New book to help welcome young children new to Scotland

The EIS recently marked World Book Day with the launch of a new book entitled Mochara Goes to Nursery, to help welcome young children who are new to Scotland.

Mochara Goes to Nursery is an extension of existing EIS welcome packs, with the story being specifically written for nursery-aged children. The book follows Mochara as she arrives in Scotland and gets ready for her first day in nursery.

She is understandably nervous and the story focuses on the warm welcome and support she receives from nursery staff and her new friends, as she navigates these different surroundings. Mochara Goes to Nursery is available in 8 languages with the English text sitting alongside one of the other languages in each version of the book. This allows parents and children to explore Mochara’s adventures together.

The books were premiered at a special event at Whinhill Primary School in Greenock, with children from the school’s nursery class in attendance to hear Mochara’s story and to take part in a range of related, age-appropriate activities.

Commenting, EIS Ex-President Paula McEwan, a primary teacher in Inverclyde, said, “The existing Welcome Packs the EIS distributes around the country are for P1 – S6 and introduce learners who are new to Scotland to their new learning environment and to what they can expect for themselves and from us. They help ease the transition into learning spaces, offer essential information and help learners adapt to new routines and environments.”

“The children’s booklets have sections on Scottish culture – food, clothes, music, dance and poetry, which allows the young people the opportunity to discuss those elements within their own cultural experience. The parents’ booklet helps parents engage with settings and covers children’s rights, the shape of our school year, our curriculum, the support they can expect in school, after-school opportunities and what might be available in the community.”

On the development of the nursery booklets, Ms McEwan added, “It’s been amazing to see the different stages of Mochara come to life. And the name says it all – these books are a welcome – a welcome to our earliest learners and to their parents, from the EIS, from the establishments using the resource and from their learner pals who will share the story with them.”

“The booklets say to these young people that we know this is new, we know this might be a wee bit scary, but it’s ok, because we are with you. And we are with you in a way you can understand and in a way that you can engage with.”

Ms McEwan added, “Early years learning lays the foundations of how our children relate to, understand and accept others. Mochara promotes that acceptance, encourages empathy, and has equality, diversity and inclusion writ large in an age and stage appropriate way. What better message to send to our youngest, and for some, our most vulnerable learners, as they begin their learning journey in Scotland?”

Speaking at the event, Whinhill Primary Headteacher Liz Ruddy said, “At Whinhill Primary and nursery class, inclusion and acceptance are very important. It links with our values and underpins all that we do. We are a nationally accredited School of Sanctuary.

“We understand that schools are at the heart of their community and we have a powerful role in building a welcoming culture, and ensuring that families seeking sanctuary are effectively supported. Whinhill is a place of safety for those fleeing conflict or seeking asylum and a place where they can thrive.”

“Mochara Goes to Nursery is a welcome resource to support our work. It celebrates the youngest members of our school and nursery family and will ensure that our youngest children and their families will feel safe and welcome.”

And the books were a resounding hit with the children and young people in attendance. Reflecting on what they had heard, one nursery pupil said, “I liked that Mochara felt welcome at nursery and thought it was nice that she wasn’t afraid at the end of the story.” A secondary pupil also commented, “Mochara could be inspiring as she shows the kids how it is to move country and start over. Mochara can be relatable for young children.”