KidBibs LT#12: Using Books to Prepare for School and Pressures

LearningTip #12:
Reading Books Can Help Prepare Children For School and Pressures

By Joyce Melton Pagés, Ed.D.
Mother of two children, President of KidBibs

"Back-to-school" sales usher in the start of the new school year. Parents prepare by buying school supplies and arranging family routines around school. Homeschooling parents prepare by selecting the curriculum and meeting with other homeschooling parents. Teachers prepare by setting up their classrooms, organizing paperwork, planning routines, and attending meetings.

While the adults are scurrying about, children greet the school year with a mixture of emotions---from anxiety to excitement. Questions abound as the child thinks about the next academic year: "Who will my teacher be?" "Will I like him/her?" "Will any of my friends be in my class?" "What will we learn about?" and "Will it be hard?"

Children's books can help children face situations in life. In addition, children who don't like to read might be motivated to read books about other children in their grade at school.

Parent Tips

1. Use children's books with story characters in your child's grade to help him/her feel comfortable with going on to the next grade in school.

2. Use these children's books to motivate your child to read. Children enjoy reading when they can relate to the story characters.

3. Use children's books to help your children deal with their concerns about school.

4. Use children's books about homeschooled characters if your children are educated at home.

Teacher Tips

1. Use school poetry at transition times--lining up, waiting for lunch, waiting for buses, etc.

2. Read children's books with story characters in the same grade as your class and put the books in your classroom library.

3. Implement a literature unit or an Author Study with books about children in your class's grade.

4. If your class has pen pals or keypals in the same grade, have both classes read the same book and share their responses with each other.

Children's books on school-related topics are suggested below. Many of these books are available at your child's school library or the public library. The books on this list are linked to the secure web site of Amazon.com for those who wish to purchase them.

I Am Six by Ann Morris Photographs and simple text show the activities of children in kindergarten.

Arthur Goes to School by Marc Brown. Illustrations, text, and over 50 flaps in this big board book show Arthur and his friends involved in school activities. This story includes numbers, ABCs, colors, objects, and opposites.

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn. In this sweet story that reassures children about the first day of school, Mrs. Raccoon kisses Chester Raccoon's hand and tells him to put it to his cheek whenever he needs to remember that she loves him.

Minerva Louise at School by Janet Morgan Stoeke. Minerva Louise wakes up before the other hens. On her walk she wanders into a school where she thinks the classrooms down the hallway are horse stalls, the block center is a pig pen, a baseball in a mitt is an egg in a nest, and cubbies are nesting boxes.

Will I Have a Friend? by Miriam Cohen. A new friend helps a little boy feel less anxious on his first day of school.

Franklin Goes to School by Paulette Bourgeois. Mrs. Owl, Franklin's teacher, helps him overcome his fears on the first day of school.

Annabelle Swift, Kindergartner by Amy Schwartz. Previously tutored about kindergarten by her older sister, Annabelle Swift demonstrates her knowledge appropriately in some situations and embarrasses herself in other situations on her first day of school.

First Grade Can Wait by Lorraine Aseltine. Luke has trouble paying attention and still likes to do kindergarten things. He is relieved when his parents and teacher decide to let him stay in kindergarten for another year.

Willie was Different by Norman Rockwell. In Norman Rockwell's only children's book, an awkward young wood thrush leaves home in search of himself. He discovers his musical talent but is unable to sing until an old friend helps. This book is appropriate for all ages and is believed to be autobiographical.

The Contrary Kid by Matt Cibula. The Contrary Kid has his own way of doing things. In the book, he meets the female version of himself. This book teaches children to be happy with themselves: "We're both contrary kids--we're happy and we're smart. To truly be contrary is a science and an art."

Edward the Emu by Sheena Knowles. Edward is tired of being an emu. He decides to try being like other animals at the zoo, but he discovers that being himself is best of all.

How to Be Cool in Third Grade by Betsy Duffey. Robbie York wants to be "cool" at school this year, but his mother, his clothes, and his sissy-looking ruler make it difficult.

When Will I Read? Jim's first grade teacher tries to convince him that he will be able to read soon; she encourages him to be patient.

First Grade Takes a Test. When the first graders take a test, only Anna Maria qualifies to go to a special advanced class; the other children feel left out.

Starring First Grade. Jim's stage fright and dissatisfaction with his part in the class play teaches everyone about cooperation.

Jim Meets the Thing. Jim's fear of "The Thing" on TV is handled in an interesting way.

Jim's Dog Muffins. When Jim's dog, Muffins, dies, his friends try to console him. His unwillingness to listen to his friends causes Paul to try an innovative idea.

Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire! Alex tells stories to impress the students in his new first grade class. Alex and his friends learn an important lesson.

Lost in the Museum. When Danny and some classmates get lost in the museum on a class field trip, Jim decides to find the teacher.

No Good in Art. A first grader, convinced that he can't draw, learns that he can draw.

Don't Eat Too Much Turkey! Jim and his classmates work hard on the Thanksgiviing celebration, but they get tired of Anna Maria's bossy behavior.

It's George! When an elderly neighbor gets sick, George dials 9-1-1 and handles the situation.

See You Tomorrow, Charles. The children are not sure about how to treat Charles, a blind child who just joined the class.

See You in Second Grade. At the end-of-year picnic, the first graders reminisce about first grade and discover that they will miss their teacher a lot.

The Classroom Pet (First Grade Friends). The students get excited when Sam loses the class pet, a hermit crab.

The Lunch Box Surprise (First Grade Friends). Sam is surprised when he discovers that his mother forgot to pack his lunch. His friends help out.

Recess Mess (First Grade Friends). Sam hasn't started reading yet. He's worried that he won't know which restroom to use.

The Beast in Ms. Rooney's Room (The Kids of the Polk Street School) by Patricia Reilly Giff. Richard "Beast" Best is held back in second grade but his bahavior and reading haven't improved since last year. Then his special reading teacher helps him discover the joy of reading and he helps his class in a special way.

Fish Face (The Kids of the Polk Street School) by Patricia Reilly Giff. Spanish version: Cara de Pez. Emily Arrow tries hard to accept Dawn Bosco, a new girl who can read better and run faster than she can. Then Dawn steals Emily's lucky unicorn.

The Candy Corn Contest (The Kids of the Polk Street School) by Patricia Reilly Giff. Spanish version: Concurso de Pastelillos. Richard is trying to guess the number of pieces of candy in the Thanksgiving Candy Corn contest. Before he realizes what has happened, Richard eats three big pieces of candy.

December Secrets (The Kids of the Polk Street School) by Patricia Reilly Giff. Spanish version: Secretos de Diciembre. Each student in Ms. Rooney's class has a secret pal. Emily Arrow's secret pal is Jill Simon, the class crybaby.

In the Dinosaur's Paw (The Kids of the Polk Street School) by Patricia Reilly Giff. Spanish version: En las Garras Del Dinosaurio. When the students return from their Christmas vacation, the children are supposed to bring a ruler. Richard forgets his ruler but finds a ruler in his desk; he is convinced that this ruler is magic.

Snaggle Doodles (The Kids of the Polk Street School) by Patricia Reilly Giff. Emily Arrow faces April with two problems: working in an invention group with bossy Linda Lorca and finding a wedding present for Miss Vincent, the student teacher.

Sunny-Side Up (The Kids of the Polk Street School) by Patricia Reilly Giff. Richard must face two challenges this summer: having a fun summer while going to summer school and losing his best friend who is moving to another state.

Write Up a Storm With the Polk Street School by Patricia Reilly Giff. Ms. Rooney's class writes stories and teaches readers about the writing process. This book includes directions on making a book.

Count Your Money with the Polk Street School by Patricia Reilly Giff. Saving for a class trip teaches Ms. Rooney's class about money and saving. This book includes fun money activities that can be done at home and school.

The Postcard Pest by Patricia Reilly Giff. In honor of Postcard Day at the Polk Street School, Ms. Rooney's class writes to penpals across the U.S. and plans a special tour of the post office (to mail the postcards). Emily's trip to the post office doesn't go as she's planned. In addition the class gets some surprising replies to their postcards. The book includes a map of the U.S. and a section on collecting stamps.

Turkey Trouble by Patricia Reilly Giff. As the class Thanksgiving feast nears, Emily Arrow is trying to prepare herself for a new baby in the family and help her younger sister who's not ready to give up her position as the "baby" of the family. This book includes a section of Thanksgiving recipes and crafts.

Look Out, Washington, D.C.! by Patricia Reilly Giff. Ms. Rooney's class takes a two-day trip to Washington, D.C. Contending with homesickness, a yucky partner, and a forgotten notebook, Emily Arrow has her spirits dampened. Then she discovers comforting notes form her mother and experiences kindness from her partner. This book includes 42 favorite places to visit with addresses and phone numbers.

Green Thumbs, Everyone by Patricia Reilly Giff. Richard "Beast" Best and Emily Arrow accidently trample Mrs. Alonzo's prize garden. Then Mrs. Alonzo offers a reward for the culprits.

Next Stop, New York City! by Patricia Reilly Giff. Ms. Rooney's class is seeing the sights including the American Museum of Natural History, the Bronx Zoo, and the Statue of Liberty. Ms. Rooney has named Emily Arrow their "New York City expert," but she doesn't know a thing about New York City.

Oh Boy, Boston! by Patricia Reilly Giff. On their class trip to Boston, Ms. Rooney's class plans to fly kites on Boston Common, walk the Freedom Trail, and put on a play with Richard "Beast" Best as Paul Revere. Richard forgot his costume and what he was supposed to do, but his friends save the day.

Muggie Maggie by Beverly Cleary. Since Maggie's decision not to learn cursive writing, she has come up against her teacher and her parents. Her creative teacher and loving parents help Maggie overcome her resistence.

Ramona Quimby: Age Eight by Beverly Cleary. The adventures of Ramona Quimby continue as she copes with the challenges of turning eight years old.

Amber Brown is Not a Crayon by Paula Danziger. Amber Brown and Justin Daniels have been best friends since preschool. Then Justin has to move.

You Can't Eat Your Chicken Pox, Amber Brown by Paula Danziger. At the end of third grade, Amber Brown takes a trip to London with her aunt while her parents work out their divorce.

Earthquake in the Third Grade by Laurie Myers. John knocks over his ant farm causing an "earthquake." That same day, John and his classmates discover that their teacher is moving away at the end of the week.

How to Be Cool in Third Grade by Betsy Duffey. Robbie York wants to be "cool" at school this year, but his mother, his clothes, and his sissy-looking ruler make it difficult.

I Was a Third Grade Science Project by Mary Jane Auch. When three third graders try to hypnotize a dog as a science project, some absolutely hilarious things happen.

Good Grief...Third Grade by Colleen O'Shaughnessy McKenna. Marsha decides to make third grade a good year until she is paired up with Roger Friday, her enemy since first grade.

How to Survive Third Grade by Laurie Lawlor and Joyce A. Zarins. Earnest, an unpopular third grader, has a difficult adjustment to make until he finds a new friend, Jomo Mugwan from Kenya.

Third Grade Stars by Candice F. Ransom. Jealous of her friend, Delight, Amber yearns to be popular and pursues her new interest, gymnastics.

Who Needs Third Grade? by Candice F. Ransom. Third grade provides Amber with two challenges: she is trying to adjust to her parents' divorce and trying to keep her best friend after Delight, a new student, comes to town.

One of the Third Grade Thonkers by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. The "rough, tough terrible" thonkers learn what courage is all about when Jimmy's father has an accident.

Amber Brown Goes Fourth by Paula Danziger. Fourth grade isn't what Amber Brown had expected: she doesn't win the playground burping contest but she does make a new friend. She is also trying to accept her mother's boyfriend.

Forever Amber Brown by Paula Danziger. Amber is trying to adjust to her parents' divorce and her mother's boyfriend, Max.

Awfully Short for the Fourth Grade by Elvira Woodruff and Will Hillenbrand. When Noah's wish comes true, he shrinks and some of his toys come to life.

Fourth Grade Celebrity by Patricia Reilly Giff. Tired of being compared to her older sister, Cassandra Eleanor Valentine, searches for a way to become a celebrity in her school.

Fourth Grade is a Jinx by Colleen O'Shaughnessy McKenna. Collette's mother becomes the substitute for her class when her teacher has an accident. It looks like fourth grade is a jinx!

Rosie Swanson: Fourth Grade Geek for President by Barbara Park. Rosie Swanson, the biggest tattletale in the school, decides to run for class president. Then her old rival decides to run against her and steals her idea.

Keep Ms. Sugarman in the Fourth Grade by Elizabeth Levy, Dave Henderson, and Warren Chappell. Jackie, a fourth grader with less than perfect school behavior, really appreciates Ms. Sugarman, the first teacher to really praise her. Then Ms. Sugarman is offered the principal's job and Jackie vehemently opposes this career change for Ms. Sugarman.

Fourth Grade Loser by Ellen Kahaner. Mike Russell's class is opposing the development of forest land near the school. Unfortunately, Mike Russell's father is the real estate developer.

Ghosts in Fourth Grade by Constance Hiser. James and his friends try to outsmart Mean Mitchell, the school bully.

Blubber by Judy Blume. Jill joins classmates when they tease a classmate; then they decide to call her "Blubber" because of her weight.

Day the Fifth Grade Disappeared by Terri Fields. Julie thinks that something supernatural has taken over the school when her entire fifth grade class disappears.

The Biggest Klutz in Fifth Grade by Bill Wallace. Pat Berry breaks bones and requires stitches on several occasions in fifth grade. But sixth grade brings a more mature, confident Pat Berry.

I Was a Fifth Grade Zebra by Nancy J. Hopper. Chelsea is more interested in poetry and science than boys. Encouraged by her mother and older sister, she tries to fit in with her peers.

Love, From the Fifth-Grade Celebrity by Judy Blume. Casey Valentine is excited about fifth grade; she expects to be elected class president and her friend, Tracy, is moving to town. She is elected class president but Tracy steals her friends.

My Life as a Fifth Grade Comedian by Elizabeth Levy. Bobby Garrick enjoys telling jokes; he has built his relationship with his father and older brother, Jimmy, around this. Then Jimmy gets kicked out of the house and there's a lot of tension at home. Bobby's grades slip and he worries about being sent to an alternative school. A teacher's suggestion that he organize a schoolwide comedy contest helps Bobby's family get close again.

Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade by Barthe Declements. Elsie Edwards, an overweight new student with serious home problems, has trouble fitting in. Over time, the fifth graders learn to accept her.

Our Sixth-Grade Sugar Babies by Eve Bunting. Vicki's school assignment on responsibility requires her to carry a bag of sugar with her. When a terrific hunk moves in next door, Vicki is forced to decide between being responsible and impressing him.

Sixth Grade Secrets by Louis Sachar. Laura Sibbie's new club incites a near war among sixth graders and generates the creation of a rival club that could reveal its secrets.

Sixth Grade Star by Constance Hiser. Often in the shadow of her younger sister, a perpetual beauty pageant winner, Jill lands the starring role in the school play. Then she finds out that her play is the same night as another one of her sister's beauty pageants.

The Sixth-Grade Mutants Meet the Slime by Laura E. Williams. After a science experiment goes wrong, seven sixth graders discover the benefits of being mutants.

The Toothpaste Millionaire by Jean Merrill. Rufus, a sixth grader, develops and markets a better, cheaper toothpaste.

I Am a Home Schooler by Julie Voetberg explains how both of her parents teach her and the reasons why they've chosen to educate her at home. She describes the use of field trips, tutors, and get-togethers with other children to support her learning.;

Allison's Story by Jon Lurie is the story of an 8-year-old that is educated at home. She shares what she likes and doesn't like about home schooling.

The Home School Detectives series written by John Bibee includes the following books which are appropriate for nine to twelve year olds:

Poetry Books About School	Joke Books About School
Books About Starting Kindergarten/School	Book About Repeating Kindergarten
Books About First Grade	Books About Second Grade
Books About Third Grade	Books About Fourth Grade
Books About Fifth Grade	Books About Sixth Grade
Books About Feeling Different	Books about Home Schooled Children