Best Back-to-School Read Alouds for K-2 Students
Are you looking for fun and heartwarming read-aloud books to open up this school year?
Here are some amazing read alouds to welcome your students in the first week of school. They will learn about school rules and expectations, social emotional skills and feel excited about the new school year!
First Day Jitters
Ages: 5 - 8 years
Do you have students who didn’t want to come to school and wished to stay at home? They will identify with Sarah’s jitters in the story and learn that it’s normal to feel nervous in a new situation.
This book has a surprising and funny ending. Students can compare and contrast how Sarah and they are alike and different.
The Recess Queen
Ages: 4 - 8 years
Everybody loves recess, but what if there is a recess queen who rules the playground and bullies other kids?
This is a great book to teach students about bullying and handling conflicts in school. Students can share what they would do if Mean Jean was in their class, and talk about how to be a recess friend.
The Kissing Hand
Ages: 4 - 7 years
Chester was scared of going to school, so Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to reassure him of her love any time he feels scared or lonely.
This heartwarming book is full of love, empathy, and kindness. It’s great for pre-k and kindergarten children going to school for the first time, and it will help ease their fear at times of separation.
The King of Kindergarten
Ages: 4 - 7 years
Starting kindergarten is a big milestone and your students should be super proud of themselves.
This book shows a boy’s royal first day of kindergarten. Students can learn about things that happened on the first day, and make a royal portrait or crown craft.
My Mouth is a Volcano
Ages: 5 - 8 years
Louis always interrupts because his thoughts explode out of his mouth like a volcano. However, when other kids interrupt him, Louis understand how it feels and learns to respectfully wait for his turn to talk.
It’s an amazing social skill book for teaching children the value of respecting others by listening and waiting for their turn to speak.
This School Year Will Be the BEST!
Ages: 4- 8 years
It’s a new school year! What do your students hope to happen in this upcoming year?
Students can share their wishes and think about what will make this year the best. Get free differentiated writing prompts here.
All Are Welcome
Ages: 4 - 8 years
Do you have a culturally diverse class? This book is perfect for your students to learn about inclusion, embrace cultural diversity, and celebrate different cultural traditions.
Students can share their cultural backgrounds and make crafts to show “Our strength is our diversity”!
A Letter from Your Teacher: On the First Day of School
Ages: 4 - 8 years
Read this heartwarming book to welcome your students on the first day of school and build a caring and supportive classroom environment!
The letter will tell your students how much you care about them and help build a class community with your little ones.
You can do an All About Me activity afterward, so you and your students can know each other better.
We Don’t Eat Our Classmates
Ages: 4 - 8 years
This is a hilarious book that will make your students laugh and learn about empathy and impulse control.
Students can discuss topics including being different, going to a new environment, and character growth.
David Goes to School
Ages: 4 - 7 years
Another hilarious story about the naughty boy David!
David is very excited about going to school, but his high energy level causes trouble all the time.
You and the students can create classroom agreements sign the “contract” after reading this book. Students can talk about David’s behaviors and share how they think children should behave in school.
Please consider supporting the authors and publishers by purchasing the books. The books will make great treasures in your classroom, and there is nothing better than holding a real book and turning the pages.
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