Do you remember your first day at preschool or kindergarten? You probably were nervous and excited–and a bit lonely and lost when your parent left. Even when returning to a familiar setting after summer vacation, children usually feel a bit intimidated. They may have a new teacher, there are new kids in the group, and maybe that special friend is gone. It’s a big deal!
Reading aloud stories can help your child get in touch with their feelings about going into a new (or even a familiar) place and separating from you. Reading also gives the child an opportunity to talk about feelings or ask questions about what to expect.
Here is a list of twelve books that are all about those first days of school. But before you jump down to the list stop to think just how important it is to read aloud. This simple ritual boosts children’s language and literacy skills every time you do it.
Reading books aloud is a wonderful shared experience for children and their parents. In addition to the feelings of warmth and security fostered by lap-time reading, reading aloud to children expands their world and vocabulary. It creates an appreciation of the value of print, promotes knowledge of the mechanics of reading from the top to the bottom of the page and from left to right, and helps create an understanding of a sequence of events.
Setting aside time to read aloud to your child says, “I love you and I want to spend special time sharing a story with you.” It demonstrates your love for books and sets the stage for developing in your child an interest and desire to become a reader.
Choose some books from the library (use our list to get started!) and let your child choose the story they want to hear. (And it’s okay if they choose the same story every time.) Cuddle up together to enjoy exploring the power and magic of the printed word!
Celebrate all things preschool with this classic story!
The King of Kindergarten is a picture book about a little boy getting ready and going to his first day of Kindergarten. The King of Kindergarten is a great story for every child.
If your child is a fan of The Night Before Christmas, they’ll adore this book about going to school. Read about what Billy discovers about school as he puts his fears at ease.
The story features many of the activities that make up a typical daily routine at preschool or kindergarten – everything from playing inside and out, sharing snack time together, using the bathroom and having a rest time.
I Got the School Spirit is about a little girl getting ready for her first day of school. She has school spirit and is super excited to be at school.
Pete the Kitty’s First Day of Preschool
Your child will enjoy following Pete the Kitty as he has his first exciting day of school, complete with fun songs, painting, and tasty snacks (of course!). This book is a great beginning preschool book for preparing children for the school day structure as well.
Have you ever wondered how school felt about its first day? Take a look inside this book by Adam Rex!
A great example of what a preschool day might be like! Cubby spaces, circle time, Hello Preschool! is a simple and great introduction about starting school.
Danbi is going to her new school in America! She is nervous and, when she gets there, she quickly realizes she doesn’t know any of the games or dances all the other students know. Learn what Danbi does with her new classmates!
Read about Musa and his journey in school. He is incredibly nervous for his first day of school and meets his classmates, and learns what they have in common.
All Are Welcome is a picture book about a group of children’s day in school. The message of “All Are Welcome” is repeated through rhyming.
Two people meet and become friends with just a few words between them. Not everyone needs to speak the same way to say the same things.
Chris is the Director of Meridian Hills Co-Op, mom to a tween and teen, and wife to a construction business owner. When she isn’t managing the schedule of her family you’ll find her working for her husband to balance the books. She is passionate about all things play and makes sure that her children still play as much as possible. She’ll talk to you about all things Marvel and has thoughts on who the best characters are. She lives on the northwest side of Indianapolis with her husband, children, two dogs, and one mischievous cat.
