15 Favourite Back-to-School Read Alouds
- Elle
- Aug 23, 2021
- 3 min read
Can you believe that summer is nearly over and that it is already time to head back to school!? Summer always seems to fly by, and although I spent every day last week at the school preparing for the new school year, tomorrow is my last "official" day of summer holidays, so I thought today would be perfect to share this blog post. Although the end of summer is always bittersweet, I am very much looking forward to getting back to work and for the school year ahead!
Back to school is always an exciting time for both teachers and students. My favourite part of the school day is reading to my kiddos and back-to-school books are my FAVOURITE to read! Back-to-school books help students build a sense of community, safety, and connection, as well as learn classroom and school rules and build social skills. Below are some of my favourite stories I love reading to my class in the first month or so of the school year. Most of these books are found on my Instagram (@adventuresofmisskrogan) with my personal rating and a brief summary of the story. Feel free to check it out if you're wanting more information! :)
First Day Jitters byJulie Danneberg- This is a classic story to read on the first day of school! If your school/COVID regulations allow, make "Jitter Juice" with your kiddos as an ice breaker activity!
You're Finally Here! by Melanie Watt- I received this book from a coworker & friend at the end of my first year of teaching. This book is a great way to show how excited you are to have your students in your class! There are also many cute crafts on TPT that go with this story.
Goldisocks and the Three Libearians by Jackie Hopkins- I use this book to teach students how to choose a "just right" book for their book boxes.
How to Read a Story by Kate Messner- This book was the first book I purchased when I moved from teaching Grade 3 to Grade 1. I use this book to talk and share about how and where we read stories. This book also helps students grow in confidence of their reading ability.
The Circle of Caring and Sharing by Theresa Larsen-Jonasson- This book is great to use when introducing sharing/talking circles.
School's First Day of School by Adam Rex- This book is written from the point of view of the school on the first day of school. This is a good way to discuss the many feelings we may feel on the first day of school.
I Walk with Vanessa by Kerascoet- This story talks about what a simple act of kindness can do.
The Girl Who Never Makes Mistakes by Mark Pett -This book is great to show your kiddos that it is okay to make mistakes and that no one is perfect!
The Recess Queen by Alexis O'Neill- This book is a good one to use when talking about being kind to others on the playground at recess.
Enemy Pie by Derek Munson -This is one of my FAVES! This book is great to use when talking about choosing kindness, or to show students that two wrongs do not make a right.
Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein- Do you have a few students that are constantly interrupting? This one is for you!
The Juice Box Bully by Maria Dismondy- Another story to use when talking about kindness and about standing up for what is right.
A Bad Case of the Tattle Tongue by Julia Cook- Every class has a kiddo that just has to tell the teacher absolutely EVERYTHING. When that happens, grab this book off the shelf! LOL.
My Mouth is a Volcano by Julia Cook- Another great choice for those interrupters in your class.
Personal Space Camp by Julia Cook- A fabulous book to use when teaching about personal space (especially during COVID times).
I hope that you are able to find some of these titles in your classroom or school library, or be able to purchase them for yourself so that you are able to enjoy these books with your students! If you have read any of these stories, I would love to hear your thoughts on them or if you have any other back-to-school read aloud suggestions!
Have a wonderful school year everyone! :)
XOXO,
Elle
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