There’s nothing quite like the first day of kindergarten. With so many new and exciting things to explore, experience, and learn, it’s no wonder many children are excited to reach this milestone. Of course, that same excitement can be accompanied by first-day jitters; It is, after all, a big step forward from preschool, with more structure and more complex lessons.
So how can you help your little one overcome their anxiety? One of the best ways to tackle a nervous tummy is to soothe it with reading. When children can relate to their favorite characters — especially those characters who are dealing with similar problems, like start-of-school anxiousness — their own worries will melt away. Children will see themselves in these characters as they make new friends and have fun new experiences, and they’ll become excited about starting kindergarten!
In fact, according to the Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report, as children grow, they want to read more books that help them make sense of the world around them. Almost 20 percent of kids look for books about things they are experiencing. Reading together about kindergarten jitters is a wonderful opportunity to teach your child to self-soothe with books when they’re feeling overwhelmed, scared, or shy.
Books can help your child navigate not only their own feelings, but those of others as well, providing a foundation for social-emotional development. As your little one creates new friendships and learns the ins and outs of empathy, kindness, and caring for others, books that illustrate these qualities will encourage them to continue making the world a better place through their actions.
To help you and your child get ready for the first days of kindergarten, follow along together as Clifford joins Emily Elizabeth in kindergarten. Books like this one will not only help alleviate first-day jitters, but will also give your child the confidence boost they need to enjoy themselves in their new classroom.
Find even more starting school books, tips, and resources at our guide to getting ready for kindergarten.
Shop books about kindergarten below! You can find all books and activities at The Scholastic Store.
