Preparing for Kindergarten with French Books!
Kindergarten is a new and sometimes scary experience for our children, but with the help of some fun and relatable stories that show the joys of the kindergarten experience. Help your child in preparing for school with French Books.
When reading the books together, ask them questions to get discussions started. Like…
“Do you think school will be fun?” Tell them some stories about the friends you met / things you enjoyed when you were in school.
“Are you excited about school? Why?” After listening to why they’re excited, be sure to share why you’re excited for them to experience school!
“Are you nervous about school? Why?” Let them know it’s normal to be nervous for something new but that you’re going to be so proud and then read a few of the book together below to help!
The books listed below are great for helping you to talk about what to look forward to and answering any questions they may have about all the fun and learning that’s ahead. Plus these books are all in French so it will help prepare little ones who are entering French immersion or French schooling!
Here are some great French stories about the joys (and nerves) of starting school:
La rentrée de papa by Mike Wohnoutka
All summer Olivier and his dad played together, laughed together, sang together, and read together. But now it’s time for Olivier to start school!
On the first day, Olivier’s dad isn’t quite ready . . . Suddenly, he feels nervous. His tummy hurts, and he would rather they both stay home. But Oliver isn’t convinced. What if the first day is really fun? What if it’s the start of an exciting year?
Le Bisou Secret by Audrey Penn
School is starting in the forest, but Antonin does not want to go. To help ease Antonin’s fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary.
Pat le Chat J’adore aller à l’école by Eric Litwin
Pat le Chat is back and this time he is “rocking in his school shoes”. Pat discovers the library, the lunchroom, the playground, and lots of other cool places at school. And no matter where he goes, Pat never stops moving and grooving and singing his song.
How to Make Un Ami: The Story of Elliott & Élodie By Amy Warr & Kristy Maan
This is a bilingual book where the main character, Elliott, learns French with the help of a new friend. Though not about school specifically, this story helps answer the “WHY” behind language learning and introduces the concept of French learning in a natural & easy way for children to understand.
Le pigeon DOIT aller à l’école! By Mo Williams
Why does Pigeon have to go to school? He already knows everything! And what if he doesn’t like it? What if the teacher doesn’t like him? What if he learns TOO MUCH!?! Ask not for whom the school bell rings; it rings for the Pigeon!
Timoté entre à l’école by Emmanuelle Massonaud
Today is a big day for little rabbit! For the first time, Timoté is going to school. A new world with lots of new and worrying experiences. Also included with this book is a learning game and scissor practice.
P’tit Loup rentre à l’école by Orianne Lallemand
Today P’tit Loup discovers school and wonders what awaits him there. Fortunately, his teacher and friends will reassure him and help him along the way.
Roi de la maternelle by Derrick D. Barnes
Starting kindergarten is a big milestone, and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! He’s dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can’t wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he’s up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm! And afterward, he cannot wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements and then wake up to start another day!
Le monstre des couleurs va à l’école by Anna Llenas
This books, thanks to the monster of colours, demonstrates the multiple emotions felt by a child starting school. The colour monster is a little worried. Today he is going to school for the first time… and he has no idea what will happen to him! As enthusiastic as he is afraid, he feels overwhelmed by a mixture of emotions. Fortunately, his friend, the little girl, is there to reassure and guide him. Little by little, he gets to know his classmates, listens to a beautiful story told by the teacher, feasts in the canteen, has fun in painting class and more. School isn’t that bad after all… Shall we go back tomorrow?
Bienvenue! Un livre sur l’inclusion by Alexandra Penfold
Join a group of students for a day at school! Everyone is welcome here no matter their appearance, beliefs, or culture- all are equally welcome! This is a place where not only are differences accepted, they are celebrated. There’s so much to learn from all our new friends.
Kindergarten can be intimidating for kids (and often even more so for us parents) in the days leading up to it and during the first few weeks. Hopefully these books will help you both get ready for the big day. And when your child gets home from their first day of school, take the time to celebrate such an incredible milestone!
Bonne chance les amis!
Madame Amy
Founder of 123 Petits Pas Inc., Certified French educator, and mother of 2 bilingual children.
