The Literacy Classroom
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English teaching and learning
Starting School
Topsy and Tim Start School
by Jean and Gareth Adamson
Topsy and Tim Start School is a perfect, reassuring picture book for children who are just about to start school. Along with favourite characters Topsy and Tim, children will learn what to expect in lessons, in the playground - even in the canteen - and, more importantly, that school can be fun! The Topsy and Tim books have been beautifully updated with contemporary artwork, but they remain instantly recognisable and trusted characters that parents will remember from their own childhoods. This edition also includes a puzzle and a map of Topsy and Tim's village that parents can use to teach their children basic map skills and directions.
Come to School Too, Blue Kangaroo!
by Emma Chichester Clark
Lily and Blue Kangaroo - a friendship forever! The eighth title in this hugely popular series featuring Lily and her loveable soft toy sees the inseparable duo starting at a new school with surprising results.
When Lily starts at a new school she asks Blue Kangaroo to come too. Lily thinks Blue Kangaroo is worried about going but, secretly, he can’t wait to explore and try new things – which is just as well, because the fun lasts even longer than he expected…
A reassuring story for children starting school.
How Do Dinosaurs Go to School?
by Jane Yolen, illustrated by MarkTeague
What would you do if a very large ceratosaurus stomped into your classroom? And what if the student sitting next to you was a gigantic silvisaurus – who decided to jump on top of his desk?
Come along for a very unusual day where dinosaur show-and-tell, story time and playtime antics will make even the best-behaved dinosaurs laugh out loud.
School has never been so much fun!
Chu's First Day at School
by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Adam Rex
Chu is a little panda with a BIG sneeze and when his first day at school approaches he is nervous. Will the other boys and girls be nice? Will they like Chu? A fabulously warm and funny story about little Chu and his enormous sneeze!
Do I have to go to school?
by Pat Thomas, illustrated by Lesley Harker
In simple and reassuring terms, this entertaining book explores for young children aged approximately 3-6 what it is like to start school and how the reader might feel about it. Discussion boxes offer an adult opportunities to discuss the issues directly with their child audience. Charmingly clear illustrations give readers immediate access to complex situations and feelings and provide further stimulus for discussion. Notes for teachers and parents, plus suggested further resources, help adults to make the most of the learning opportunities inherent in the book.
I am Too Absolutely Small for School
by Lauren Child,
This classic tale of first-day-at-school worries from the Children's Laureate, Lauren Child, addresses childrens' fears with warmth, humour, and a lot of fun.
Charlie's little sister Lola is nearly big enough to go to school - but Lola is not so sure.
She thinks it probably would be useful to read and write and count, but she doesn't really have time for school - she's much too busy doing extremely important things at home. And, besides, Lola's invisible friend, Soren Lorensen, is slightly nervous about going to school on his own . . .
'No first timer should start school without this book' - The Sunday Times
Starting School
by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
Janet and Allan Ahlberg's classic, Starting School.
From first day nerves to finding your peg, this reassuring read is full of humour and fun for children and parents alike. A classic picture book which offers advice and enjoyment for the whole family before school starts.
Harry and the Dinosaurs go to School
by Ian Whybrow, illustrated by Adrian Reynolds
It's Harry's first day at school. He and his dinosaurs are very excited and perhaps a little bit nervous. But when Harry's dinosaur friends don't join him in the classroom, Harry's not so sure he's going to like school, but the dinosaurs come to the rescue and Harry and his new friend learn just how much fun school can really be! The ideal book to prevent first-day-at-school nerves.
Hugless Douglas Goes to Little School
by David Melling
Hugless Douglas is very excited to be going to Little School. There is so much to do - and lots of hugs to be given out!
Going to School
by Anna Civardi, illustrated by Stephen Cartwright
An ideal starting point for young children and adults to discuss first experiences. Features Stephen Cartwright's delightful illustrations, providing lots to look at and talk about.
The Wolf Who Wouldn't Go to School
by Caryl Hart, illustrated by Leonie Lord
Whiffy Wilson doesn't know how to hold a pen and has never looked in a book, but fortunately his friend Dotty is on hand to show him that school is fun. Soon, Whiffy is in his element, and when he gets a gold star for all his work he realises that school is the BEST THING EVER!
Mouse's First Night at Moonlight School
by Simon Puttock, illustrated by Ali Pye
t's Mouse's first day at Miss Moon's Moonlight School for all the small creatures of the night but she is VERY shy, too shy to even say hello. Luckily, with help from Miss Moon and her new friends Bat, Cat and Owl, a game of hide-and-seek makes Mouse feel right at home.