The start of school is just around the corner. As a schoolteacher, I see many students who struggle with anxious thoughts when the first day approaches. From my experience, I’d like to offer a link to a previous back-to-school post and offer a few ideas and a few books that may help your child transition into the classroom. Let’s start with ideas.

Establish a Routine

Children feel less anxious when they know what to expect. Establishing morning and bedtime routines make children feel safer. (Plus, getting the right amount of sleep makes a huge impact on learning.) Embrace routines that encourage organization too. For example, establish a set place to store supplies like backpacks, jackets, water bottles, and lunchboxes. Set aside a certain time to read or do homework or have play time. (Yes, limit the amount of time on electronics!) Consider practicing these routines at least a week prior to the start of school so you and your child have time to adjust.

Rehearse

You can model and rehearse how to respond to situations that might arise at school.  This role-play may go a great way to alleviate your child’s anxiety. Try asking “what-if” questions. What if I forget my lunch? What if I don’t have anyone to play with at recess? What if I don’t understand the directions? What if I lose my pencil? What if someone says something unkind to me? What if I miss Mom or Dad? What if a parent goes out of town? What if there is a thunderstorm while I’m at school and I’m scared? What if I come up with the wrong answer to a question?

And now, here are two books—both faith based with fun, adorable illustrations—that might prove helpful to your anxious child.

God, I Feel Scared by Tama Fortner and Michelle Nietert

With simple text, this book helps children acknowledge and explore this overwhelming emotion and lets them know that God is with them … always. What I like best is the extra information the authors provided for parents which describes techniques children can use to process their emotions.  

There’s An Elephant On My Chest by Caris Snider

This story gives a concrete image to the feeling of anxiety. Through the actions of the relatable main character, kids are given a model of how cope with this crushing emotion. In addition, like with the previous book, Snider offers practical suggestions for children to bring to the classroom to deal with anxiety.

I hope you find these ideas and books helpful! Do you have another book you might recommend? If so, please list it in the comments. And be sure to sign up to receive updates of each new post on our Christian Children’s Authors blog. Follow us for new book news, free resources, parenting tips, and encouragement!

Lori Z. Scott

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Illustration by Lori Z. Scott