Back to School Read-Alouds

I LOVE back to school books. There’s something so special about a bunch of kiddos on the carpet listening to a story. It just makes my heart happy! Below I’ve shared my favorite back to school books with my favorite teachers (you all!). I’ve also showed you a snippet of some of the activities I plan on doing with my students after reading these books during those first few weeks of school.

Here are my TEN FAVORITE back to school books!

You can grab this list of great read-alouds below. You could even send this list home with your kiddos (they act as perfect back to school bedtime stories, as well). Click HERE to download them for free.

First up…DAVID! Who doesn’t LOVE David? Each year we read many David stories. My kids get a kick out of him. His jagged teeth crack me UP! He is the perfect “what not to do” kid. Am I right?

This year, after reading different stories about David, we will be using this What To Do/What Not To Do chart and sorting good choices vs. poor choices!

Then, we’ll be giving David a little advice by coming up with our own ideas on What To Do and What Not To Do. Students can draw a picture or write about their ideas (or both).

Another favorite is “First Grade Stinks.” This is darling story is about a little girl name Hayley who thinks first grade stinks because it is different than kindergarten. She states all the reasons first grade stinks, but by the end of the story she ends up thinking first grade is great. Imagine that! First grade IS great! After reading the story, I have my kids write reasons why first grade does NOT stink and then we compare kindergarten to first grade. This comparing activity could be done with other back to school books, as well.

I know I’ve professed my love for Kevin Henkes countless times, but back to school time would not be the same without him. His stories, Chrysanthemum and Wemberly Worried are the cutest! Last year, after reading the story, we wrote how each character felt. Then, we made text-to-self connections by writing words that describe us and what makes us worried. My kiddos loved these activities so much last year. We will definitely be doing them again this year.

All of these book activities, plus lots more, can be found in my Friends in First packet. It can downloaded at my TPT shop.