Top Tips for Starting School in Singapore

The first day of school brings mixed emotions to children of all ages. While some will feel excited to start a new year with new friends and new teachers, others may feel nervous and unsure. Reading can be a positive way to introduce pre-school to your young child or address the fears of a child moving up to junior school – all while bonding over a good story.

Stories that explore emotions can show children that they are not alone, and characters in certain stories can give children confidence and coping strategies. And by reading together, parents can help their child relate to a character’s feelings.

David Veinot, Teacher Librarian at GESS, says:

"Young children don't have a great feel for what school is actually like, so turning to picture books to help explain what they should expect is a win-win situation. Whether you’re helping your child prepare for preschool or kindergarten, these three suggestions will help you discuss what to look forward to and answer questions they may have about all the fun and learning that’s ahead."

Mr Veinot recommends the following books to read with your pre-schooler ahead of the first day of ‘big school’ next month.

• Sorry, Grown-Ups, You Can’t Go to School! by Christina Geist
• Preschool, Here I Come! by David J Steinberg
• This Is How We Get Ready by DK

Recommended reads from Kim Klein, Head Librarian at Stamford American International School include:

• The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
• That's me Loving You by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
• Lena's Shoes are Nervous: a First Day of School Dilemma by Keith Calabrese
• Butterflies on the First Day of School by Annie Silvestro