Do you have a child who will be going to kindergarten in the fall? Making the transition to kindergarten is a big one in a child’s life. Reading books about going to kindergarten is one recommended strategy that can calm your child’s nerves and help them make a positive transition. As a kindergarten teacher, here are my top 10 books about starting kindergarten.
The first day of kindergarten is one of the biggest days of a child’s early life. It is a big transition! New school, new friends, new rules, new everything! Wondering if your child is ready for this big change? This must-read post will help you determine if your child is as ready as they can be for kindergarten.
Needless to say, your little one may be feeling nervous for this big event. One way to address concerns about the first day of Kindergarten is to start a conversation by reading a book. Even if your child doesn’t seemed outwardly concerned about his or her first day of Kindergarten, it is a nice way to have a discussion about starting kindergarten.
Books About Going to Kindergarten
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Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten
This is the perfect book for starting kindergarten! A story about a teacher getting the classroom ready for her new students, as they are also getting ready for their first day of kindergarten. A nice way to begin a discussion about your child’s Kindergarten teacher, who is eager to meet them!
Curious George’s First Day of School
Curious George is very curious in this book about going to kindergarten! Your child will giggle listening to all of Curious George’s adventures in his new school. This book will build confidence, as your child will be able to identify all the things Curious George does wrong!
The Berenstain Bears Go to School
My favorite books for teaching lessons while still being funny, the Berenstain Bears are timeless classics. In this installment, Sister Bear’s first day of Kindergarten is approaching and she is full of worries. This is the perfect book for a five-year old with burning questions about what starting Kindergarten will be like!
Franklin Goes to School
This is one of my favorite books about going to kindergarten. Franklin starts out feeling excited on his first day of Kindergarten, but gets nervous when the bus pulls up. Luckily, his teacher, Mr Owl, helps him overcome his fears!
Mom, It’s My First Day of Kindergarten!
This is a great role reversal book about going to kindergarten, in which the little boy comforts his parents as they worry about him starting school. I love how this book shows an empowered child. Tearful mommies will be comforted by this book as well!
Countdown to Kindergarten
This is another classic book about going to kindergarten for the first time. This little girl has heard all about the “rules” of Kindergarten from a big kid (a first grader). She is worried about tying her shoes, but discovers she is ready, just in time for her first day of Kindergarten!
We Share Everything!
A funny book about starting kindergarten and learning to share. It turns out you really can’t share EVERYTHING in Kindergarten! A great starting point for a discussion about sharing at school (we don’t share lunches, money, clothes, etc.).
David Goes to School
A hilarious tale of all the rules little David breaks while at school. There are very few words to be read. Instead, your child will have to look at the pictures to discover the funny things David does wrong, which is great for starting discussions. Knowing that they already are familiar with some of the rules at school will boost your child’s confidence. Fun fact: The main character, David, grows up to become the author, David Shannon.
Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney
This is not a book about starting Kindergarten, but daycare, but it is a great book to discuss children’s feelings about parents leaving and feeling shy in a new place. Little Llama is nervous and withdrawn when Mama drops him off for this first day of daycare, but ends up having so much fun, the day flies by and before he knows it, Mama is back!
The Kissing Hand
The Kissing Hand is a classic book about going to kindergarten for the first time. Chester the Raccoon is going to his first day of Kindergarten. Mommy gives Chester a kiss on the hand and tells him he can always think of her while he is at school. This one will bring tears to any mommy’s eyes!
These books will be sure to help ease the build up to the first day of Kindergarten and your little one will be raring to go! Don’t forget to read about what to expect for the first six weeks of Kindergarten, as your little one adjusts to a new stage of their life!
Do you have any favorite books about going to kindergarten? Share them below!
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The Kissing Hand is one of our favorites! It’s such a sweet message for little ones making this big transition!
Love this! I’ve got one starting preschool and she’s having a hard time transitioning so I’m gonna try these!
Lovely books, I read somewhat different book to my kid when he went off for the first day but then I vouch reading books with this experience makes it so better for kids.
Lama Lama is my favorite books! I love these books! Such a special time in a kid’s and a parent’s life!
Transitions are hard for my daughter too! I think we’re going to be reading lots of back to school books in the coming weeks. Thanks for the list!