Personalised book for first after school club: your child's new adventure

What happens in your child's First After-School Club

1. Your child checks their club bag as the school day ends.
2. They enter the classroom and spot children they do not yet know.
3. The group begins a shared creative activity with plenty of choices.
4. Your child offers an idea and works alongside a new friend.
5. A grown-up arrives at pick-up time, and your child shares what they made.

How the first page could read

The final bell rang, and most of the children hurried towards the gate. But your child stayed at school today. Tucked inside their bag was a little note: After-School Club. Your child looked along the quieter corridor, took a steady breath, and followed the arrow on the wall.

Your child’s name, look and little details replace these words, and the whole story is written for their age.

Why this story works

An after-school club can feel like a whole new part of the school day: a different room, a new adult, unfamiliar children and the question of what will happen until pick-up. This story gives your child a clear, reassuring sequence to picture, from staying behind after the bell to sharing their club activity at home. Rather than needing to be the loudest child in the room, your child joins in through a small contribution and a friendly exchange. Seeing their own face and name in the illustrations makes the situation feel closer to their experience, while the creative group task gives parents plenty to talk about before a real first session.

Reading it together

• Read it the evening before the club, then ask your child what activity they hope they might try.
• Point out the after-school routine in the pictures and talk through who will collect your child.
• After the real club, revisit the final spread and add your child's own favourite moment from the afternoon.

Suggested art style: Storybook watercolour

Soft storybook watercolour makes the familiar school corridors and end-of-day light feel calm and welcoming. A sidekick idea: a cheerful paper bird made during the club activity. You can pick any of the four styles and change the details in the form.