Greenburgh Public Library Blog

Preparing the Kids for Back to School

While we are all enjoying the lazy days of summer and probably wishing it would never end, the reality is “back to school” is right around the corner.   How do parents help children get ready for their return to the classroom after two months of vacation? Here is a list of tips recommended on "Homeroom" The Official Blog of the Department of Education on how to start the school year off right:

1. Visit the School
2. Introduce yourself to your child's teacher
3. Make homework a priority
4. Prepare a study area
5. Take charge of TV time
6. Get everyone in bed on time
7. Make healthy snacks
8. Get a physical and eye exam
9. Plan to read to your child everyday

Reading is #1 here at the Greenburgh Public Library and the librarians work hard at developing a collection of materials to meet the needs of the community. The Children’s Room has an extensive “Back to School“ section of books to read with your child to help them make the transition this September.  Here is a sampling of our “Back to School” favorites:

School's First Day of School 

It's the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone's just a little bit nervous, especially the school itself. What will the children do once they come? Will they like the school? Will they be nice to him? The school has a rough start, but as the day goes on, he soon recovers when he sees that he's not the only one going through first-day jitters.

Kindergarten Rocks! 

Dexter is ready for kindergarten. Sort of. Well, actually, he's maybe kind of a little bit scared, perhaps even terrified,one might say. Because what if he gets lost? Or, what if the teacher is mean? Or, he misses his mom or dad? Or, worst of all, he loses his most important ally, Rufus? With the same warmth, exuberance, and sly wit that have made her a favorite of booksellers and children, Katie Davis tackles a problem every kid--and parent--has to face sooner or later: first-day fears. And she shows that it's okay to be scared, but that, as Dexter's older sister Jessie says, "Kindergarten rocks!"

First Day Jitters

"Everyone knows that sinking feeling in the pit of the stomach just before diving into a new situation. Sarah Jane Hartwell is scared and doesn't want to start over at a new school. She doesn't know anybody, and nobody knows her. It will be awful. She just knows it. With much prodding from Mr. Hartwell, Sarah Jane reluctantly pulls herself together and goes to school. She is quickly befriended by Mrs. Burton, who helps smooth her jittery transition. This charming and familiar story will delight readers with its surprise ending. Fun, energetic illustrations brighten page after page with the busy antics surrounding Sarah Jane. FIRST DAY JITTERS is an enchanting story that is sure to be treasured by anyone who has ever anticipated a first day of school."

Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten

This rhyming, brightly illustrated book is the perfect way to practice the alphabet and to introduce young children to kindergarten. It's the first day of kindergarten and Miss Bindergarten is hard at work getting the classroom ready for her twenty-six new students. Meanwhile, Adam Krupp wakes up, Brenda Heath brushes her teeth, and Christopher Beaker finds his sneaker. Miss Bindergarten puts the finishing touches on the room just in time, and the students arrive. Now the fun can begin!  

The Night Before Kindergarten

'Twas the night before kindergarten, and as they prepared, kids were excited, and a little bit scared. It's the first day of school! Join the kids as they prepare for kindergarten, packing school supplies, posing for pictures, and the hardest part of all--saying goodbye to Mom and Dad. But maybe it won't be so hard once they discover just how much fun kindergarten really is! Colorful illustrations illuminate this uplifting takeoff on the classic Clement C. Moore Christmas poem.

It's Back to School We Go!

Perfect for parents and teachers looking to explore the first day back at school with kids- Cross-cultural look at a universal experience- Great Back-To-School title.

All Are Welcome

New York Times bestseller! A warm, welcoming picture book that celebrates diversity and gives encouragement and support to all kids. Follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms. A school where kids in patkas, hijabs, and yarmulkes play side-by-side with friends in baseball caps. A school where students grow and learn from each other's traditions and the whole community gathers to celebrate the Lunar New Year. All Are Welcome lets young children know that no matter what, they have a place, they have a space, they are welcome in their school. 

Sumi's First Day of School

The first day of school can be lonely and scary, especially when you don't speak the same language as everyone else. Sumi only knows one phrase in English, "Hello, my name is Sumi." This doesn't seem nearly enough to prepare her for a big school with wide stairs, noisy children, and a mean classmate. From the author of the Ezra Jack Keats Award winner Dear Juno comes this thoughtful picture book about a young Korean girl on her first day of school. Beautiful, expressive illustrations show how a considerate teacher and even a new friend help Sumi discover that school might not be so lonely after all.

Lola Goes to School

Spunky Lola embarks on a new adventure--the first day of school! Lola and her family prepare for the first day of school the night before, then get up early, take pictures, and head to class. Lola puts her things in her cubby, chooses her activities, reads, plays, and has a snack. Before she knows it, it's time to sing the good-bye song and rush into Mommy's arms for a warm reunion. A comforting, cheerful read that demystifies the school day for preschoolers and kindergarteners.

On My Way to School 

Getting ready for school is the perfect time to procrastinate! Whether she's an elephant at a waterhole, leader of an expedition to Mount Everest, or a star posing for paparazzi, Livi's imagination takes her on exciting adventures on her way to school. With stalling techniques as creative as this, it's a wonder she ever makes it to school at all! Sarah Maizes and Michael Paraskevas create another funny, fresh book for every parent who wants to foster creativity in their family's everyday routines.

In addition to the "Back to School" collection, the children's room has recently been working on updating and expanding other sections. The Parenting collection now includes more books in Spanish.  Check out our Large Print section which has more than tripled in size in the past few months. Bring in your preschoolers and head to our Concept Picture Book section to read books where the focus is on colors, shape, numbers and the ABCs.  

So put a visit to the Greenburgh Public Library Children's Room on your "Back to School" list and come in to see what is new and exciting!