Our Class is a Family
by Shannon Olsen
The beginning of the school year is all about building your classroom community. And what better way than to read, “Our Class is a Family”! You can listen and watch it as the pictures come alive with Vooks or use the Novel Effect App. If you haven’t discovered what Vooks or what Novel Effect is, make sure to read all about it here –> Reading Websites and Apps for Teachers. Here’s a quick video of the full story on the Vooks YouTube channel.
A Letter from Your Teacher on the First Day of School
by Shannon Olsen
A Letter from your Teacher on the First Day of School is from the same author, Shannon Olsen, who created, “Our Class is a Family”. Another great story to read especially in the first week of school. I believe Novel Effect has this story on its app and it also comes with an E-book feature. How exciting!
Our School is a Family
by Shannon Olsen
Another one of Shannon Olsen’s collective books! This picture book is a more recent one that just came out! This is another fantastic addition to read to your classroom. It talks all about how how everyone at school is an extended part of your classroom community.
How to Get your Teacher Ready
by Jean Reagan
This is a fantastic book to read aloud to your kiddos. If you want to engage with your students on where to find their ways around the classroom, this is the book for you! This is a great way to show what to do throughout the year.
First Day Jitters
by Julie Danneburg
I decided to add First Day Jitters to the list since it is one of the very many classics to read at the beginning of the school year. This story also has a collection of books that includes Jitters during a test, on the last day of school, during a field trip, picture day, sick day, and more. You can grab First Day Jitters on the the website Epic by clicking on the title of this story.
The Day You Begin
by Jacqueline Woodson
Read by Jacqueline Woodson herself, check out the video of her reading her very own story. It goes into detail of the different cultures she introduces and similarities to what other students might feel like. This story is so relatable to what others might be going through.
All are Welcome
by Alexandra Penfold
I absolutely love how this book is mainly about bringing inclusion into the classroom. It shows how everyone with all backgrounds are welcomed! And of course, it goes into detail on the differences between cultures.
Story Elements
If you need something to go along with your read alouds, make sure to grab these free story elements graphic organizers on identifying the characters, settings, and major events in the story. Also, leave a comment on what you think are the best back to school read alouds. I would love to hear all about them!
