School Daze
With the beginning of school just one week away, families everywhere are busy getting their children ready for school; organizing clothes, buying school supplies and thinking of what to pack for lunches. For some children, though, starting or changing schools can be a very stressful time. Taking the time to talk with your child/ren can give them the support that they need to cope with the situation. Listen to them and acknowledge that it can be scary starting something new. Tell them your own stories of beginning a new year at school or starting a new job. Sometimes having a picture book available will spark the conversation and give your child/ren permission to talk about what they are feeling. Here are a few suggestions of books to use:
Marshall Armstrong is New to Our School by David Mackintosh explores being the new kid in a classroom as well as celebrating being different. Marshall Armstrong is the new child at school, and he is very different from all of the other students. The narrator of the story declares that "he doesn't fit in, not one bit." But Marshall Armstrong does not seem to mind. It does not take him long to demonstrate that you can be different and still make friends. This is a delightful book with quirky illustrations, a sure launching point of many interesting conversations about staying true to yourself in a difficult situation.
You're Wearing That to School? is a delightful story by Lynn Plourde about two friends getting ready for the first day of school. Tiny is a mouse who has one year of school already under his belt. He is a timid creature, though, and is worried about his younger friend Penelope (a stylish and very confident hippo) fitting in at school. He cautions her about her choice in first day outfits (a boa, tutu and vibrant leggings). Tiny tells Penelope that she needs to find clothes that let her fit in. But Tiny is in for a surprise. This joyous book celebrates individuality and personal preference and is one that many children can relate to. It can be a delightful beginning to thinking about what to wear to school that is both true to the child and makes them feel confident and happy.
A Very Full Morning by Eva Montanari explores the experience of Little Tooth on her first day of school. The story follows Little Tooth as she gets ready for school, including the night before when she is not able to sleep. The illustrations are unique, and the perspective interesting, with some of the pictures at a 45 degree angle. While some readers will understand from the illustrations that Little Tooth is actually the teacher, others will be surprised by the twist in the ending. The message is clear, everyone, even the teacher, gets the first day jitters.
These are only a few of the many books available at the library about starting school. The librarian in your local branch would be pleased to be able to find just the right book for you and your young ones. Here is wishing you and your children a wonderful beginning to the new school year.
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