My oldest daughter starts school for the first time this Fall. I seriously don’t know how it happened. I swear it was just yesterday I was changing her diapers and swaddling her to sleep. Now she’s counting down the weeks until she leaves me and her little sister in order to go “learn all the things!”, as she likes to say. She’ll tell you with a brave face that she is excited…excited about being away from home all day, riding a big school bus, making new friends, meeting her teacher, doing school work…but I know she’s nervous. We talk about how it’s completely normal to be scared or nervous about change and new routines, but sometimes books say it better than I can. If you have a new student-to-be in your house who might be experiencing some anxiety about the big day, try some of these iPad storybook apps:
iStoryTime Kids Book – My First Day of School by zuuka incorporated
This storybook app is recommended for ages 2-7, perfect for your soon-to-be preschooler or kindergartner. Join an excited and scared Charlie as he gets ready for his first day of school and find out whether he looks forward to his second day. Simple to use, with multiple narration and page-turning options. $0.99, 4+ rating
Nugget’s First Day of School by Hallmark
This interactive storybook can be used with or without the Nugget Story Buddy stuffed animal (found at a Hallmark Gold Crown store near you). Read along as Nugget embarks on his first day at puppy school and makes new friends while he’s there. In addition to the story, there is a kid-friendly puzzle and an interactive matching game featuring characters from the story. FREE, 4+ rating
Angelina Ballerina’s New Dance Teacher by HiT Entertainment
The whole family will enjoy this interactive reading experience as Angelina meets a new teacher, Ms. Mimi, on her first day of dance class at her new school. Find out if Angelina can work things out with her new teacher, who is nothing like Angelina expects her to be. Features include CGI animation, animated ballet lessons, puzzles, painting activities, and music videos, just to name a few. $2.99, 4+ rating
School Bus Gus by Gramercy Consultants
Introduce your new student to the school bus with this fun story about Gus, a little school bus who learns about self-worth while on a field trip. With over 30 beautifully hand-drawn pictures, light-up text, and a coloring book, Gus will show that we all have special talents and everyone has a purpose and brings value to the world. $1.99, 4+ rating
First Day of School Countdown by Appracadabra.com
The first day of school wouldn’t be complete without a countdown! Personalize this app by taking your child’s picture; fill out his name and the date school starts, and you will get a reminder 7 days before the big day so you won’t forget to start counting down. Mark off each of the 7 days in a fun way and enjoy a little surprise on the first day of school. $0.99, 4+ rating
