Hi there!
It's hard to believe that in just a few weeks it will be time to go back to school! I love establishing a strong, compassionate, and friendly classroom community starting on day one. Here are some of the books that I plan on using with my class this back to school season. Some I've used before, and some are new additions. I hope you find this list helpful! I plan on sharing more back to school books next week. If you do end up using any of these suggestions I would love to hear what you think! None of the links below are affiliate links. Feel free to contact me at abuckeyeteacher@gmail.com or reach out to me on Instagram! Happy reading!
All Are Welcome
When I first saw this book -- my expectations were SO high. After I read the book, it exceeded them! This will be my first read aloud of the year -- and it will hopefully set a tone for our classroom community! This book is beautifully illustrated and has a great message -- All Are Welcome. The story shows all types of kids going through the school day with each other -- it shows a school community where everyone is accepted and respected. The back of the book jacket is a poster too!
Alma and How She Got Her Name
I purchased this book for my students last year and my class loved it! It tells the story of how Alma, a girl with six names, learns all about her names and where they're from. She learns a lot about herself and her family. After reading this book my students went home and talked to their families to learn more about their own names. They shared about what they learned the next day at morning meeting. There are so many ways to use this book, especially during the BTS season!
I Walk With Vanessa: A Story About A Simple Act of Kindness
Shoutout to my friend Devin (@starsinsecondgrade) who found this gem while we were at the San Diego airport! This is an impactful, moving, and wordless picture book. The lesson possibilities are endless! It shows how one act of kindness can lead to more. I can't wait to see the discussions that we have around this read aloud!
Mela and the Elephant
I could hardly wait for this book to be released earlier this year! My students LOVE the author Dow Phumiruk. This fable teaches students that they should be kind and helpful to others without expecting something in return. The fable has Thai customs and traditions -- which my students LOVED learning about. The author's note at the end of book is lovely and written so that students can easily understand it. This was one of my favorite read alouds last year -- the message is very impactful.
Brave
The new year can be scary and overwhelming for students (...and teachers too)! Through words and amazing illustrations this book simply shows kids how they can be brave. The wonderful author, Stacy McAnulty, has great activities that go with this book here. My class completed this one last year and then put them all together on bulletin board paper.
Cece Loves Science
When I was reading this book all I could keep thinking was -- THIS IS PERFECT! It is perfect for beginning of the year when you're teaching students what a scientist does. Cece conducts an experiment to try and see if her dog will eat veggies. There are so many teachable moments throughout this book. It will be my first read aloud during science this year!
The Thing Loud Couldn't Do
I love to use this book throughout the year, especially during the fist two weeks of school. In this story Lou is faced with doing something she is afraid of doing -- climbing a tree. She tries to figure out a way to overcome her fear -- something so many of my students were able to relate to. This book led to a great class discussion!
The Fruit Salad Friend
In this book the author Maria Dismondy teaches students what do to when a friend isn't being kind. It gives students empowering strategies and real examples that can be used throughout the school day and beyond. My students were really able to connect to this book last year and I saw many of them check it out for independent reading as well. We have just about all of Maria's books -- and I highly recommend adding them to your classroom library!
The Best Part of Me
I saw my friend @aprimarykindoflife share a beautiful project she did with her students after reading this book! In this book you see children's responses to the question "What is the best part of you?" I think this would be a unique back to school lesson and a way for students to learn about each other in a meaningful way.
School's First Day of School
I loved this book because the point of view is from the school! The school is nervous about what it will be like when the students come through the door. The school doesn't have a great start to the day but it does get better...and you'll have to read it to figure out why! I think this would be great to read at the end of the first day of school right before dismissal. It would be a fun way for the students to reflect on their first day.
I hope you have found these suggestions helpful! Happy reading!
