The Psychology of Starting School and How I Feel About My School

This set contains the professional guide The Psychology of Starting School alongside the storybook How I Feel About My School.

Written by expert developmental psychologists and featuring cutting-edge research, the guidebook aids parents and professionals through this exciting but sometimes tricky period in a highly accessible and practical way. It explores how social and emotional competence emerges within a network of supportive relationships and addresses the all-important topic of children?s early friendships, explaining how children?s mindreading skills and ability to regulate their feelings and behaviour contribute to a successful school transition. It is complemented by the beautifully illustrated storybook which will appeal to children, and can be used by parents and teachers as a tool to discuss emotions. Based on the Ready or Not research project, which collected different viewpoints on school readiness, How I Feel About My School helps children identify and reflect on their emotions and manage difficult feelings, encouraging them talk openly about how they feel.

This set is invaluable for parents, teachers, SENDCos and health visitors, mental health professionals and social workers supporting the important transition to school, as well as those wanting to facilitate conversations about the emotional highs and lows of a day at school.

The set includes:

• The Psychology of Starting School: An Evidence-Based Guide for Parents and Teachers (ISBN: 9781032211497)


• How I Feel About My School: A Story to Identify and Reflect on Children?s Emotions (ISBN: 9781032880846)

Praise for The Psychology of Starting School

'I wish I had this book when my children started school! It?s packed with practical advice for parents, from world-leading experts. The book takes a research-informed holistic view of school readiness, based on what works best for supporting young children?s learning and development. Teachers will see this as a useful resource to build a strong foundation with families right from the start. This is a must-read for anyone wanting to give their children the best primary school experience? it will start many conversations worth having.'
Professor Sara Baker, Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, UK

'In this exciting new book, the authors weave developmental theory and cutting-edge research findings with the views of parents and teachers to explain how we can best support children throughout their school journeys. This book is packed full of reassurance, support, and lots of practical tips for parents and is a great reminder of the importance of developing connections between all the people who surround children ? family, friends, and teachers ? and how working in partnership can help children (and everyone around them!) to flourish.'
Dr Amy L. Paine, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, UK

'This book offers an accessible evidence-based guide for all those supporting children through the exciting but tricky early school years. It links the transition to school to other key transitions (e.g., becoming a sibling) and addresses the important topics of children?s socio-emotional skills and early friendships, and the impact starting school has on family life. Designed to dip in and out, and complete with summaries and practical tips, The Psychology of Starting School is essential reading for parents, Early Years professionals, SENDCos, and all those working with children and families.'
Professor Alison Pike, School of Psychology, Sussex University, UK