posted on 18 Aug 2024

Olu’s Teacher by Jamel C. Campbell, illustrated by Lydia Mha

As an ex Early Years teacher I know how the transition from home to nursery school can be a big moment in the lives of young children and their parents. It is a positive experience for many, but others take some time to adjust and feel comfortable with the unfamiliar environment. I have known children who run in on the first day without a backward glance, and others who scream and lash out for weeks when they get to the door of the building. This delightful picture book is written by an experienced Early Years practitioner and acknowledges the common nervousness about starting at nursery  and starting at school.

I like the emphasis on the teacher in the title because Olu is a little boy who has serious concerns about meeting him for the first time. He is trying to figure out what this unfamiliar creature might be like:

‘’Where do teachers LIVE? What do teachers EAT? What if my teacher has big, sharp teeth like a T.Rex? Or breathes fire like a dragon?’

His parents reassure him of course, but he has a way to calm his worries by saying ‘MACARONI’ which proves to be very helpful as he goes through the day. It might even be a useful strategy that other children could try.

He is greeted by Jay who seems to be a very jolly and friendly teacher with a shiny gold tooth. Olu goes on to enjoy a very positive first day with his friends Akeem and Sarah. This includes plenty of drawing, music, building with bricks, playing in the sand, football and stories. When he eventually goes home with dad he looks at himself in the mirror and realises that his teacher seemed familiar because he looks very similar in terms of skin colour and hairstyle - could this have helped him to feel so comfortable? The author makes the point in an afterword for grown-ups that nursery teachers come in all shapes and sizes, but that coming from the same community as a child can sometimes be helpful. He also offers some sound ideas to help to build excitement and confidence around starting at nursery.

I strongly recommend this beautifully illustrated picture book that can be used with young children and their parents as preparation for this significant moment. I also plan to use it with children who have made the transition as a way of reflecting on how they initially managed and thinking about what made them anxious/ what reassured them. I will also share it with Early Years students to help with their understanding of good practice and the importance of meeting the needs of individual children.

Published by Walker Books just in time for September, it should be available from your local independent bookshop, who will order it for you if not already on their shelves.

 

Karen Argent

August 2024