Everyday growing
Free printable pack · Starting school
Starting School
Gentle starting school printables to help your child get ready for school, talk about worries and wonders, and make the first day feel more familiar.
Email me this packFree · Printable PDF · No book needed
What’s inside
These starting school activities give you something simple to share as you talk about a new place, new faces and everyday school routines. Look at a page together, notice what feels exciting or uncertain, and follow your child’s questions. There is room for worries and wonders side by side.
- My First Day at School
- Starting School Checklist
- My School Worries & Wonders
- A guide for grown-ups
Choose what helps today. Your child can point, talk, color or draw, with no need to finish every page.
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Who this pack is for
This pack is for children aged 4–7 and their grown-ups who want a gentle way to explore getting ready for school. Your child might be starting kindergarten, wondering about the first day or finding settling in a little wobbly. Some children have lots to say; others prefer to point or listen. You can share the pages before school begins or return to them once your child has experiences to talk about. There is no need to compare children or expect them to feel ready all at once.
How to use it together
- Choose one page. Start with something that interests your child. Leave the rest for another day so preparing for school feels like a conversation rather than a task to finish.
- Make room for mixed feelings. Ask what your child wonders about. First day at school worries can sit alongside excitement; listen without needing to turn every worry into a cheerful answer.
- Talk about familiar details. Use what you know from your school to discuss the day in simple words. If you do not know an answer, you can find out together.
- Return after the first day. Ask what felt familiar and what was surprising. Keep your words kind, notice small steps and let your child choose whether to revisit a page.
Questions grown-ups ask
What age is it for?
The suggested range is ages 4–7, with a grown-up alongside. Use that as a guide and choose pages that match your child’s interest and understanding.
Is it really free?
Yes. The 5-page printable pack is free. Joining A Little Letter from Collyvale is optional; you can leave its checkbox unticked and still request your pack.
Do I need the Collyvale book?
No. The pack can be used on its own. There is no need to buy or read a Collyvale book first.
How do I get it?
Enter your email address in the form above. We’ll email you the download link so you can save the PDF and print the pages you want. Check your junk folder if it hasn’t arrived.
Can I print it more than once?
Yes, you can print extra copies for your own family, for example to return to an activity as your child settles in. Keep the PDF saved so it is easy to find.
Can I share it or use it at school?
Yes, please print it for your own family, classroom, preschool or group. If you’d like to share it, send people the link to this page rather than the PDF. The packs, stories and characters are © Brendan Martin, Collyvale. Please don’t sell them, or upload them to other websites, including in changed form.
Who makes Collyvale's packs?
Collyvale is made by Brendan Martin, a father and grandfather who wanted to help families through everyday wobbles. Read more about Collyvale.
More help with starting school
- Helping Your Child Start School — Gentle ideas for preparing together and talking about a new beginning.
- First-Day School Worries — A little support for conversations about first-day nerves.
- Starting School Checklist — Practical things to consider as your family gets ready.
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Get this free packCollyvale provides general information, stories and family activities. It is not a medical or mental-health service and does not replace professional advice. If a child's worry is persistent, severe or interfering with everyday life, speak to their school, school nurse or doctor. If you're worried about your own wellbeing, please talk to your doctor. You can also find trusted information at healthychildren.org.