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My First Day of School
Big Ezz remembers his own first day of school. Mum draws a tiny heart on his hand, and through the day he finds three small secrets that help. When Mum is back at the same door, he tells her it was so much better than he thought.
The three secrets
Say them together: one finger, two fingers, three!
Bring a little piece of home
A photo, a small teddy, or a heart drawn on your hand. When you miss home, look at it.
Say one tiny hi
You don't need lots of words. Just say hi. That's how friends start.
Ask a grown-up
Grown-ups at school are there to help. Ask, even when it feels a bit scary.
Colouring book
Find Ezz, the three secrets, the funny dragon, the big hug at home time, and a page to draw your own. Free to print for home and classroom.
Open the colouring book Download PDF (12 pages)
Three-secrets card
A fridge card and four pocket cards to cut out. Pop one in the backpack for the big day.
For grown-ups
A few minutes to read, then small things to try together.
When to watch
- A few days before school starts, so there is time to talk and practise.
- Again the evening before, if your child likes it. Hearing a familiar story can be calming.
- After the first days too. Children often want to compare their day with Ezz's.
After watching, ask
- How did little Ezz feel the night before? Have you ever felt wobbly like that?
- What little piece of home would you like to take with you?
- Who could you say a tiny hi to?
- Which grown-up at school could you ask for help?
- What made Ezz laugh at story time?
There are no wrong answers. Listening matters more than fixing.
Practise the three secrets at home
Bring a little piece of home
Choose it together: a small photo, a tiny toy, or a heart drawn on the hand like Mum's. Check what your school allows. Practise the plan: "When you miss me, look at it and take a big breath."
Say one tiny hi
Play it with toys first: one teddy says hi, the other says hi back. Then try it for real at the park or the shop. One word is enough.
Ask a grown-up
Practise the exact words, like "Can I go to the toilet, please?" or "I need help." Take turns being the teacher. Asking is the brave part, so praise the asking.
If the worry stays
- Wobbly for a while is normal. Many children are unsettled for the first days or weeks. Some are fine on day one and upset on day three.
- Keep goodbyes short and the same every day. A hug, your little ritual, and go. Long goodbyes are usually harder for everyone.
- Say who comes back, and when. "I'll be at this door after story time." Then be there, like Mum in the story.
- Tell the teacher about specific worries, like the toilet or not knowing anyone. Teachers can quietly help.
- Talk to the school or your doctor if the worry is very strong, goes on for weeks, or affects sleep, eating or play.
Did this help?
We'd love to know, or hear which "first" you'd like next. Send us a note. Please don't include your child's name or school.