Top 15 First Day of School Read-Aloud Books for Teachers

These 15 read-aloud books are perfect for chasing away first-day jitters, motivating students to work hard, and encouraging kids to make friends in new places.

Read-Aloud Books to Welcome Students on the First Day

Do you remember your first day of school each year? Even when you knew a friend or two, you were nervous. There were butterflies in your stomach because of the unknown. You weren’t sure who you might see, which rooms you might go into, or where you would be told to sit.

Kids of all ages can relate to this on the first day of school. That’s why it is so important to help students ease into the first day with something fun. A read-aloud story is always a good idea because students can relate to the characters and events of the book.

In this post, you’ll find a fun list of texts that are fun to read to kids at the beginning of the school year. These fantastic picture books will encourage students to be kind, motivate them to work hard, and remind them of the school’s rules.

Why Read Aloud Books are Essential for the First Week of School

The benefits of reading books aloud are limitless, but here are just a few!

Books build classroom community: Students sit and listen as a group as teachers read entertaining books at the front of the classroom. They laugh at the silly parts together and discuss meaningful texts as a group. Each child is involved in the reading process.

Read alouds ease the first-day jitters: When teachers sit their class down for a story, kids forget that they are in a new environment with people they don’t know. They can relax for a second and realize everything is alright.

Books introduce classroom routines and expectations: While introducing new rules and routines, books can be very helpful. Situations that happen in cherished texts illustrate real-world situations so students can see why rules are important.

Reading aloud encourages a love for reading: Put on your best reading voice and invite students into a new world. Change voices as much as you can to make the story more interesting. By reading in this fun way, students will also learn to love reading independently.

Top 15 Read Aloud Picture Books for the First Week of School

Here is a list of 15 amazing back-to-school titles kids will love. They make students feel welcome and loved when transitioning to a new environment. Browse the books to see which will help your kiddos.

1. Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen

Teach students that it’s ok to be themselves using this whimsical story. The book shows kids how to build classroom community and become a family. While students listen to the cute story, they will realize the family they have sitting around them and get excited for the year.

2. Milk Goes to School by Terry Border

When Milk goes to school, her dad tells her she’s amazing, but not everyone thinks so. All of the students are food characters, making them fun to learn about and relate to. The students learn that everyone is special and sweet in their own way.

3. Germs vs Soap by Didi Dragon

This silly story uses a unique tactic to teach kids to wash their hands. It discusses the best ways to wash hands, when, and why it’s important. Kids will appreciate the humor in the story as they are reminded to wash their hands and avoid germs.

4. First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg

Everyone gets the first day jitters. Sarah Jane Jartwell overcomes her jitters with the help of a friendly teacher who reminds her that she isn’t alone. Read this to students and discuss how they all feel on that first day.

5. A Letter From Your Teacher by Shannon Olsen

This story is the perfect way to tell students that you are there to be their cheerleaders. Use the story to build community and remind kids that you are there to support them in everything, not just academics. Use the letter at the end to start the school year in a fun way.

6. The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein

Beatrice never makes mistakes. She doesn’t even wear mismatched socks! One day, she makes a mistake. She learns the importance of enjoying life, even during mistakes. This is a wonderful growth mindset read-aloud.

7. I Can Do Hard Things by Gabi Garcia

Show students that they can do anything they put their minds to with this fun read-aloud. Remind them to listen to their inner voice and have a positive conversation with themselves as they try new things and go to new places.

8. We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins

Penelope Rex is very excited to start school, but it will be tough when her classmates are humans and they are delicious. She gets a taste of her own medicine when she discovers that she may not be at the top of the food chain after all!

9. The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson

Everyone has differences, no matter what we look like, talk, or what we like to do. Embrace those differences and push forward anyway. Be your true self and be confident that you will make friends. This sweet story reminds kids to let their lights shine.

10. Kindness is My Superpower by Alicia Ortego

This story teaches students to be kind by example. The illustrations show kids how sweet it is to be kind. Lucas will teach kids about manners and positive behaviors. Those traits can go very far in a classroom setting.

11. What Should Danny Do by Adir Levy

In this interactive story, students choose the direction the story goes. Each path teaches a lesson about friendship and kindness. It’s a great way to start the year with a fun activity that involves each and every child.

12. The Pigeon Has to Go to School by Mo Willems

If you love the silly Pigeon stories, you will love this one. Pigeon worries about who he will meet and whether he will learn too much! Kids will enjoy the goofy illustrations and narrations of the pigeon and his adventures.

13. Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes by James Dean

This classic takes kids on a tour of the school. Pete rocks through his first day of school in his new shoes to check out the cafeteria, the library, and the art room. Kids can dance and sing along as they tour their own school.

14. If I Built a School by Chris Van Dusen

What would your students design if they built a school? Jack imagines a cool school where he designs hovering desks and a trampoline basketball court. This would be a fabulous precursor to a fun writing activity at the start of the year.

15. You’re Finally Here by Melanie Watt

Read about a fun bunny who is super excited about your arrival. The only problem is they can’t find you anywhere! They are super anxious, sad, excited, worried, happy, and every emotion in between! It’s hard to wait, but this book can help students understand why we have to sometimes!

Conclusion

Using read-aloud books during the first week of school will alleviate kids’ anxiety about their new classroom. It will encourage classroom community, remind students of the rules, and teach them to be kind to everyone.

Do you have a favorite read-aloud book? If so, please share it in the comments.

Fun Resources for Back to School

FREE School House Directed Drawing Activity

Try this drawing activity in your classroom with this FREE School House Directed Drawing resource! Students will follow step-by-step instructions to make a schoolhouse and color it. It’s great for a morning work activity or a fast-finisher worksheet.

Click the image below to grab a copy.

Back to School Fun Pack

Try the Back to School Fun Pack by Proud to be Primary. It includes mini books, writing prompts, crafts, fun hats, math activities, literacy materials, STEM and science, bulletin board decor, and more! Kids will feel welcome as they walk into the classroom and see all of the fun materials ready for them.

More Back-to-School Activities

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