Starting School | Top Tips for Teachers
We understand that starting school is an exciting but nerve-racking time for children and, as a teacher, you’re looking for the best ways to support them during the transition. That’s why we asked teachers what their top tips are for helping reassure children and put them at ease in the classroom, so you can feel confident in your pupils having a happy and positive school experience that will stay with them for years to come.
Top Tips
“Have key staff on the gate in the morning with a huge smile, a cheery good morning and a compliment or personal comment about the child so they feel valued, and they feel you know them personally.”
– Rachel Jones, Teacher
“Introduce a buddy system at lunchtimes and reading buddies during the week.”
– Lisa Spry, Teacher
“Be approachable and supportive, and build positive relationships.”
– Nicola Blain, Teacher
“Create a friendly, welcoming and nurturing environment.”
– Ciara Haran, Teacher
“Take the time to get to know your children and for them to know you.”
– Helen Creak, Teacher
“I think it’s so important [children] feel straight away like they are part of a classroom family. My top tip is to get the children to draw themselves in a picture of their favourite book and display these all year round so the children are part of their own story.”
– Amy Smith, Teacher
“Make sure they have fun! Play social skills games, read stories and sing.”
– Roslyn, Teacher
“Listen to their dreams early on and help them to develop their voice to achieve them.”
– Sasha Doherty, Teacher
“Take their worries seriously, even if they seem small to you.”
– Tracy Roberts, Teaching Assistant
“Read to children everyday – a variety of books in all different kinds of voices and rhythm and rhyme.”
– Angela Williams, Teacher
Books for starting school
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Wonder
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- Offer price: £5.99
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The Boy at the Back of the Class
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- Offer price: £5.99
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The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh
Editor's pick
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £5.99
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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £5.99
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The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark
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- Offer price: £4.99
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Go Big: The Secondary School Survival Guide
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- Offer price: £7.99
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The Proudest Blue
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- Offer price: £5.99
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Can You See Me?
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £4.99
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The Goldfish Boy
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £5.99
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This is Me
Editor's pick
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £5.99
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Shine
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £4.99
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The Lion Inside
Award-winning team
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- Offer price: £4.99
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The Worrysaurus
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- Offer price: £4.99
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Dare to Be You
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- Offer price: £6.99
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Ruby's Worry
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- Offer price: £4.99
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Planet Omar #1: Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £6.30
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You Are a Champion
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- Offer price: £7.99
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Welcome to Dinosaur School
Award-winning illustrator
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £6.30
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This Rock Is Mine
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £4.99
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My Monster and Me
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £4.99
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Frankie's World #2: Finding My Voice
Editor's pick
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £6.99
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Meesha Makes Friends
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £4.99
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Barbara Throws a Wobbler
Award-winning author
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £4.99
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Fabulous Frankie
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £5.99
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Glitter Boy
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £5.99
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Friendship Bench
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £6.30
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The Treasure Hunters
Editor's pick
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £5.99
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A Better Day
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £7.99
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When Jelly Had a Wobble
Editor's pick
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £4.99
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Ella on the Outside
- gbp prices
- Offer price: £7.20
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