Five Books to Help Transition Back to School

Those first days back to school can really set the stage for the rest of the school year. From excitement to difficult morning transitions, Your little one may be experiencing a whole range of emotions as they begin to settle in at school. These books are a great way to help your child discuss emotions, guide conversations on kindness, being creative, and how to find common ground with new friends.

1. How to Get Your Octopus to School

In this book, Octopus is nervous about going to school. He would much rather stay home and play, so he finds sneaky places to hide. Help your kiddo find him in the different pictures!

Activity: follow up with a discussion on feeling nervous to go somewhere. Ask your kiddo about places they may feel nervous to visit and plan ways to help them with that transition.

2. Be Brave Little One

Be Brave Little One is a great book, especially for kiddos starting Preschool or Kindergarten. It is often scary going off on a new adventure and making new friends. In this book, we celebrate the courage and bravery in every child. It is perfect for cheering on your new student and shows them that bravery can take many different forms!

Activity: After reading, reflect with your child on how bravery doesn’t have to mean being a superhero. Go back and forth naming different ways you can be brave!

3. I Walk With Vanessa: A Picture Book Story About a Simple Act of Kindness

I Walk with Vanessa is a great picture book that explores the feelings of anger and helplessness we can feel when seeing a classmate treated badly. It shows that a simple act of kindness can lead to an entire community coming together.

Activity: After reading, discuss with your child different ways they can show kindness to their classmates during the school day.

4. The Exceptionally, Extraordinarily Ordinary First Day of School

Is your kiddo joining a new school? In this book, John is the new kid. When asked if the school is any different from his last one, he begins to weave a wildly creative story that grabs the attention of his new classmates. This book is a funny and creative one about conquering the fear of being the new kid.

Activity: Have your child create a tale about what their old school was like.

5. All Are Welcome

This book celebrates diversity and inclusion in a school where everyone, no matter their dress or skin color are welcomed with open arms.

Activity: After reading, as your kiddo what they have in common with each of their classmates.