Books To Read The First Week Of School, Part 1

I’ve compiled a list of 25 books that would be great to read the first week of school. Initially I only intended to make one list, but it got so hard to narrow it down to only one week. Since I read to my students everyday, I thought it would be nice to give some one, who is maybe unfamiliar with picture books, a helping hand. So, here is a list of books to read to the students the first week of school, with a list to follow each day this week. Except for this list, which I consider the best, these books are in no particular order. Enjoy!

A VERY FULL MORNING, by Eva Montanari, is a book I reviewed last year ’cause I thought it was too cute. It’s the first day of school and the title character, Little Tooth, doesn’t want to go. She’s scared and doesn’t want to go to class. She procrastinates by taking the long way to school. She gets to school just in time. There’s only one seat left. She nervously walks in and takes it. As she quietly slips in, she decides she needs to say a quick hello to the class.

“Hello, class,” she says. This is my first day of school as well. I’m your new teacher.

Thank You, Mr. Falker, by Patricia Polacco, is one of my favorite books. When I first read this book, I thought it had to be the most beautiful book I’d ever read. It’s the author’s own story of her battle learning to read, which she didn’t do until she was 9 years old. This book has special meaning for special education students who are in 3rd grade or higher and don’t know how to read. When I read it to my students, they were tearing up. So was I, and my assistants. This book deals with learning disabilities and bullying. Do yourself a favor and read this on the first day. Especially if you’re a special education teacher.

Ruby the Copycat , by Peggy Rathmann, teaches about knowing who you are; about being an individual. Ruby copies everything her classmate does. That is until Ruby’s teacher helps her find her own niche, so she won’t have to copy anyone. A good read.

I Like Myself, by Karen Beaumont, is one of the cutest books ever. I love this book because it teaches self-esteem. When I first read the book, it reminded me of my little girl, Phillise. There’s this picture in the book where the little girl in the book gets her hair washed and it’s sticking straight up. Kinda’ scary looking. It so reminded me of Phillise’s hair when I wash it. Although I love that the little girl is brown, your audience doesn’t have to be. The message is loud & clear- love yourself no matter what you look like.

Just Like Sisters, by Angela McAllister, is the perfect book for fostering a sense of community. Even though the heroines of the book are completely different, they love each other like they’re family.