Starting school or nursery: 5 top tips and 10 books to try
Published on: 27 August 2024
Olu's Teacher author and Early Years educator and consultant Jamel C. Campbell offers advice on how to ease transition worries.
One of the most significant experiences a child will encounter as they grow is transition. From the womb to being born, a child will go through various transitions.
One of the biggest transitions will be moving from their familiar environment at home to encountering some form of childcare or education setting, such as nurseries, schools, childminders, nannies, crèches, children's centres and so on.
This big change comes with a flurry of emotions and confusion, so the input and support from parents and other adults around the child is essential. I have worked with children aged 0-19 years for 24 years and advised parents on how to support their child when they are starting nursery or school.
I've recently become a parent, and even with my years of experience, I've had to understand that each child is different, and one method of support can't help all children. So I've created a list of tips that have helped many children and provided guidance for parents.
5 tips for supporting transitions to nursery or school
- Listen to your child and move at their pace.
- Understand that you, as a parent, are transitioning too. If you're anxious, your child will also feel anxious. Children feed off your emotions, so they will sense what you feel.
- Talk to the setting about their settling-in process and ask for advice on how to adapt the settling days to the child's current routine so they complement each other.
- Before dropping your child off, talk to them about all the exciting things they may do and all the people and children they will meet.
- Involve your child in the process. Give them agency when it comes to choosing their clothes or packing their bag. This will help garner excitement and give them a sense of control.
There are also books that can support transitions to nursery or school.
Top 10 books to help with transitions
1. Little Monkey by Marta Altés
A sweet story about a monkey's first day venturing out on their own and discovering that independence is amazing but challenging. A story about coming of age.
2. Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr Seuss
An incredible story about life's journeys that skilfully uses wit and wordplay to take the reader on a voyage.
3. Olu's Teacher by Jamel C. Campbell, illustrated by Lydia Mba
A homely, heart-warming story about a child's first day at nursery school and meeting their teacher. It addresses the emotions and feelings that come with the transition from home to school.
4. Starting School by Allan and Janet Ahlberg
A beautifully illustrated book that explains in a simple way what it's like to attend school.
5. Time to Go to Nursery by Penny Tassoni, illustrated by Mel Four
A book written by well-known Early Years consultant Penny Tassoni, with simple text and a range of activities to help prepare children for starting nursery.
6. Spot Loves Nursery by Eric Hill
If you're familiar with Eric Hill's books, you'll know all about Spot the Dog! This book is a fun way to introduce the concept of starting nursery.
7. Mommy Always Comes Back to You by Christine Yeung and Anna Liang
A sweet and gentle book depicting different moments when mummy and child are separated. A great book to explore separation anxiety and offer reassurance.
8. Splat the Cat by Rob Scotton
A fun and funny book about Splat going to cat school. Splat is a little anxious on his first day, so he brings his friend Scampers with him, and guess what – Scampers is a mouse! Such a great title with an amazing twist.
9. Busy Nursery by Angie Rozelaar
This story is about a busy day at nursery and is a pull, push, and slide book that will have any child fully engaged, in true Busy Book fashion.
10. Alfie at Nursery School by Shirley Hughes
This classic book, with its vibrant and traditional illustrations, takes the reader on an escapade around Alfie's nursery classroom and playground. He loves nursery, and so does his sister, who is excited to join him.
Olu's Teacher by Jamel C. Campbell, illustrated by Lydia Mba, is out now.
