I love to use picture books with my students – and they love them too! So today I’m sharing my favourite 10 picture books for the first week of school. Links included in this post are affiliate links for Amazon.
1. The Day You Begin
The day you begin is an adorable book for sharing the important message that we can all feel like outsiders. And how we can be brave and go forward anyway. It’s one of my favourite books to use during the first week of school. You can find it on Amazon here.
2. All Are Welcome
“No matter how you start your day,
What you wear when you play,
Or if you come from far away,
All are welcome here.“
As you can see, this book is perfect for sharing the message that everyone is welcome in the classroom. You can check it out here on Amazon.
3. We Don’t Eat Our Classmates
This picture book is about Penelope Rex and how she can’t wait to meet her classmates. But it can be very hard when they taste so good. This is a fun read for the first week of school. You can find it here on Amazon.
4. You’re Finally Here!
This is the sweetest, most adorable picture book. And it’s loved by teachers all around the world to use during the first week of school. It’s getting increasingly hard to get rid of, but if you can get a copy – it’s the perfect read for the first week of school. You can get it from some third-party sellers on Amazon here.
5. First Day Jitters
I LOVE using this picture book for the first day of school. We all know how scary the first day of school can be. In this book, Sarah is scared. She doesn’t want to start over at a new school. She doesn’t know anybody. But she soon meets Mrs. Burton and she helps her make her feel more relaxed. You can find it on Amazon here.
6. Chrysanthemum
I think this is probably one of the most popular books around for the first week of school. And it’s one that my children really enjoy. You can find out more on Amazon here.
7. Back to School, Splat
Who doesn’t love Splat the Cat? In this picture book, Splat has homework already! And he has to share one of his fun summer adventures with his classmates for show-and-tell. This is a fun introduction to your classroom and can be expanded to having your own show-and-tell too! You can find it on Amazon here.
8. If You Take a Mouse to School
We LOVE the ‘If you give..’ series of books. And this book is no different. In this book, mouse is going to school! If you take a mouse to school, he’ll ask you for your lunch box. And when you give him your lunch box, he’ll want a sandwich to go in it.. Check it out here on Amazon.
9. Dear Teacher
This book was a huge hit with my kids. It has a collection of letters from Michael to his new teacher. And he’s telling her all of the reasons why he can’t go to school. Including going to the moon on a rocket ship! My students loved this book. And I’m sure yours will too! You can find it on Amazon here.
10. How do Dinosaurs Go to School?
This book is great for any dinosaur lovers. What about if a ceratosaurus stomped into your classroom? Or what if the student sitting next to you was a gigantic silvisaurus? The perfect book for your first week of school and to engage your dinosaur lovers! Find it on Amazon here.
What books do you love to read with your students on the first week of school? Let us know in the comments down below.
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