9 Back to School Read Alouds

I get so excited to plan my read alouds for back to school.  I have a few favorites I have used for years, but I love discovering new books.  Below are a list of books that were published within the past few years.  I hope you find a new book you can share with your students this school year.

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You're Finally Here! by Melanie Watt
                                                     
A perfect first read aloud to show your students how excited you are to see them and that you have been waiting patiently for their arrival.  The main character Bunny experiences many emotions.

Follow up activity: students could brainstorm what they are excited or nervous about this school year.  It would also be an opportunity to talk about emotions with your students.

You can purchase through Amazon Canada.

What Should Danny Do? by Adir and Ganit Levy

There are 9 stories within this book and encourages students to be interactive during the read aloud.  After each story you could have your students turn and talk to discuss what Danny should do.  Students will realize how Danny's choices impacted his day.  I love the social emotional skills that this book teaches.

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We Don't Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins
                                                        
If the title of this book didn't already catch your attention,  Penelope the t-rex will have you laughing starting on page 1.  Penelope is starting school and eager to make friends, but that doesn't go as planned.  Students will catch onto the theme "treat others the way you want to be treated"

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Quiet Please, Owen McPhee! by Trudy Ludwig
                                                            
Owen loves to talk every second of the day, but talking gets in the way of his listening.  One day he wakes up with laryngitis and he shifts his focus to listening.  This picture book sends the message that there are appropriate times to talk and listen.

Follow up activity: create an anchor chart as a class to discuss times during your day to talk and to listen/work quietly.

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The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig

Nobody seems to notice the invisible boy, Brian.  A new boy arrives and Brian is the first one to make him feel welcome.  This story shows that a small act of kindness can help students feel valued.

Follow up activity: discuss ways to be a friend.

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All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold

This picture book celebrates diversity.  A group of students are followed throughout the day and felt welcome.  Inclusion is illustrated in an age appropriate way.

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The Bad Seed by Jory John

This picture book is about a bad seed who has a bad attitude and bad manners.  It is perfect for young learners because it models acceptance and that anyone can make a positive change.

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Nerdy Birdy by Aaron Reynolds

Being a nerdy birdy can be lonely.  When he meets friends he realizes there are other people like him.
This book encourages students to find a group where they feel like they belong, but also find people who are different than you.  Students learn that it's ok to have friendships with people who have different interests or appearance.

Purchase HERE

**If you like David Shannon's books, he has a new book being released on August 28, Grow Up David.  Pre-Order HERE