5 Great back-to-school read-alouds for elementary students! Add these to your lesson plans for the start of the school year.
Are you starting to think about heading back to school? Here are some of my favorite back-to-school read-alouds for the classroom and speech therapy room. These are also great to read at home with your kids to get them ready to head back to school. These top 5 back-to-school read-alouds are perfect for elementary students, capturing their attention and sparking their imaginations.
“The Name Jar” by Yangsook Choi
“The Name Jar” by Yangsook Choi is a heartwarming story about a young girl named Unhei who moves to America from Korea. Unhei is nervous about starting school in a new country and decides to let her classmates choose an American name for her. This book creates opportunities for discussing the importance of embracing their own identity and the beauty of diversity. This read-aloud is a great way to introduce the concept of cultural differences and acceptance in the classroom.
“First Day Jitters” by Julie Danneberg
“First Day Jitters” by Julie Danneberg is a funny and relatable story about Sarah Jane Hartwell, a teacher who is nervous about her first day of school. This read-aloud is perfect for helping students overcome their first-day jitters and easing any anxieties about starting a new school year. With its lighthearted tone and surprising ending, this book is another great back-to-school book that is sure to captivate and entertain elementary students.
“The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn
“The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn is a heartwarming story about an adorable raccoon named Chester who is anxious about starting school. Chester’s mother teaches him a special secret called the kissing hand, which helps him feel loved and connected even when they are apart. This read-aloud is perfect for addressing separation anxiety and reassuring students that they are loved and supported. With its beautiful illustrations and touching message, “The Kissing Hand” is a must-read for the beginning of the school year.
“The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds
“The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds is a delightful story about a young girl named Vashti who believes she can’t draw. When her teacher encourages her to make a mark and see where it takes her, Vashti discovers her own unique artistic talent. This read-aloud is perfect for inspiring creativity and encouraging students to embrace their individuality. With its simple yet powerful message, “The Dot” is a beautiful choice for the start of the school year.
“The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!” by Mo Willems
In this hilarious read-aloud, everyone’s favorite Pigeon is faced with the daunting task of going to school. Pigeon tries to come up with every excuse in the book to avoid going, but ultimately realizes that school can actually be a lot of fun. With its relatable and humorous storyline, “The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!” this book is a great choice for getting students excited about the start of the school year.
Next, here are a few fun output activities related to the books listed above:
The Pigeon has to go to School Book Campion and Crafts
First Day Jitters Back-to-School Activities
If you are looking for a few more back-to-school activities, then try these:
Finally, try reading this blog post for more back-to-school ideas Back to School Therapy Ideas