The first day of school marks a significant milestone for both children and parents. It's a day filled with anticipation, excitement, and, sometimes, a touch of nervousness. Whether it's starting preschool or kindergarten, books play an important role in the educational journey for children.
Before discussing the best first day of school books for preschool or kindergarten, it's beneficial to begin reading to babies in advance of school enrollment. Here are some tips.
Tips on Reading Books Before the First Day of School
Engaging your baby with books involves more than just reading the text on the pages. It's about creating a sensory-rich experience that fosters early literacy, language development, and bonding. Here are various reading techniques that can be utilized when exploring books with your baby:
Interactive Reading
Encourage interactive reading sessions by asking questions, pointing to and naming objects, and allowing your baby to touch and explore the pages. Encourage them to turn the pages or lift flaps, engaging them actively in the reading experience.
Sound Effects and Voices
Bring characters to life by using different voices for various characters or adding sound effects as you read the story. This technique not only makes the storytelling more fun but also aids in language development by exposing your baby to different tones and inflections.
Sensory Engagement
Integrate experiences by allowing your baby to feel different textures if the book has touch-and-feel components. Encourage them to explore the textures, pointing out the sensations and describing what they are feeling.
Labeling and Identification
While reading, label the objects in the book, connecting words with images. For example, point to an image of an animal and say its name aloud. This helps reinforce vocabulary and object recognition.
Pause for Interaction
Pause at different points in the book to ask questions or prompt your baby to respond. This encourages back-and-forth interaction and gives them time to process the information presented in the book.
Repetition and Rhyming
Many books feature repetition or rhymes. Emphasize the repetition or rhyming words, allowing your baby to anticipate and join in as they become familiar with the book's pattern.
Emotional Engagement
Express emotions and talk about the emotions conveyed in the book. For instance, if a character is happy or sad, express these emotions through your tone or facial expressions to help your baby recognize and understand emotions.
Follow Your Baby’s Lead
Observe your baby's cues and interests during reading time. If they are more attracted to a specific page, spend a little more time on that page, narrating or discussing what's on it.
Encourage Narration
As your baby grows, encourage them to narrate the story based on the images. Let them create their version of the narrative or identify the objects they see, even if they can't yet form complete sentences.
These interactive reading techniques help make the book experience more engaging, fostering early literacy skills and providing quality bonding time between you and your baby. Reading in an interactive and engaging manner promotes language development and encourages your baby's love for books and storytelling. This also helps them be more comfortable when any reading happens in school.
Chunky Deli has a great set of books that are perfect for babies to read before they start school.
Best First Day of School Books Preschool
The preschool age range is between three and five years old. However, some preschools enroll children at a minimum age of four as well. Here are some of the best books for the first day of school:
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle: A beloved classic, this book follows the journey of a caterpillar as it transforms into a beautiful butterfly. With vibrant illustrations and an engaging storyline that teaches counting and days of the week, it's both educational and entertaining.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault: With a rhythm and playful alphabet theme, this book takes young readers on a journey through the alphabet, making learning fun and engaging.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle: A repetitive and engaging story that introduces colors and animals. With its rhythmic narrative and vibrant illustrations, it's an ideal pick for early learning and interaction.
The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister: This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a fish learning the importance of sharing and friendship.
Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin: Follow Pete, a cool cat, as he maintains a positive attitude even when things don't go as planned. The book teaches resilience and a positive outlook.
These books offer a range of engaging stories, vibrant illustrations, and educational content suitable for first day of school books in preschool.
Best First Day of School Books for Kindergarten
In most states, kindergarten typically starts at the age of 5 years old, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. However, the legal starting age for school can be higher, and state laws and school district policies may differ significantly. Regardless, here are some books that would work well for the first day of school in kindergarten:
Corduroy by Don Freeman: Join Corduroy, a little bear, on his quest for his missing button. This heartwarming story emphasizes friendship and the value of being oneself.
The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt: A funny and colorful book, this story revolves around Duncan's box of crayons, which go on strike. Each crayon writes a letter to Duncan, expressing its concerns. It's a creative and humorous tale.
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak: This imaginative tale follows the adventures of Max as he travels to an imaginative land of wild creatures. Through captivating illustrations and a charming story, it encourages children to explore their imagination.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff: A circular tale following the adventures that unfold when a mouse receives a cookie, teaching cause and effect.
The right books on the first day of school can build excitement and ease the transition, nurturing a love for learning right from the start. Good luck!
