Is your child going to preschool soon? I loved these 7 books to help ease anxiety and answer questions about going to preschool for the first time.
When my daughter started preschool several years ago, she had only been in a daycare setting 2 times in her life. Each was only a day long at a drop-in service so I could work on a project at the time.
When we talked about preschool, she seemed enthusiastic, but often asked me if I would go with her. Explaining to her that I would take her and drop her off to be in school with new people happened to be more difficult for me than you might think.
We’re big on reading and she seemed to grasp subjects better when we read books geared toward what I want her to understand. So, we read a few children’s books to help reduce any anxiety and get her more excited about entering preschool as a big girl.
Now, my son will be going to preschool in the coming weeks, so we’re breaking out the books again!
If your child is getting ready to start preschool, I recommend these books to help build the excitement.
7 Books To Read Before Going to Preschool
Maisy Goes to Preschool: A Maisy First Experiences Book
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Cousins, Lucy (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages – 06/08/2010 (Publication Date) – Candlewick (Publisher)
“Maisy is confident and acquainted with the routines of preschool. She clearly has no separation issues. . . . As always, Cousins’s bright color illustrations are simple and appealing.” – School Library Journal
- Hardcover Book
- Rockwell, Anne (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages – 07/22/2008 (Publication Date) – Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (Publisher)
“Join a happy little boy during a day at preschool, from cheerful hellos in circle time, to painting colorful pictures and playing at the water table before snack time. The best part of saying good-bye at the end of the day is that the little boy knows he will come back tomorrow.”
- Hardcover Book
- Codell, Esme Raji (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 40 Pages – 07/03/2012 (Publication Date) – Greenwillow Books (Publisher)
“Esmé Raji Codell and Sue Ramá introduce very young children—and their parents and caregivers—to the world of preschool in this cheerful and welcoming book that is guaranteed to make the first day (and every day) a bit less scary and a lot more fun!”
- It’s the night before preschool and Billy is so nervous he can’t fall asleep.
- Simple rhyming text and sweet illustrations will soothe any child’s fears about the 1st day of school.
- Paperback book measures 8.26in x 5.23in and contains 32 pages.
- Recommended for Ages: 3 – 5 years.
- Wing, Natasha (Author)
“It’s the night before preschool, and a little boy named Billy is so nervous he can’t fall asleep. The friends he makes the next day at school give him a reason not to sleep the next night, either: he’s too excited about going back! The book’s simple rhyming text and sweet illustrations will soothe any child’s fears about the first day of school.”
What to Expect at Preschool (What to Expect Kids)
- Murkoff, Heidi (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 24 Pages – 07/01/2003 (Publication Date) – HarperFestival (Publisher)
“It’s hard to believe, but your child’s starting preschool. Even if it’s just for a couple of hours two or three days a week, it seems such a big step for someone in such little sneakers. Not to worry — we’re here to help prepare both of you for that step. We’ll answer your child’s questions about what preschool is like, what preschoolers do, who teachers are, and how they help to make preschool such a fun and special place — so that the first day of preschool will be a day you’ll both look forward to.”
- Hardcover Book
- Sierra, Judy (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages – 04/01/2001 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)
“Look out! There’s a sleepy, creepy, deeper-than-you’d-think mud puddle on the preschool playground, and it has swallowed up a pizza van, a fire engine . . . even a tow truck! But don’t worry, this group of clever preschoolers knows just how to rescue them!
The talented duo who brought readers the popular Counting Crocodiles and The House That Drac Built have created an irresistible playground adventure.”
- Hardcover Book
- Strauss, Linda Leopold (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 24 Pages – 06/01/2010 (Publication Date) – Cartwheel Books (Publisher)
“What’s a day in preschool like? Come inside and see!
Every preschooler will relate to this empowering text that is fun to both hear and say.”
After starting preschool
Reading these books helped my daughter learn what to expect about her day. That was a huge help! The only thing we had to learn was our personal routines. And, as prepared as we were, we still had many emotions throughout the first couple weeks.
I learned that there weren’t enough hugs and kisses in the world, but that she’d eventually get over it. And, if I didn’t say “I love you” in sign language as I passed by her window in the morning, she’d have a full-on meltdown.
Eventually, we got things ironed out and we survived the year!
Now, on to the task for preparing my son for going to preschool!
Did you read any special books for a child anxious about going to preschool?
How else can you organize and prepare for school? Check out these posts:
Organize to beat the school morning rush
Reducing stress when starting school
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[…] 7 Books to Prepare Your Child for Preschool […]
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[…] point is for my daughter’s anxiety. I wrote an article listing great books to read about preschool, which may help your child entering preschool […]
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