“My Nursery Booklet” – Helping Kids and Parents Feel at Home in Nursery

What Is “My Nursery Booklet”?

Starting nursery is an exciting but sometimes overwhelming experience—especially for young children who:

• Come from different cultural backgrounds

• Are new to group care

• Don’t yet speak the local language fluently

“My Nursery Booklet” is a simple, child-centered activity that helps children and their families feel more comfortable.

By using photos and interactive discussions, the booklet introduces children to the nursery’s daily routine and familiarizes them with key spaces, making the transition smoother and more reassuring.

How Does It Work?

The process is both playful and educational:

• Printed photos of important areas (like the playground, gym, bathroom, dining area, etc.) are displayed in the group room.

• Children and teachers talk together about the daily activities linked to these spaces, helping children visualize and understand what happens where.

• A small take-home booklet with labeled photos allows children and parents to continue talking about the nursery at home, reinforcing routines and language learning in a relaxed way.

What Are the Benefits?

Using a “My Nursery Booklet” offers multiple advantages:

• Supports Language Learning Children hear and repeat key words connected to their daily activities, helping vocabulary grow naturally.

• Strengthens Understanding of Routine Knowing what to expect builds a sense of security and autonomy.

• Boosts Confidence and Independence Familiarity with spaces and routines encourages children to navigate their environment more confidently.

• Promotes Intercultural Inclusion Children from diverse backgrounds can connect daily experiences with visual aids, helping bridge language gaps and cultural differences.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating “My Nursery Booklet”

1. Capture Daily Life

Take and print clear photos of key areas and activities around the nursery (e.g., arrival spot, snack area, outdoor playground, nap room).

2. Visual Display in Class

Display the photos where children gather (e.g., in the meeting circle area). Use them during daily discussions to introduce or recall the routine.

3. Talk & Explore Together

Discuss each space and its use:

• “Where do we eat lunch?”

• “Where do we wash our hands?”

• Encourage children to share experiences or feelings about each space.

4. Build a Visual Timeline

Arrange the photos in daily order (arrival → play → snack → story time → lunch, etc.). Use a clip or pointer to move along the timeline throughout the day, so children always know “what’s next.”

5. Create the Take-Home Booklet

Make a small version of the photo sequence (printed or laminated) for each child. Families can use it to:

• Talk about the nursery day

• Practice new words

• Build excitement and comfort at home

6. Revisit and Expand Regularly

Use the booklet and wall photos regularly to:

• Reinforce learning

• Introduce new areas (e.g., field trips, seasonal activities)

• Support children who might need extra time adjusting

Why It Matters

By making the nursery environment visually familiar and predictable, children:

• Feel safer and more secure

• Build emotional connections to their new environment

• Gain independence and pride in mastering their routines

Families, especially those new to the local culture or language, also feel more connected to their child’s daily experiences, creating a stronger bridge between home and school.