Getting ready for school: Tips, stories & fun!

Starting school is a big step! We’ll explore how children manage emotions when starting Reception and Year 1, and consider how parents and teachers can support children handling emotional rollercoasters.

Who is this for?

Families with children starting Reception or moving up to Year 1.

What to expect?

- Creative art activities for children to get inspired to create artwork for next year’s festival.

- Meet researchers from Cambridge’s Departments of Psychology and Faculty of Education

- Hear about a new picture book designed to help children talk about the ups and downs of school life

- Pick up practical tips for supporting children’s thinking, social skills, and sibling relationships

Why join us?

Starting school is a big step! This event will explore:

- How children manage emotions during the transition to Reception

- What parents and teachers find helpful in supporting children

- Simple strategies for handling emotional ups and downs

Meet our speakers (with Dr Stephanie Archer as facilitator):

- Prof Claire Hughes (Psychology) and Dr Sara Baker (Education): Insights into children’s emotional development and what works well for families

- Dr Soizie Le Courtois (PEDAL) and Dr Kevin Cheung (UK govt Dept. Education): Sharing experiences as researchers, a teacher, and a parent

- Anita Lehmann: Children’s author introducing her new book about starting school.