As you prepare for the upcoming school year, here are some tips to help you…
Starting preschool can be a big step for little feet, and even if they seem excited, they may also be a bit fearful, unsure of what to expect, or confused about what preschool is. Fortunately, there are some great books to help children overcome fears and separation anxiety while explaining a bit about what the day will bring. No matter how your child is feeling (or how YOU are feeling as a parent!), our Raleigh preschool is sharing our favorite kids' books about starting preschool!
Pete the Kitty's First Day of Preschool
Part of the popular Pete the Cat series by James Dean, Pete the Kitty's First Day of Preschool features a younger Pete as he goes to preschool for the first time. Your little one will accompany him to preschool where he'll meet his teacher, sing some songs, and paint a picture - Groovy!
This is a lighthearted, fun story with bright colors and cheery illustrations. Plus, it's a board book so it can hold up to repeated readings and plenty of wear and tear.
I Am Too Absolutely Small for School
I Am Too Absolutely Small for School is another entry in the Charlie and Lola series and is great for preschool, pre-k, or even kids starting kindergarten! Lola is of the (very strong) opinion that she doesn't need to go to school, especially since she can already count to ten! It's up to always-affectionate and endlessly patient older brother Charlie to convince Lola that not only is school worthwhile, her invisible friend can accompany her.
This is a cute, fun book that's very calming to a nervous child as it addresses some of the common worries about starting school. An added bonus: see if you can spot Soren Lorensen, Lola's invisible friend!
The Night Before Preschool
If you have a little one who wants to be prepared, our Raleigh preschool highly recommends The Night Before Preschool by Natasha Wing. Told in the same style and rhythm as "Twas the Night Before Christmas," this gentle story is told from the perspective of a little boy who starts out a bit scared of going to preschool. As he goes through his day, he becomes less scared and learns to make friends and have fun!
With soft illustrations and a familiar rhyme, this story is calming and soothing for small children.
Chu's First Day of School
This New York Times bestselling children's book by Neil Gaiman, Chu's First Day of School is about a small panda bear with a very large sneeze. When it's time to start school, Chu finds his teacher and classmates friendly and fun, but what will they think of his sneeze? Will they still be nice to him?
This is a great story to learn about accepting ourselves and celebrating our individualities in a fun, charming story that blends great illustrations with enjoyable storytelling.
The Kissing Hand
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn is a favorite for parents to read to children leading up to the first day of preschool, pre-k, or kindergarten. It's about a young raccoon, Chester, who is scared to start school, so Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret, the kissing hand, with him. The kissing hand is something Chester will always have with him as reassurance, even when things seem scary.
Ideal for children with separation anxiety, this bestselling book will give them a strategy for feeling safe and warm on their first day of school.
What to Expect at Preschool
What to Expect at Preschool is part of the "What to Expect" series by Heidi Murkoff. Instead of a book for adults, this book features Angus, the kindhearted Answer Dog who answers common questions kids have about preschool, like what do preschoolers do, who the teachers are, and how the time is spent.
While it's not the typical fiction story, some children do better with more direct Q&A with applicable advice. This is perfect for those kids who need more explanation and really do well with social stories!
Discover Our Raleigh Preschool
If you're looking for the right preschool for your child, we can help! We are proud to be a 5-star child care center and have a curriculum designed to support play, discovery, and curiosity while fostering learning in a way that prepares children for school!
To learn more about our preschool and take a tour, call our North Hills Drive location at 919-785-0303 or our Spring Forest location at 919-790-6888, or fill out our convenient contact form to get started!