bindergarten Celebrates the 100th Day of Kindergarten" and "Miss Bindergarten Stays Home From Kindergarten."
"Kindergarten ABC" by Jacqueline Rogers (Scholastic). What a fun way for children to learn their ABCs; for example, "It's Aa day, and we can find acorns outside. . . . In music on Mm day we sing about monkeys."
"First Grade Takes a Test" by Miriam Cohen (Greenwillow). When children take a standardized test, there can be lots of anxieties. The teacher assures them otherwise. "Listen to me. That test doesn't tell everything. It doesn't tell all the things you can do! " This is one of my favorite books for school and I read it often to classes, and not just to first-graders either!