Before the first day at preschool
A little story about the first day, with your child as the hero. Watch it together at a calm time, then talk.
An example story beginning for this moment. It is not a cartoon of your own story.
Cartoons are made with AI. You preview each one before your child sees it. Automatic checks can miss things.
Let's imagine
Example, made with AI
Leo (4) arrives at preschool with his stuffed rabbit. A box of blocks sits on a low table. "Watch first, or sit by the blocks?" asks his mom. Leo watches another child stack two blocks. "I'll miss you," he says. "I'll miss you too," says Mom. "I'll be back after rest time." Leo adds one block. Then he waves.
The characters in this example are made up. Your child can be the hero, with or without a photo. The picture at the top shows the moment, not these characters.
What happens in the story
In the example above:
- Leo takes a quiet look before he joins in.
- He says he'll miss Mom, and Mom says it back.
- Mom tells him one honest, concrete thing: she'll be back after rest time.
- Leo takes one small step: one block.
Talk-after card
Here are three gentle questions to talk about after this example. Best watched together, then followed by a chat or a game.
- What did Leo do first when he got there?
- What did Leo and his mom say to each other?
- Is there something you'd like to bring, or say, on your first day? Only if you want to.
Use the ones that feel right. Skip any you like.
What a cartoon can and can't do
- Each Zubby cartoon is made to be talked about together. It can't do the work of routine, patience or your child's doctor.
- If you are worried about your child's sleep, eating, fears or behavior, talk to your child's doctor, nurse or teacher.
What research says
We looked for studies on getting ready for preschool and found guidance, but no trials. [14] A story is one way to start the talk.
- [14]Tunis D, Kleiner R, Loewenstein FB. 13 tips for starting preschool. National Association for the Education of Young Children. naeyc.org
Zubby is a family storytelling tool, not a medical, therapeutic or educational treatment. Zubby cartoons have not been tested in studies.