Teacher Recommendations for
Back to School Read Alouds

As the first day of school approaches, it's time to embrace a new beginning with stories that spark excitement and build connections. Back to school read alouds offer a wonderful opportunity to set a positive tone for the year ahead, helping students transition from summer break to the classroom with ease. 

Back to School Read-Alouds and Activities

These carefully selected books not only capture the essence of returning to school but also address themes of friendship, resilience, and curiosity. Whether you're a teacher aiming to foster a warm classroom environment or a parent looking to ease your child into their new routine, these back to school read alouds will inspire, entertain, and create lasting memories. Join us as we explore a collection of engaging and heartwarming stories that will make the start of the school year an enriching and joyful experience for all.

Pairing back to school read alouds with engaging activities can create a dynamic and educational experience for upper elementary students.

As the school year approaches, it's the perfect time to gather young students for engaging read-aloud sessions that inspire learning and creativity. Back-to-school books not only help children adjust to the classroom environment but also teach valuable lessons about friendship, perseverance, and the excitement of learning. Paired with interactive activities, these read-alouds become memorable educational experiences that encourage participation and spark imagination. Whether you're a teacher planning for the first week of school or a parent preparing your child for a new academic year, these read-alouds and activities are sure to make a positive impact!

"First Day Jitters"

"First Day Jitters" by Julie Danneberg is one of my personal favorites. When I taught 3rd grade I would read this book on the first day and serve students "Jitter Juice". See the recipe below.

Activity: Jitter Juice

Serve students "Jitter Juice" and have students write about their own first-day jitters and how they overcame them. Create a classroom chart or bulletin board to display their responses.

Jitter Juice Recipe:

1 Part Sprite

1 Part Hawaiian Punch

Sprinkles

Lime Sherbet

Pour a 2-liter bottle of Sprite into the drink dispenser, then add the Hawaiian punch and mix well. Make sure you add ice to the drink dispenser or store in the refrigerator to keep it cold until you are ready to serve. Before serving, add the sherbet to the drink dispenser and stir. If you would rather, add sherbet to each plastic cup and then pour the juice over the sherbet. Add sprinkles to each cup.

"The Kissing Hand"

"The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn is a great choice and student favorite on my list of back to school read alouds. This heartwarming story follows Chester the raccoon as he learns to cope with separation anxiety on his first day of school.

Activity: Kissing Hand

Create a "Kissing Hand" keepsake for each student. Provide students with paper cutouts of hands and encourage them to decorate them with hearts. Discuss feelings of nervousness and excitement about starting school. Students can trace their own hand for the cutout or you can use a template and precut for students. Whatever works best for the age of students. 

"How Full Is Your Bucket" For Kids

"How Full Is Your Bucket? For Kids" is a great back to school read aloud. Remind students during the school to be a "bucket filler" for one another.

Activity

Introduce the concept of kindness and filling each other's buckets with positive actions. Have students create "Bucket Filler Notes" to give to classmates, highlighting something they appreciate or admire about each other. You can use post-it notes for this activity. Another idea would be to use small buckets for each student. After the activity, ask students to choose a post-it note to share.

"How I Spent My Summer Vacation"

"How I Spent My Summer Vacation" is about a character named Wallace who writes a tall tale about his summer adventures, from encountering pirates to digging for dinosaur bones.

Activity

Have students create their own "Summer Adventure" stories, illustrating their imaginative tales with drawings or collages. Discuss the importance of creativity and storytelling. Students are sure to love this one!

"My Teacher Is A Monster! (No I'm Not)"

"My Teacher is a Monster! (No, I Am Not.)" is such a fun book. Bobby thinks his teacher, Ms. Kirby, is a monster until he unexpectedly encounters her outside of school and realizes she's not so scary after all. 

Activity

Have students write a letter to their future selves describing what they hope to accomplish and learn in the upcoming school year. Discuss first impressions and how they can change over time. 

"A Letter From Your Teacher:
On the First Day of School"

A Letter From Your Teacher: On the First Day of School is a beautiful picture book that captures the excitement and anticipation of the first day of school through the eyes of a caring teacher. The story unfolds as a warm and encouraging letter from the teacher to the students, welcoming them into the classroom and expressing eagerness to get to know each of them.

Activity 1

Arrange students in a circle where students can share their thoughts and feelings about the first day of school. This activity promotes a sense of belonging and helps build a supportive classroom community.

Activity 2

Distribute large sheets of paper for students to create "All About Me" posters. Include sections for their name, favorite subject, favorite book, a fun fact about themselves, and a goal for the school year.

"Our Class Is A Family"

Our Class Is A Family by Shannon Olsen is a heartwarming picture book that emphasizes the idea that a classroom is more than just a place to learn—it's a supportive community where everyone belongs. Through engaging illustrations and touching words, the book conveys the message that classmates are like family, offering support, understanding, and kindness to one another.

The story encourages children to see their classroom as a safe and welcoming space where they can be themselves, make mistakes, and grow together. It fosters a sense of belonging and emphasizes the importance of caring for each other, working as a team, and celebrating each other's differences and successes.

Activity: Class Family Tree

Create a "Class Family Tree" on a poster or bulletin board where each student decorates a handprint with their name and something unique about themselves. This is a great visual for the classroom as a family and celebrate each student's individuality.

"How To Get Your Teacher Ready"

How to Get Your Teacher Ready by Jean Reagan is a delightful and humorous picture book that turns the tables, offering playful advice from children on how to help their teacher prepare for various school events and milestones throughout the year. With engaging illustrations and witty text, the book walks readers through different scenarios, from the first day of school to picture day, field trips, and the end of the school year.

Activity - Welcome Card

I love this one and I'm sure students will too. Have students create personalized welcome cards for the teacher, offering their own tips for a great school year. This will help students feel involved in the preparation for the school year and to foster a welcoming atmosphere.

Tips for Back to School Read Alouds

Engage Students

Encourage active listening during read-aloud by asking questions about the story's characters, plot, and themes.

Promote Creativity

Incorporate hands-on activities that allow students to express themselves through writing, drawing, or role-playing.

Connect to Real Life

Relate story themes to students' own experiences and feelings about starting a new school year.

Encourage Reflection

Provide opportunities for students to reflect on what they've learned from the stories and activities, reinforcing key messages about friendship, resilience, and learning.

Encourage Reflection

Provide opportunities for students to reflect on what they've learned from the stories and activities, reinforcing key messages about friendship, resilience, and learning.