5 Books to Read the First Week of School

It is summer and you are enjoying all things summer… pool, beach, ice cream, eating and sleeping whenever. But as you browse the aisles of popular stores you begin to see the dreaded Back to School displays. Maybe it is just me but lately I have noticed these displays go up earlier and earlier. You are shopping for end of the year gifts one weekend, and the very next weekend displays of school supplies have popped up. While it can be fun to peruse the items, it is also a reminder that school will shortly be returning. School returning means lesson planning and so much more. Luckily I have compiled a list of 5 books and activities to complete with your students for the first week of school!

Book number 1:

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman.

This book is an excellent start to the school year and begins the discussion of being welcoming and accepting to all. Students may be inclined to gravitate to their classmates that they already know- its the comfortable thing to do! However, that leaves other students feeling lost and alone. After reading this book you can discuss and celebrate the differences each student brings to class. This book can lead you to discuss what to do if someone is being left out or mean to another peer.

An activity to do after reading this book is to have each child create a self portrait. Then take the self portraits and create a class collage. Allow each student to present about themselves. If another student has a connection with something they said, take yarn and string it connecting those students. Once the whole class goes there will be yarn connecting the whole class for various reasons.

Book number 2:

First Day Jitters by Julie Dannberg.

An oldie but a goodie! This is a classic first day of school story. It has a great twist and will excite students. This book is amazing for reminding students that you, as a teacher, are human too! Students come to school on the first day with many emotions and while it is important for you to present a warm welcome, it is equally important that you share your truth with them… you might be nervous! If students see you as a human with emotions they are able to build a deeper connection with you. A deeper connection with you automatically translates into a strong classroom community.

An activity to do after reading this book is to give each student a paper with a magnifying glass on it. Allow the students to write or draw in the magnifying glass what they predict to happen that year in the class. The story is a great reminder that even when you expect one outcome… something totally different might happen!

Book number 3:

Kindness Rocks by Sonica Ellis

This book is a wonderful read aloud to teach the concept of kind gestures. In the story a girl leaves messages on rocks and it helps others feel good when they read them. The concept that shines through in the book is about making others happy with small gestures. The ending also encourages students to think about how they can take happiness into their own hands.

For a great follow up activity check out this link below: https://www.instagram.com/p/CReBxArBGax/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Book number 4:

Giraffe Problems by Jory John

In this story students will learn to appreciate themselves. The story teaches a lesson about being grateful for what you have because even if you see it as a problem someone else might be envious. The story has a fun way of exploring the ideas and coming full circle. This leads into the lesson that you may not like or appreciate something about yourself, but it may end up helping you or a friend out.

An activity to do with students after reading this involves students self reflecting. Students can draw a picture or list all the ways they think they can help someone. It could be a talent they have, or doing something they really enjoy. Then allow students to discuss what they think others could help with. This can highlight things they might not realize about themselves.

Book number 5:

I Am Enough by Grace Byers

After reading this book students will be reminded of positive self talk. Reading this book is a great way to introduce daily affirmations with your students. Your class can generate 4-5 phrases they want to say each day as a whole class. This allows for you to build a self confident class. Students can also write affirmations and place them around the room or on their personal belongings. With a book like this you can discuss growth mindset and while work may be challenging throughout the year, if they believe in themselves they can accomplish anything.

To see the daily affirmations I say each day with my students click the link below!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLsWHxgB4Nm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

I hope these books and activities are helpful resources for you and your students throughout the year! These books can be found at a local bookstore, Amazon or on YouTube. Get a s creative as possible with the activities you do after. Thanks for reading!