Books to support transition and a free lesson resource!

As we move ever closer to September, thoughts turn inevitably to the new year.

Of course, we hope you’re spending lots of time enjoying the summer holidays first! But as a team who have spent years in schools, we also know that it is likely you will be thinking and planning for your new class. 

Its a lovely time in school, filled with excitement and anticipation. Many of us will have fond memories of this ourselves – July spent carrying our trays to the new classroom, emptying our school bags of months of scrap paper drawings. Then September, arriving on the first day back with new school jumpers and big grins. 

It can also be a nerve-wracking time for children. It feels particularly intense at primary school where children form such strong bonds with the teacher they have seen every day for the last 12 months, and now must start the process all over again. New desk, new classroom, new rules and expectations. Its a lot for our young minds. 

So, we’ve put together a list of books and activity ideas that might help children feel settled. These could be used on Transition Day, during July or in the first few weeks of September.

What’s more, we’ve also created an easy to implement, two lesson, unit based on the book ‘The Smart Cookie’ by Jory John. Its a wonderful story that explores learning behaviours and all the ways we can be successful. The story-led lessons are discussion focused, so they are a great way to get to know your new class and establish those strong foundations of expectations from the word go!

P.S. Member schools, don’t forget you can also access our specially design PiXL resource on managing change!

Book recommendations

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman

Age range: EYFS/KS1

A simple and beautiful book that champions diversity. Perfect for a new class or when new children are joining.

Activity idea: Using paper handprint cut outs (pre-prepared or made by the children), ask children to draw a picture of themselves on their handprint; focusing on what they love about themselves. When completed, create a display that shows all the class together. Note all the wonderful differences and similarities between the children and how these should be celebrated.

Mooncat and Me by Lydia Corry.

Age range: KS1

A wonderful choice for children feeling nervous about a new class. It includes vibrant illustrations, filled with detail.

Activity idea: Ask the children to imagine that Pearl is starting their class next week. Can they come up with a list of ideas to help her settle in? Then talk about how Pearl won’t know anything about the class or the school – can the children create a ‘Welcome’ booklet for her. Examples of what it might include could be – who to ask for help (including photos of key staff), a map of the school, fun fact about the class, a timetable, lunch menu etc.

On Sudden Hill by Linda Sarah and Benji Davies

Age range: KS1/Lower KS2

A beautiful tale of friendship and it’s inevitable ups and downs. This story leans in to the theme of jealousy and, as such, would be great for classes with new children or those struggling with friendship groups.

Activity idea: Take a cardboard box and show the children how plain and boring it is. Ask each child, in turn, to draw a small doodle on the box – they should make it fun and bright. Once it is done, talk together about how their collective drawings have made the box better. Refer this sentiment back to the story – was the characters’ cardboard contraption better or worse when they worked together.

Oi Duck-billed Platypus! by Kes Gray and Jim Field

Age range: KS1

A firm favourite in many classrooms, this laugh-out-loud book is a great ice breaker for nervous classes!

Activity idea: Can the children come up with fun rhyming words for their own names? Work in pairs or small groups.

The Invisible String by Patrice Karst and Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

Age range: EYFS/KS1

A particularly sweet book for new children starting reception. The story delves into the theme of separation is a gentle way, helping to settle any nerves about being away from parents/caregivers for the first time.

Activity idea: Using paper hearts (pre-prepared or cut out by the children), give each child two hearts to decorate. One heart is for them to keep in their pocket or school bag and the other is to give to their parent or caregiver. They can use these hearts as their ‘invisible string’, looking at it or giving it a squeeze whenever they feel sad. You could send a short letter home with the hearts so caregivers can follow up on this conversation at home, if they like.

The Worst Class in the World by Joanna Nadin and Rikin Parekh

Age range: KS2

A funny and engaging story that your class will think is hilarious!

Activity idea: Pretend there is a competition for ‘the best class in world’. Why do the children think their class should win? This is a great opportunity to highlight all the positive learning behaviours you would like to encourage – remembering to also include things such as ‘we have lots of fun’, ‘we are good at making friends’ etc. The children could create posters to show why the class are so amazing!

Don’t forget, we have book recommendations for Year 6s starting secondary school here Supporting children through the move to secondary school

Member schools

Don’t forget, if you are a member school you also get access to our fantastic ‘Managing Change’ resources. Created especially for PiXL, these resources are designed to support KS1 and KS2 tackle any challenge that comes their way!

Just head to the membership area and click on ‘supplementary resources’