Lunch box? Check. Bookbag? Check. Pencil box? Check. Back to school jitters€¦?
For many kiddos, the excitement of starting a new school year comes with its fair share of back to school jitters. As a parent, we do our best to ease the anxiety associated with a new teacher, new coursework, a different location, and new classmates; but sometimes our affirmations and encouragement can fall short.
When you feel yourself in need of a little help, check out this list of the best books to help your child combat the back to school jitters. Books are a tremendous way to not only prepare your child for what is to come but to also ease any uncertainty they may feel about the upcoming school year! Best of all, it’s not all on you to ease their mind.
“The Pigeon HAS to go to School€ by Moe Williams (PreK-3)
If you and your kiddo love Moe Williams’ Pigeon book series, then you are in luck because in “The Pigeon HAS to go to School,€ Piegon is unsure about going to school because “he already knows everything€ and is a little bit nervous.
“Sorry, Grown-Ups, You Can’t Go to School!€ by Christiana Giest (PreK-3)
Sorry, mom and dad€¦ You can’t go to school with the cool kiddos! This hilarious book by Christiana Geist, explains in a fun way why school is only for the kiddos and teachers.
“We Don’t Eat Our Classmates€ by Ryan T. Higgins (PreK-K)
This is another hilarious book that is sure to help ease the back to school jitters. Ryan T. Higgins does a fabulous job of using Penelope Rex (a dinosaur) as a character that many preschoolers and kindergarteners may identify with.
“Lena’s Shoes Are Nervous: A First Day of School Dilemma€ by Keith Calabrese and Juana Medina (PreK-2)
In this brave story by Keith Calabrese and Juana Medina, kindergartner, Lena, is ready for the first day of school! There is just one problem– Her shoes are very nervous for the first day. Can Lena convince her shoes to be courageous enough to go to school?
“Mae’s First Day of School€ by Kate Berube (PreK-K)
Mae’s first day of school is just around the corner and she has decided that she is NOT going (Uh oh). Mae has a lot of doubt going into the new school year. What if she can’t write? What if she can’t make friends? These fears begin to diminish after Mae meets a classmate and her teacher. Check out how Mae’s fears diminish with “Mae’s First Day of School”.
“School’s First Day of School€ by Adam Rex & Christian Robinson (PreK-3)
Schools get nervous for the first day of the school year too– Can you believe it? Join Fredrick Douglass Elementary School as it tackles its back to school jitters with “School’s First Day of School“!
“The Night Before Preschool€ by Natasha Wing & Amy Wummer (PreK)
The night before preschool has Billy so nervous that he can hardly even sleep! Fast forward to the following night, Billy is finding it hard to sleep again because of how excited he is after meeting his classmates after the first day of school! Join Billy by reading, “The Night Before Preschool“!
Ramona: The Complete Box Set by Beverly Cleary (Grades 3-4)
This book series tackles many school issues (that can sometimes be embarrassing) that occur as kiddos transition into the upper years of elementary school. The Ramona book series helps show your kiddo that everyone has moments similar to hers and that there is nothing to fear!
Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks & Gita Varadarajan (Grades 3-8)
Is your kiddo nervous about starting school in a new school or classroom away from their friends? If so, this book is perfect to ease your kiddo’s worries about being in a new and unfamiliar environment.
Frindle by Andrew Clements (Grades 4-7)
A great way to help ease your kiddo’s back to school jitters is to bring attention to all of the things they will do and accomplish during the upcoming school year. In this adventure-packed book, your child will be able to follow the book’s main character, Nick, as his invention of the “Frindle€ becomes a success while creating anticipation for their own upcoming school year!
