How to Choose Books for Kids Starting Kindergarten
Children, and their parents too, are often understandably anxious about taking the big step of starting the first day of kindergarten. You can ease these worries with some of the many children's picture books that deal with the first day of school, especially what to expect in kindergarten. One or two of these books just might become a favorite during summer or fall, drawing a smile and maybe even saving the day.
Instructions
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How to Choose Books for Kids Starting Kindergarten
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Read "Countdown to Kindergarten" by Alison McGhee to reassure anxious preschoolers. This story features a girl who is afraid that she can't tie her shoes, and worries about this being a problem in kindergarten. Yet all is resolved, of course, through discussion with her friends and family. Humor and wit keep make this an excellent read aloud book which will amuse parents too. The author includes speech bubbles or balloons, comic book style, and a contemporary take on the list of kindergarten rules as well.
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Include "Eliza's Kindergarten Surprise" for another first day of school book that is centered on the mother-child relationship. Both child and mother carry interesting little reminders of each other in their pockets on the first day of school, so they won't feel so alone during their activities. Moms and kids alike may enjoy the creative spin on the dilemma of missing each other. The message comes through that it is natural and okay to miss a parent.
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Focus on the positive with "Kindergarten Countdown" by Anna Hays as a very excited little girl counts the days till she can start kindergarten. Upbeat and colorful, this book only enumerates the lovely, bright and wonderful things to expect and look forward to in school. The story rhymes as well.
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Try a boy character in "Look out, Kindergarten, Here I Come" by established children's author Nancy Carlson. Henry is hesitant and asks a lot of questions, then feels overwhelmed once he experiences the classroom. Yet everything is set to rights and he begins to feel more comfortable as things go on. After the initial "I want to go home", making a new friend and seeing familiar things make things brighter. Thought balloons help express the little worries kids can relate to. This again addresses the natural tendencies of kids (and all of us) to worry about the unknown.
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Select a classic such as "Timothy Goes to School" by Rosemary Wells for a raccoon boy's story of his first day. This author of the "Max and Ruby" series presents his difficulties when he sees a popular boy do much better at things, but Timothy ends up laughing and laughing with his own friend at the end. This is a comforting read.
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