It is getting closer and closer to school starting and many of our host families have children that are gearing up for the big day. Along with clothes shopping for back to school and buying all the needed supplies comes a little bit of anxiety for children. As an adult, I still have those crazy dreams where I can't find my shoes and the school bus is honking at my door or that I have a test and I forgot to study for it.
Children and families are both excited and apprehensive about the beginning of school.
A visit to your local library can help and fortunately, our host families have a ready-to-go au pair that can take our children during the hot days of August.
I remember many afternoons as a child lounging on the bean-bags scattered in the children's section reading or being read to as a child. As the American season of back-to-school approaches, there are many books that can help prepare little ones for the big day and alleviate some of their fears. Suggest to your au pair that she look some of them up and read them with or to your children.
- Pinky Dinky Doo: Back to School is Cool by Jim Jinkins A Step into Reading book for ages 6 and up
- Amanda Pig, School Girl by Jean Van Leeuwen Ages 5 and up
- School Days Around the World by Catherine E. Chambers for ages 7 and up
- Junie B., First Grader (at Last!) by Barbara Park and Denise Brunkus ages 6 and up
- Meet the Barkers: Morgan and Moffat Go to School by Tomie dePaola ages 4 and up
- A Very Full Morning by Eva Montanari ages 4 and up
- Butterflies in My Stomach and Other School Hazards by Serge Bloch ages 4 and up
- Wayside School Boxed Set: Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger, Wayside School is Falling Down, Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar ages 8 and up
These are some excellent books about back-to-school and the local librarian will be an invaluable resource for finding more. Suggest to your au pair that she get to know the librarian on her next visit.
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