Back to School Read Alouds

The back to school read alouds we choose are crucial to setting the tone in our classroom for the school year! Students should recognize very early on that storytime will be a meaningful part of each day filled with discussions and learning.

At the beginning of the year, it’s essential to strategically pick books that will benefit our students (mentally, physically, social-emotionally) and set them up for success. Below are some topics our back to school read alouds should highlight:

• RULES
• INDIVIDUALITY
• EMOTIONS
• ENTERTAINMENT
• KINDNESS
• DIVERSITY
• COMMUNITY

I’ve compiled a list of my favorite books that feature the above themes. Underneath the title of each book, you can find the topic that particular book highlights. There are two books for each category. Keep reading to check them out!

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My Mouth Is A Volcano by Julia Cook

(RULES)

In the story My Mouth is a Volcano, Louis has an incredibly difficult time not interrupting others. When he has something important to share, his words rumble and grumble in his tummy, wiggle and jiggle on his tongue, and then they ERUPT like a volcano! This hilarious book is the perfect way to discuss the importance of raising a quiet hand, waiting for your turn to speak and respecting others by listening.

Manners at School by Carrie Finn

(RULES)

The book uses diverse characters to discuss how using Manners at School can help everyone learn! It gives SPECIFIC EXAMPLES of how students can follow directions and be respectful of their teachers and classmates.

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson

(INDIVIDUALITY)

The first time I read The Day You Begin, it legitimately gave me chills. This book moves beyond the broad topic of differences and gives power to each child’s personal experiences. Readers are presented with numerous perspectives of how a child may feel when they’re at school and then encouraged to use their voice to share their unique story.

You Matter by Christian Robinson

(INDIVIDUALITY)

Christian Robinson uses powerful words and beautiful photos in the book You Matter to share a touching message about self-worth. The illustrations reflect diversity of all kinds – young, old, Black, White, Brown. Throughout the story, the message remains the same for all readers. YOU MATTER!

The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions by Anna Llenas

(EMOTIONS)

Emotions are often difficult for adults to manage. Can you imagine what it must be like for a child? Kids need to be explicitly taught the different emotions humans experience and provided with tools to navigate them. The Color Monster introduces feelings of happiness, sadness, anger, fear and calmness through different colored monsters.

The Way I Feel by Janan Cain

(EMOTIONS)

The Way I Feel is a fun, quirky read aloud that addresses the many different emotions humans feel. There are lots of fun rhymes and vibrant illustrations that teach emotions in a straight-forward, easy to understand way!

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo Willems

(ENTERTAINMENT)

I LOVE MO WILLEMS! His books genuinely instill a love of reading in my students. The Pigeon HAS to Go to School is the perfect book to read during the first week of school to help children ditch their jitters and get the class giggling!

Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes by James Dean

(ENTERTAINMENT)

It’s safe to say that children go crazy for Pete the Cat! I love reading Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes to get my 1st graders excited about school during our first week. I also use this book to introduce my students to fiction.

Kindness Gets A Thumbs Up! by Brenda Li

(KINDNESS)

Kindness Gets A Thumbs Up is such a great book to discuss kindness because it gives different EXAMPLES of how to be kind. The main character, Dot, has many experiences throughout the day where he chooses to be kind. He immediately notices the impact his actions have on those around him. This picture book uses thumbs up and thumbs down emojis to highlight how the characters are feeling, which is a great visual for students!

If you’re looking for a fun follow-up activity, you can check out my kindness compliments post here!

Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners

(KINDNESS)

When Mr. Rabbit learns his new neighbors are otters, he starts to worry they won’t get along with one another. Do Unto Otters playfully discusses how to be a good neighbor and friend by simply following The Golden Rule. Mr. Rabbit even learns how to say “please”, “thank you” and “excuse me” in five different languages!

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold

(DIVERSITY)

I absolutely adore this book! It’s imperative that we have ongoing discussions about diversity in the classroom. All Are Welcome sends the message that no matter what race, religion or ethnicity a child identifies with, he/she is WELCOME at school!

Whoever You Are by Mem Fox

(DIVERSITY)

Whoever You Are is a beautiful celebration of the world’s diverse cultures. It teaches students that children all over the world speak other languages, have different skin colors and live an entirely different life. But, we ALL smile, laugh and have feelings – no matter who we are and where we live!

Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen

(COMMUNITY)

Our Class is a Family begins by sharing that we typically think of family as the people we’re related to, but there’s more than one type of family. A family can be another special group of people who love and care for one another – like special friends and teachers in our class!

The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates

(COMMUNITY)

Come one, come all! The Big Umbrella is a delightful book that sends a powerful message about kindness and inclusion. Page-by-page, children of all kinds are invited under the big umbrella for protection on a rainy day!

I hope you enjoyed this post! Let me know what your favorite back to school read alouds are in the comments below! 🙂