It’s crazy to think about how fast summer is flying by! Before long, all teachers will be back in the classroom. So, many are figuring out how to start the school year. Planning for the beginning of the year is tough because students do not know routines yet. This means teachers spend much time answering questions and reviewing expectations. Thankfully, there is a creative way to do this: back to school books! These are a great way to help students understand their classroom is a community.
I’m sharing all of these books on video as well! Check out the Back to School Books 2023 on my Youtube channel.
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Importance of Back to School Books
When students return to the classroom, they will be around kids they haven’t seen in months. On top of this, they will be in a new classroom with a new teacher. Honestly, this is a lot of change to adjust to! By using back to school books, teachers can use the stories to help students adjust and become comfortable. These picture books also help students see the importance of getting to know each other, supporting everyone, and truly becoming a community. Ultimately, these picture books provide a fantastic way to set the tone for the year!
Be sure to check out the Back to School Read Aloud Lessons! Many amazing lessons and activities accompany these back to school books.
This is a School by John Schu
This is a fairly new book, and it is fantastic! It demonstrates the power of a classroom being a community. It shows students this requires everyone to welcome each other and include everyone. Additionally, it shows students how the classroom is a place to explore interests and try new things. So, students learn the importance of understanding mistakes are okay, and no one will judge each other. On tough days, classmates will pick each other up and help everyone out. This simple book shares an extremely important message about the power and strength of a classroom community.
Get the lesson plan for This is a School
School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex
This is a fun book! It takes on a different perspective than usual. So, it is not from the students or the teacher. It is from the point of view of the school! It shares how it is nervous before the first day and unsure how to act when students arrive. It also shares how it feels upset when a girl cries and worries about a mess on the floor.
This is one of my favorite back to school books to help students feel more relaxed. It shares how everyone will be nervous during different situations, so supporting each other is key.
Get the lesson plan for School’s First Day of School
Speak Up by Miranda Paul
This story stresses the importance of speaking up in different situations. For instance, if someone says your name wrong, speak up and tell them. Additionally, if you need help, see something wrong, or see someone bullied, speak up and tell someone. It gives so many situations that students will experience and gives them the courage to speak up. Honestly, this is one of my favorite back to school books to remind students everyone values their voice. People respect it, listen to it, and are proud of each other for speaking up.
Get the lesson plan for Speak Up
Gibberish by Young Vo
Whether new to the district or around many unfamiliar faces, it is hard to be new to a classroom. Thankfully, this book helps students know they are all welcome.
It is about a young boy new to his school and country! He does not speak English, so everything sounds like gibberish. This includes what the bus driver says, what his teacher says, and what his classmates say. Due to this, he feels alone and lost. Thankfully, another student reaches out and provides help! This classmate has patience and works to explain everything. The young boy slowly starts to learn English and understand what is going on.
This is one of my favorite back to school books to remind students of the power of reaching out and helping others!
Get the lesson plan for Gibberish
Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
In this story, a teacher and classmates continuously mispronounce a young girl’s name. Sadly, her classmates start to tease her about it. When the young girl goes home upset, her mom tells her that her name is a song. It is beautiful and wonderful!
Thankfully, the young girl returns to school feeling more empowered. She speaks up and explains how to pronounce her name. She shares why she is proud of her name, so people should respect her by pronouncing it correctly. Her powerful message even goes beyond her name. She explains how all classrooms should respect all names because it is part of who someone is.
Honestly, this is one of the best back to school books to help students share about themselves!
Get the lesson plan for Your Name is a Song
Students experience so many emotions during back to school season. While there is excitement, there are also a lot of nerves. So, these back to school books create excellent opportunities to ensure everyone feels welcome. Each book shows students the power of reaching out, helping others, and creating a supportive classroom community.
Grab this Free Read Aloud
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Save this Blog
Be sure to save this pin to your favorite back to school board on Pinterest! You’ll be able to come back to these books when you are ready to read them aloud with your students.
