The best picture books to help children prepare for starting school

During Term 4 schools will begin kindergarten orientation and transition programs. This is a very significant time in a child’s life. We invited early childhood specialist Angela Cain to share some ideas about the transition to school and some picture book recommendations that are helpful during this time. 

A friend of mine, Layla, recently shared with me her excitement about her child starting school next year. She also expressed some concern about her child’s transition to school, as her child is very shy and quite timid during times of big change. I know Layla is an avid reader and, not surprisingly, her child loves books too. Bearing this in mind, I talked to Layla about the power of story books and how good stories can offer suggestions as to how we might deal with life’s challenges.

Stories told in picture books are the most accessible form of storytelling for children transitioning to school. Picture books not only entertain children but also provide an opportunity to explore our feelings about things. They help children learn lifelong skills and coping strategies. They can help us learn about other cultures and experiences. They can make us laugh & cry. Importantly, books can change the way we understand ourselves and others. 

I can empathise with Layla’s child as I’m similar in new situations: The heart beats a little faster, cheeks go a little redder and the butterflies start going wild in the stomach. It can be overwhelming, especially when you’re young.

Transition to school is one of the most important transitions in a child’s life. It is a moment. It is a pathway. It is a journey. It lays the foundation for success at school. Starting kindergarten is a significant transition for your child. It also won’t be the only transition they will need to make in their young lives, so it is vital that we prepare them well and make it as successful as possible so they can recognize times of transition as positive experiences. 

Parents/carers/grandparents impart pieces of themselves to build the foundations of their child’s life. One of those pieces is self-regulation. Self-regulation is the ability to manage thoughts, emotions, attention, and actions and has an impact on a young child’s social and academic learning. Self-regulation is extremely important as children enter into the formal years of schooling. If feelings, thoughts and emotions are filling their minds they will not be attentive and open to effective learning. 

Children can learn about self-regulation through the books they read. We can also prepare them for school routines and set some expectations about what to expect on the first day. 

So, snuggle up with a book or five over the summer holidays. Create a reading space for your child. Go to your local library.  Remember the power of oral storytelling and make up a story together! It could be a story about the first day of school or simply about doing something new and different. 

In the words of Dr Seuss, “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!”

Early Childhood Australia recommends the following books for preparing children for this important transition

How Big are Your Worries Little Bear? by Jayneen Sanders

Maddie’s First Day by Penny Matthews

Invisible Jerry by Adam Wallace

The Great Gratitude Surprise by Rod Soper

Daisy’s First Day a free online book from the NSW Department of Education

And here are a few more recommendations – trusted old favourites that have proven invaluable over many years of assisting parents to prepare their children for school:

Starting School by Jane Godwin and Anna Walker

First Day by Margaret Wild

First Day by Andrew Daddo and Jonathan Bentley 

Wombat Goes to School by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley

Look, There’s a Hippotamus in the Playground Eating Cake by Hazel Edwards

Grug Goes to School by Ted Prior

You can also explore these short videos and everyday activities to support the foundations of literacy and numeracy development

 Angela is an experienced primary school teacher who has worked in the independent and Catholic school sectors. Angela has a passion for early childhood education and supporting families and teachers to support their children transition to the first formal years of schooling. Angela works for Catholic Schools NSW and has recently worked on a significant project on boosting early achievement in literacy and numeracy skills. 

The Early Years Foundations for Learning website…