Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Book suggestions for 3-5 year olds who are moving far away from all they've ever known

    Posted 08-09-2020 11:43 AM
    Dear Friends,  I am looking for suggestions for books to read to an almost 4yo who is moving from Syracuse NY to Berkeley California.  He has been in Daycare and has lots of friends and teachers whom he will never see again.  His mother is worried about how he will be able to understand and cope with the change and asked for books which might help.  Mom is a child and adolescent psychiatrist graduating from fellowship here at SUNY Upstate.  Thanks, Terri Hargrave, Emeritus Associate Professor of Psychiatry, SUNY

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    Teresa Hargrave
    SUNY-UMU
    Syracuse NY
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  • 2.  RE: Book suggestions for 3-5 year olds who are moving far away from all they've ever known

    Posted 08-10-2020 09:41 AM
    Hi Teresa,

    There are a few books that come to my mind right away.  They are not specific to moving and are very open ended, but that it why I love them!  Once I Was Very Very Scared by Chandra Ippen, The Invisible String by Patrice Karst (this would be good for the whole class, and I suggest using rolls of yarn to provide a visual representation of the string), When I Feel Sad by Cornelia Spelman, and Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes.  You could also read general feelings books and ask prompting questions to explore the students questions and feelings around moving. 

    I would also suggest doing some memory making/legacy building projects to help the student remember and feel connected with his current friends.  It might help provide some comfort during his transition.  If you would like some legacy building project ideas feel free to private message me.  Good Luck!

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    Cassandra Weisz, MA CCLS
    Aberdeen SD
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  • 3.  RE: Book suggestions for 3-5 year olds who are moving far away from all they've ever known

    Posted 08-11-2020 09:08 AM
    Teresa:
    Cassandra has a great approach in using books that support the child's feelings. Lots of reminders that the child and the class can write letters to each others, send pictures, etc. might help also.  
    I made this book list a few years ago but don't think it's too outdated.

    Moving House: An Usborne First Experiences Book Anne Civardi (Factual)
    Mr. Rogers Moving
    Henry and Mudge and Annie's Good Move Cynthia Rylant (Mudge is a dog-a great series-they help their cousin Annie feel better about moving)
    Big Dan's Moving Van Leslie McGuire (a child helps load the moving van)
    Boomer's Big Day Constance McGeorge
    Katie Moves Liesbet Seegers
    We're Moving Heather Mausner
    Different Kinds of Goodbyes Shelley Rotner (photographs of children-useful for many situations)





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    Aren Stone
    she/her/hers
    Child Development Specialist
    The Early Years Project
    Cambridge, MA
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  • 4.  RE: Book suggestions for 3-5 year olds who are moving far away from all they've ever known

    Posted 08-12-2020 08:31 AM
    Thanks so much, Aren.  I think this list will really help my family and their daycare prepare him well.   Terri

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    Teresa Hargrave
    SUNY-UMU
    Syracuse NY
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