Below you will find some recommendations from our Storytime Team to prepare your little one for starting school for the first time. Making your own story book with an outline of the school day, and photos of their school, bag and uniform is also a great way to help set them up for a smooth transition.
Jane Porter and Carolina Rabei
Starting school can be a great adventure, but it can make you feel a bit nervous too. The perfect book to reassure any new school-starter. Jane Porter answers all of these questions and more in this warm, witty and reassuring book for young children that explores everything they'll need to know before starting school. Marley, Maya, Theo, Akiko, Ella and Zakir are all getting ready to start school. Why not come along with them and see what it's like?
Request a copy via our catalogue
Jan Stradling and Jedda Robaard
Brand-new picture books inspired by much-loved Australian kids' TV institution, Play School. Maurice is getting ready to start big school. He's excited and a bit nervous too. His friends are here to take this step with him, to make new friends and begin their learning adventure together. The Play School Mindfully Me series helps children and their carers tackle life's challenges together - big or small.
Kitty Black and Cate James
It's Little Brother's first day at school tomorrow. Luckily, Big Brother knows what that feels like. And what's more, he has a list of what to expect ... You'll learn where the loos are, and all about bugs. You'll learn a sad friend could do with a hug. You'll learn the best spot for sand that is slushy. You'll learn that tomato makes sandwiches mushy. Whether you're feeling scared or excited, brave or shy, The Starting School List is the perfect book for your grandest adventure yet.
Meredith Costain and Michelle Mackintosh
My First Day at School is designed to help reassure and prepare school-age children for that magical first day in an unfamiliar environment. It follows the experiences and emotions of four very different children from their first teary farewells to their parents through to the joy of making new friends and the discovery that school can be an exciting and enjoyable place, however challenging.
by Laura and Philip Bunting
Hey, wild thing! Are you about to start school? Then it's time to get set for your wildest adventure yet. Follow this simple guide and you'll learn everything you need to know. The familiar and much loved animals from previous Bunting tales, Mopoke, Kookaburra, Liarbird, Koala, Quokka, and a few new friends guide you from starting the day just right (mmm, GumFlakes) to first day jitters, meeting teachers, making friends, lunch time, home time and all the things in between!
by Penny Matthews and Liz Anelli
It is Maddie's first day of school and she has everything ready her uniform, shoes, socks and hat. But there is one special thing that Maddie cannot leave behind -- her blanky!
by Andrew Daddo and Jonathan Bentley
Are you ready? It'll be fun! You'll make new friends. New BFFs! You might have to be a bit brave ... It's the first day of school, but who is the most nervous about the big day?
by Jane Godwin and Anna Walker
Tim, Hannah, Sunita, Joe and Polly are all off to school for the first time. Would you like to meet them and see how they go? There are new friends to make, fun ways to learn, and lots of different things to discover. From Jane Godwin and Anna Walker comes this beautiful book focussing on the experiences and feelings of five very different children as they begin at school for the first time. Jane's simple words and ideas combine with Anna's gentle and detailed illustrations to help children feel comfortable about taking this big step.
by Kylie Covark and Robin Tatlow-Lord
'Tilly is super excited about her first day of school, until her tummy goes into a twist. Perhaps the superpowers that Mum gives her will help. But can Tilly make them work?
Here's a downloadable craft activity, which can also be used as a tool you can use to remind your child what needs to go in their school bag.
What do you need to take to school? This craft will help you remember what you need.
Download the template through this link - Starting school bag template.pdf(PDF, 28KB)
For this craft you will need:
Directions:
Click here to view form.