Oh the first weeks of school. There’s something so special about them! So much is happening; relationships being built, procedures being taught, personalities being learned, and friendships being formed.
Read alouds are an important part of this time in elementary classrooms. Stories captivate our students easily and give everyone common ground to discuss and learn. There are so many books I could recommend for this time of year. In my classroom the first days of school are filled with 3-4 books a day! They intertwine into so many procedures and character expectations; I can’t help but use them. They also create a memories we can refer back to all year (“remember how in _____ book _____ happened?)
So, without further ado, here are 5 Must Have Books for Back to School:
1) First Day Jitters by Julie Dannenburg
Best fit for 1st-4th grade
The text is a legend! Sarah Jane Hartwell is nervous for her first day of school-so nervous she is trying to get out of going. The text follows different moments of Sarah’s morning leading up to her walk into the classroom. The surprise ending is sure to bring a smile to students’ faces (I still remember the first time I read it-I really didn’t see it coming!)
After reading this text, I love discussing with students how students felt and feel about their first day. Students write a small journal entry on their feelings and then I pass out “Jitter Juice” (a Kool-Aid jammer!) for students to enjoy. It’s something my kids remembered all year (even the ones not particularly crazy about school!)
This is the first text I read to students as their new teacher. Although there are many great new books coming out-I’ll always keep this one first. It’s what I’ve done since my first year of teaching…and I love a good tradition! I also make “Last Day Blues,” (another text about Sarah Jane by the same author) the final book I read to my students on the last day of school. Call me sentimental…I know!
2) Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson
Best fit for 1st-6th
A beautiful, thought provoking tale of the missed opportunities to show kindness. The ending is makes way for powerful discussion and reflection.
In the story, a teacher brings in a bowl of water and a stone to her class. She drops the stone in the water and explains the ripples that come out are a lot like kindness-it ripples and effects many people each time it is shown. Some teachers like doing this activity with their class during or after the read. I have personally tried this once, but didn’t feel the example added enough value for the trouble it took me to fill the big bucket with water and walk it back to my classroom (if I had a sink in my room, I would totally do it!)
In all, I found the text’s example to be strong enough that this activity was not necessary but could be beneficial.
3) Do Unto Otters by Laurie Keller
Best fit for 1st-3rd
This fun, light-hearted book is perfect for going over many classroom expectations. Mr. Rabbit has new neighbors next door who are otters. He’s not sure how to treat otters or if they’ll get along. The book explores many things neighbors could do to be polite to one another-ultimately leading to the conclusion that Mr. Rabbit should treat otters the way he would want to be treated!
This creates great opportunities to make connections to the classroom and how we should treat one another. In my classroom, we made a list of the different things that were talked about (such as saying “please” and “thank you,” asking before borrowing something, including everyone, etc.) Then we discussed how they connected to the classroom with real life examples (if you want to borrow someone’s scissors, you should ask them before taking them.) This really helped us form our Class Family Promise-which can be explained more in a separate post!
4) Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen
Best fit for K-5th grade
You’ve probably already heard about this one since its fairly new and highly talked about. I’d say it worth the hype! This sweet and simple text gets the point across-our class is a family-and that is special!
I love reading this book on day one. The phrase “In this Class we are Family!” is printed across the top of our board at the front of the room. It’s a phrase I use in my class often, even before this text was released. So naturally, when this title came out, I was thrilled!
I have the class say this phrase often as well. For example, before we work with a partner we do a call and response that goes like this:
Teacher: “In this class we are….”
Class: “FAMILY!”
Teacher: “Which means we can work with…”
Class: “ANYONE!”
This helps us get our hearts ready to celebrate our partner, even if they are not our closest friend. I often draw names or use the free website flippity to create random groups for my students. This gives them practice working with many peers and creates excitement-you never know who you are going to get!
Shannon Olsen, the same author of this text-also has a new book called A Letter from your Teacher. It is another text perfect for the first days of school. I am planning on reading this book at the end of our first day.
5) The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
Best fit for 1st-6th
First, you might be wondering why this book doesn’t have cute little photo to go with it. That’s because I typically borrow it from the library each year! Considering its one of my favorite texts of all time, I should probably just buy it.
In this text, a young girl has her heart set to make something impressive-magnificent! But after MANY attempts-she has yet to succeed.
I suggest pairing this text with explicit teaching on growth mindset. I prefer to teach my lessons on growth mindset first and then use this book to illustrate the power of yet, grit, and perseverance. Students will naturally make connections to the growth mindset lessons taught as you read the text to them!
So, there you have it!
I truly could name SO many more books-but I think these 5 offer a great starting point. A variety of great lessons, connections, and discussion will come from these texts! If you have interest in purchasing any of the books mentioned, they are linked below for you.
Do you have another “must have” back to school text to recommend? Share it with us below!
To view more of my favorite books, check out my Amazon Favorites List here!
For more Back to School ideas, check out a related post here.
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I love Charlie the Caterpillar and use the wrinkled heart lesson with it.
Chrysanthemum is one of my faves. Kids treat her differently because her name is different. My name is different so I connect with the text. It points out that school can be hard but things can get better.
Yes!!! Such a sweet book! That is usually something I read during the first weeks as well! Thank you for mentioning it!