The first day of school is less than two weeks away. Teachers are busy setting up their classrooms and thinking about what the first week of school is going to look like. Read alouds are an essential part of the school day. A great deal of thought and care goes into selecting the perfect books for that first week. They often assist with community building and help set the tone for the year. There are many quality choices out there and the list continues to grow.
As you’re making plans for the first week, here’s a short list of books you may want to consider.
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
Chrysanthemum loves her name … until she starts school and is teased about it. This popular book can be used for discussions of how everyone got their names. It also leads to a discussion of having confidence and respecting differences.
Courage by Bernard Waber
A fun book about the different ways the trait of courage is displayed. This book is a good reminder that it takes courage to begin a school (for teachers as well as students).
First Day Jitters by Julie Dannenberg
Sarah Jane is worried about starting a new school and imagines all sorts of terrible things as she refuses to get out of bed. Students will relate to Sarah Jane and enjoy the surprise ending.
How Do Dinosaurs Go To School by Jane Yolen
The first part of the book asks if dinosaurs would act in a misbehaving way in certain situations. In the second half of the book, the dinosaurs demonstrates appropriate behavior at school.
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
Chester the Raccoon is hesitant to start school until his mother shares a special secret with him.
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
A young girl names Unhei has come to America from Korea. Her name, pronounced “Youn-hye” means grace. She decides to choose an American name after being teased on the bus. Her classmates help her by filling a glass jar with suggestions. In the end, she decides to keep her name.
Oh the Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss
A beloved classic about the joys and challenges we will all face in life.
Once Upon an Ordinary School Day by Colin McNaughton
Everything about the boy’s day is ordinary- his breakfast, his walk to school, his thoughts. His day begins to change when his new teacher, Mr. Gee, burst into the classroom with a challenge for all kids to use their imagination.
The Teacher from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler
A young boy expects the worst on his worse day of school. He imagines his new teachers, Mrs. Green, is a monster of the worst kind.
What books have you used or are planning to use the first week of school? What activities do you use that go along with them or the previous mentioned books?
As you’re making plans for the first week, here’s a short list of books you may want to consider.
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
Chrysanthemum loves her name … until she starts school and is teased about it. This popular book can be used for discussions of how everyone got their names. It also leads to a discussion of having confidence and respecting differences.
Courage by Bernard Waber
A fun book about the different ways the trait of courage is displayed. This book is a good reminder that it takes courage to begin a school (for teachers as well as students).
First Day Jitters by Julie Dannenberg
Sarah Jane is worried about starting a new school and imagines all sorts of terrible things as she refuses to get out of bed. Students will relate to Sarah Jane and enjoy the surprise ending.
How Do Dinosaurs Go To School by Jane Yolen
The first part of the book asks if dinosaurs would act in a misbehaving way in certain situations. In the second half of the book, the dinosaurs demonstrates appropriate behavior at school.
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
Chester the Raccoon is hesitant to start school until his mother shares a special secret with him.
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
A young girl names Unhei has come to America from Korea. Her name, pronounced “Youn-hye” means grace. She decides to choose an American name after being teased on the bus. Her classmates help her by filling a glass jar with suggestions. In the end, she decides to keep her name.
Oh the Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss
A beloved classic about the joys and challenges we will all face in life.
Once Upon an Ordinary School Day by Colin McNaughton
Everything about the boy’s day is ordinary- his breakfast, his walk to school, his thoughts. His day begins to change when his new teacher, Mr. Gee, burst into the classroom with a challenge for all kids to use their imagination.
The Teacher from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler
A young boy expects the worst on his worse day of school. He imagines his new teachers, Mrs. Green, is a monster of the worst kind.
What books have you used or are planning to use the first week of school? What activities do you use that go along with them or the previous mentioned books?