From funny stories about first-day mishaps to tales of adventure and mystery, these books will have your students hooked from beginning to end. So, grab a copy of each and get ready for some fantastic read-aloud sessions in your classroom!
The Best Back to School Read Alouds
As summer winds down and the new school year looms, deciding on the best back to school read alouds can be challenging. Lucky for you, we’ve put together a list of 7 books that are perfect for Back to School!
We Don’t Eat Our Classmates
“We Don’t Eat Our Classmates” by Ryan Higgins is a hilarious story about a dinosaur who has to learn how to behave in school because she finds people delicious! This is a perfect read-aloud for the first day of school or anytime you need to remind your students of classroom rules and how to be a great friend. Grab it here!
A Letter From Your Teacher
This adorable book will help you express your excitement for the year ahead to your class! Students’ enthusiasm about school will grow with this sweet book about a teacher that writes a love note to her students. As the teacher shares all the fun and exciting things she is looking forward to during the school year, your own students will begin to feel the excitement brewing. Grab it here!
The Magical Yet
“The Magical Yet” by Tony Johnston is a fun and engaging book about a boy who discovers he has magical powers. This is an excellent book for sparking imagination and creativity in your students. I love pairing this book with a goal-setting activity to inspire students to belive in their ability to achieve great things for the year ahead. Grab it here!
This School Year Will Be the Best
“This School Year Will Be the Best” by Kay Winters is a hilarious story about two prank-loving brothers. The brothers try to outdo each other during their last year of elementary school. This book will provide a good start to conversations with students about their hopes and wishes for the future. This simple but charming story is about a teacher’s love for her students. I would recommend this story for second grade and up! Grab it here!
All Are Welcome
“All Are Welcome” by Alexandra Penfold is a beautiful and inclusive story that celebrates diversity and teaches children that everyone is welcome in their classroom. I loved that I could see so many different types of diversity represented in the illustrations! This is a wonderful book to read during the first few weeks of school to help create a positive and welcoming environment for all. Grab it here!
The Pigeon Has to Go to School
Why does the Pigeon have to go to school? He already knows everything! And what if he doesn’t like it? What if the teacher doesn’t like him? What if he learns TOO MUCH!?! This hilarious story follows a pigeon who doesn’t want to go to school and tries every possible excuse not to go. From pretending to be sick to trying to run away, the pigeon will have your students laughing out loud as they relate to his struggles. Mo Willems hits another one out of the park with this book! Grab it here!
The Name Jar
It’s a fun and engaging read-aloud that will help your students understand the importance of respecting and celebrating differences. This story is about a little girl who is trying to fit into a new school and wants her name to fit in too. With the help of a friend at school, Unhei learns that her name is a gift to be proud of. With her class’s acceptance of her and her name, she finds that being different can be great. I love pairing this with a name activity after reading. Grab it here!
What are your favorite back to school read alouds?
Do you have any favorite back to school read alouds? Share it in the comments below! Happy reading!
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