Children’s and youth literature – read together: 3 reading tips for starting school – Radio SRF 1

The new children’s and youth literature program on SRF 1 opens with a special focus: books that deal with starting school and school friendships. Here are three book recommendations that shed more light on this important milestone in young people’s lives.

Writer Erich Kästner wrote to all school children in 1925: “There you are, sorted alphabetically or by size, for the first time on these hard benches, and hopefully it’s just the time of year when you thread me onto brown and blond to dry porcini reminded. Instead of lucky guys, as it should be.”

It is clear that many children are familiar with mixed feelings when they start school. It’s nice when the parents, the grandmother or the godfather talk about their own experiences – or read a story.

1. A classic: «School stories from Franz»

For example, the “School Stories from Franz” by the Austrian children’s and youth book author Christine Nöstlinger. Among other things, it tells of a teacher who behaves like a general towards the children. And how Franz and his grandmother are committed to changing that. Nöstlinger tells an empathetic and humorous story, picking up the young readers in their living environment. With strong characters and interactive elements, learning to read with Franz becomes an entertaining experience.

2. For kindergarten children: “Everyone goes to school”

But what if you have no idea what school is like? Then Anna Fiske’s picture book “Everyone goes to school” is good reading. It answers all questions about starting school: What does a classroom look like? What awaits me there? And how does the homework work? “Everyone goes to school” is beautifully illustrated and designed in such a way that you can open the book anywhere and exchange ideas about the relevant scene.

3. A look out at the world: “Today I’m going to school”

Clara Schaksmeier’s book «Today I go to school» tells the story of ten children who go to school in different countries. Among others in Australia, Vietnam, Cameroon and Brazil. You can find out what their way to and from school looks like, what rituals they start the day with – and which break games are particularly cool. Exciting information, well-proportioned texts and loving illustrations characterize this book.

The books presented here invite exchanges between generations: you can talk about current experiences or bring back memories. And philosophize about Erich Kästner’s advice: “Don’t be too busy! Life isn’t all schoolwork. Man should learn to cram only the oxen. Dear parents, if you don’t understand something, ask your children!”