The first few weeks of school are spent establishing routines and procedures. Your students are getting to know you, their classmates, and their new classroom. This is the time to show your students how you want them to treat each other and behave in the classroom. Picture books are a great way to do this. Here are some of my favorite back to school picture books.
Back to School Picture Books
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#1 – First Day Jitters
I’ve been reading First Day Jitters since I started teaching 14 years ago. It’s one of my absolute favorites! Luckily, this book was in my Treasures anthology, so it even went along with our curriculum before we switched over to Lucy Calkins reading workshop. This book is perfect for the first day of school, because it shows your students that they aren’t the only ones who are nervous.
#2 – Do Unto Otters
Do Unto Otters is another book I’ve been reading for years. Otters are my favorite animal, so it’s a perfect way to discuss how we should treat others. The humor in this book is a great way to help your students relax, and it leads to great discussions.
#3 – Each Kindness
Each Kindness is definitely a more serious book. It touches on the issue of bullying and how our words and actions can affect others. It will spark great discussions about how we should treat our classmates and all those we meet.
#4 – Your Fantastic Elastic Brain
If you’re focusing on growth mindset this year, Your Fantastic Elastic Brain is the perfect book to share with your class! It will show your students that their brains can grow, and if they put their mind to something, they can accomplish it.
#5 – Giraffes Can’t Dance
Use this book to teach your students it’s okay to be unique. It’s also great for growth mindset, because it shows that if you keep working at something you can accomplish it.
#6 – The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes
You more than likely have at least one student in your class who is a perfectionist. He or she never wants to make a mistake, and if it happens, there is a meltdown. I read The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes to show my students that no one is perfect, and it’s okay to make mistakes. We discuss taking risks and learning from our mistakes.
#7 – Penelope Perfect
This is another book that is great for students who are afraid to make mistakes. It will help them realize that it’s okay to not be perfect and that mistakes are alright.
#8 – A Bad Case of Tattle Tongue
Do you have a class of tattle tales? This could be the book for you. It’s a silly story about a boy who tattles on everyone. It will help your students understand the difference between tattling and responsible reporting.
#9 – My Mouth is a Volcano
Are you tired of being interrupted when you’re talking to other students or adults? Do your students blurt out answers or comments during your lesson? This book will help your students learn to think before they speak.
Discover some fun activities for the first week of school.
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What Do You Think?
What are your favorite back to school picture books?
Let me know in the comments below.
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