August Book Blog

We are so close to starting our classes at Life Communicates we can hardly wait!

This month we are of course highlighting some back to school books. There are so many great books to help your little ones transition back to school from the relaxing days at home that we had to choose TWO!

Language : The Night Before Preschool by Natasha Wing

This great read mimics the style of the iconic The Night Before Christmas. Little Bily is the main character in this story and he is understandably nervous about his first day of school. His school day follows and he is still a little unsure, even though other kiddos are having fun. That is until a sweet little girl decides to share her bunny. This small act changes his day and it ends on a high note!

WHAT WE LOVE:

- Rhyming is essential to reading development, this book has a ton of it.

- A simple act of kindness, simple enough to repeat for any kid, can change someone's day for the better.

- We also love that it took awhile for Billy to get comfortable during the day, because that is how many littles first days go, and that's ok!

THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR LITTLES:

Depending on your child's level...

1. Give your child a word from the book (i.e. night) and have them pick the word that rhymes (i.e. light or table)

2. Have your child pick out the rhyming words without options

3. Have your child list other words that rhyme! (i.e. light, fight, right, tight....)

Social/Emotional Development : Birdie's First Day of School by Sujean Rim

A lot of readers may already be familiar with Birdie, so she is a great choice for many little ones because they are already recognize the main character and her many adventures.

The book starts off from Birdie's point of view - she's nervous of course, new school, new teacher, new friends... this can all be exciting for older kiddos who are used to the "new class" routine, but for many littles its overwhelming. However, Birdie perseveres and makes it through her first day. We love the language the author used to mimic our littles thoughts "Did you know Italy looks just like one of Mommy's boots?" At the end of the book Birdie talks about ALL the emotions she felt through the day.

WHAT WE LOVE:

- The bright colors, and the illustration style reminds us of our own little one's drawings (ok if they were prodigies.. but you get what we mean).

- Point of view is great in this book - Birdie talks about the future, the present and the past.

- And of course we love how Birdie talks about ALL her emotions!

THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR LITTLES:

1. Draw a picture about what they think will happen the first day of school.

2. Talk about what happened last year at school (or in a new place if they haven't gone to school yet), what might happen this year (you can find out if they have any fears or excitement this way)

2. Role play what might happen at school (act out saying hi to new friends or how to ask someone new to play)