How is this different from a first day of preschool book?

It does the same job as a first day of preschool book: it walks your child through the new place before they go. The difference is that your child is the main character, the story uses their preschool’s name if you add it, and it comes narrated, so you can listen together.

Will it stop the tears at the door?

It can’t promise that, and some days will feel harder than others. It helps your child know what to expect: the coat hook, a toy to explore, a teacher who helps and a familiar pickup at the end of the day. Settling in takes time.

When should we start listening to it?

A week or two before the first day is a good start, and it is worth replaying once preschool begins. Your child might pick one small step from the story, like finding their coat hook or telling the teacher “I need help.”

First day of preschool story, starring your child

Create a story

Your child’s name

Preschool or school name (optional)

Any extra details to add?

Anything to avoid? (optional)

Optional — leave out monsters, getting lost, separation, loud surprises, or anything they don't want tonight.

The story is written and narrated in :

Narrator voice:

Every everyday challenge story is about 3 minutes long.

Who's listening?

The small step in this story

Your child tries one small step, such as finding their coat hook or telling the teacher “I need help.” Some days will feel easier than others, and settling in can take a while.

Talk about the story together

What did the character find in the new classroom?
Who could they ask for help?
What would you like to see first at preschool?

Your child can answer, point to a picture, or simply listen. There is no correct answer.

They are designed for everyday conversations and practice. They do not promise that one story will change a habit or make a worry disappear.

Preparing a toddler for preschool, one step at a time

A new classroom, new faces and a new routine are a lot for a small child, even an excited one. Preparing a toddler for preschool often comes down to making the unknown familiar: what the room looks like, who will help, and that pickup always comes. That is why parents read a first day of preschool book or a preschool social story in the weeks before. A story lets your child walk through the day in advance, at their own pace.

Questions parents ask

How is this different from a first day of preschool book?: It does the same job as a first day of preschool book: it walks your child through the new place before they go. The difference is that your child is the main character, the story uses their preschool’s name if you add it, and it comes narrated, so you can listen together.
Will it stop the tears at the door?: It can’t promise that, and some days will feel harder than others. It helps your child know what to expect: the coat hook, a toy to explore, a teacher who helps and a familiar pickup at the end of the day. Settling in takes time.
When should we start listening to it?: A week or two before the first day is a good start, and it is worth replaying once preschool begins. Your child might pick one small step from the story, like finding their coat hook or telling the teacher “I need help.”

A first day of preschool story, starring your child

Preparing a toddler for preschool, one step at a time

Questions parents ask