Top 10 Tuesday – Favorite books for Building Class Community

The start of the year is such an important time for building a positive class community. And what better way to help you with that task than finding a great picture book Last week, I posted this question on my social media: What is your favorite picture book you share with your class to promote building a positive class community. The response was EPIC! So many of you responded with favorite titles! So I thought I would follow up sharing some of the most popular books, as well as a few unique ones. Thank you to everyone who shared their favorite titles! I challenge EVERYONE to find a new book on this list to share with your class!

Happy reading week, everyone!

Our Class is a Family – Shannon Olsen

The winner by a LONG shot, this book was the most popular book for helping build class community! Such a wonderful book for helping children learn that their classroom is a place where it’s safe to be themselves, it’s okay to make mistakes, and it’s important to be a friend to others. Perfect pick!

Do Unto Otters – Laurie Keller

Close behind in the posts is this adorable book about manners and treating others with kindness. This book is a wonderful way to get children talking about the things they can do to be kind, polite and fair in the classroom.

All Are Welcome – Alexandra Penfold

Set in school, this is a warm, welcoming picture book that celebrates diversity and gives encouragement and support to all kids. Love how this book lets children know that no matter what, they have a place and a space and they are welcome in their school.

Don’t Eat Our Classmates! – Ryan T. Higgins

This one will have your class laughing out loud! If you haven’t read it to your class yet, I highly recommend it! Funny on the surface with a nice little lesson about empathy built in. You will fall in love with Penelope and this book!

The Day You Begin – Jacqueline Woodson 

I was not surprised to see this title mentioned by MANY of you! It’s such a perfect book to share at the start of the school year and particularly good for anyone feeling nervous or anxious. This is a poignant, powerful book about finding courage and encourages kids who feel different from others to tell their stories and lift their voices.

You Hold Me Up – Monique Grey Smith

This book was mentioned MANY times and I agree it’s a wonderful choice for building a positive community in your classroom. It is a book about kindness, sharing, standing together, respect and compassion. The text is simple enough for younger children but delivers a very important and powerful message. 

The World Needs More Purple People – Kirstin Bell & Benjamin Hart

Several people mentioned this book as not only a class read-aloud but a school read-aloud! I was not familiar with it but had to check it out! From the title, I assumed this book was about race – but it’s actually more about character and encourages readers to focus less on what others look like and more about accepting their differences. A great book that encourages kindness, laughter, love, and wonder!

You, Me, We: A Celebration of Peace and Community – Arun Gandhi & Bethany Hegedus

Coauthored by one of the grandsons of Mahatma Gandhi, this book is a perfect starting point to spark discussions about peace and community-building. Simple text and soft, gentle artwork. Great for younger readers.

You’re Finally Here! – Melanie Watt

A great book for reading aloud on your first day with your new students! Melanie Watt uses a very enthusiastic bunny to directly address the reader and celebrate that they have finally arrived. VERY cute!

Lunch Every Day – Kathryn Otoshi

I am a huge fan of Kathryn Otoshi’s but somehow I missed this one! WOW! This is such an important book! Children so often bully because there is something hurting them. I love how this book explores how kindness can help troubled children find a way forward and away from bad behavior. Too many times kids are written off as “bad”, but this book reminds us that there are two sides to every story.

The Circles Around Us – Brad Montague

Oh, I love that several people mentioned this book! If you are ever on a search for a book that helps teach empathy – this is it! It’s a beautiful story about how love grows through empathy; love for our family, our friends, our community and our world. Also good for promoting community. Also great book for practicing inferring!

We Are Different: A celebration of diversity – Tracey Turner

ANOTHER new title for me! This book celebrates diversity and reinforces that everyone has something to offer to the world. I love the underlying message that there is more that unites us than divides us.

Invisible Boy – Trudy Ludwig

Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody ever seems to notice him or think to include him in their group, game, or birthday party… until, Justin, the new boy, comes to class. This quiet, beautiful book is a MUST READ for every classroom! Please don’t wait any longer if you haven’t read it yet. Such a powerful read aloud to discuss acts of kindness with your class.

The Big Umbrella – Amy June Bates

A happy red umbrella welcomes everyone to shelter beneath it, because, somehow, “There is always room.” This simple book for younger readers but can prompt some wonderful discussions about inclusion with older students and a great example of metaphor for older students.

I LOVE sharing books to help inspire a positive classroom community! Thank you for sharing your favorites and for stopping by! I hope one or two new titles have caught your eye!

Top 10 Tuesday – New “Back to School” Books 2023

I know it’s still summer BUT… the mind will no doubt be starting to slowly shift to back to September and the start of a new school year. To support your shift, I’m excited to share some new “back to school” picture books to share with your new students on those first few days back. The first day of school can feel overwhelming for many students, but picture books are a fantastic way to ease them into the transition.

From laugh out loud fun, to first day emotions, to school spirit and class rules, these new back to school books will help your students settle into the first week with a little less worry and a little more ease.

Here are my top ten favorite new “back to school” books for 2023!

The Crayons Go Back to School – Drew Daywalt

While not quite as good as the original, this book is a wonderful back to school book with familiar characters and lots of cheer! I love the crayon books!

Back to School, Backpack! – Simon Rich

Told from the point of view of a backpack who is feeling nervous about going back to school. Full of humour and a clever way to approach back to school nerves!

The Brilliant Ms. Bangle – Cara Devins

This book had me chuckling! When a beloved teacher librarian retires, students are determined not to like her replacement Ms. Bangle. But soon after the eccentric Ms. Bangle arrives with a few tricks up her sleeve, she soon has the kids engaged. This book is full of fun and incudes great details and wonderful illustrations!

Mr. S – Monica Arnaldo

This ridiculously quirky story is one of my favorite new back to school books! A group of children walk into their new classroom and discover a sandwich on the teacher’s desk but no teacher. After much debate, they agree that the sandwich must be their teacher. Such comical events ensue and a great surprise ending. Your students will LOVE this one!

On the Night Before Kindergarten – Rosemary Wells

On the night before Kindergarten, little Milo is worried and he dreams of all the things that could go wrong. The next day, things get worse when Mum and Dad aren’t allowed to stay in class with him! But by day’s end, Milo has made new friends and his worries are gone!

The Worry Balloon – Monica Mancillas

A beautiful story about back to school worries that could be used as a starting point to discuss worries and mindfulness with your students. The story is written to make the reader feel calm, with gentle illustrations and back notes with suggestions for helping children manage their worries.

Giant-Sized Butterflies on My First Day of School – Justin Roberts

A little girl has a nervous tummy thinking about the first day of school. Her mother reassures her and tells of her own “butterfly stomach” experience and how she let them go. I really like the message that “first days” and starting new things can often make us nervous and have butterflies, but sometimes that feeling of butterflies is just us opening our wings wide as we experience something new. A lovely sentiment.

How to Get Your Octopus to School – Becky Scharnhorst

It’s impossible not to giggle at this hilarious story about a little girl preparing an anxious octopus for his first day of school. Great read-aloud and a perfect anchor for instructional writing!

And Then Comes School – Tom Brenner

This author has a number of “And Then Comes…” books (Then Comes Halloween, Then Comes Christmas, and Then Comes Summer) and I really like how this book incorporates seasonal change into the back to school theme. The book starts as summer activities are ending and follows two sisters as they prepare for school. Clothes to sort, new clothes and supplies to buy, backpacks to pack…then pancakes to celebrate, back to school pictures, and a bus ride.

Our School is a Family – Shannon Olsen

Wonderful follow-up to the bestselling Our Class is a Family, this book is a perfect first-week-back book to share to introduce the “school family” and all the different people that make a school run and work. LOVE this one!

Our Classroom Rules! – Kallie George

Here is a great anchor book to read before you and your students develop your classroom rules anchor chart! Cute play on words as readers discover that with a few classroom rules, your classroom RULE! Playful story and a great reminder of how a little kindness in the classroom can make a big difference!

A Letter From Your Teacher on the First Day of School – Shannon Olsen

I KNOW this is not a new book, but can’t help myself! If you have not read it, it really is a must have for your back to school collection. It’s a heartwarming book written as a letter from the teacher welcoming their new group of students on the first day of school. So heartfelt and sincere and a wonderful starting point for class community building. There is even a blank space on the last page for you to sign your own name so that your students know that the letter is from you! LOVE! And there is even a follow up for sharing on the last day of school – A Letter from Your Teacher on the Last Day of School.

Thank you for stopping by! I hope you discovered one or two new back to school books you are excited to share with your class this fall!

Top Ten Tuesday! 10 New Back to School Books for 2022 (plus a few more!)

As much as it’s hard to face – back to school is on the horizon. Many have enjoyed holidays, much anticipated travel, and time with family and friends this summer. Some may already be heading back to class soon, others have a few weeks left of summer bliss to enjoy. Whatever stage you are at shifting into school mode, it’s never too early or late to start exploring a few new “back to school books”. Starting school with a good collection of “back to school” themed books to share with your students during those first few weeks can really help spark important discussions and help to start building your class community. These books also are a great way to model and practice making connections to the range of feelings associated with heading back to school.

Here are my top 10 favorite new “back to school” books for 2022, along with a few old favorites! (And yes, I have trouble counting to ten!)

This is a School – Jon Schu

A book celebrating school not just as a building, but all that it signifies and represents: all the people who work and learn together, supporting each other to create a caring community. A perfect book to start the school year, to practice “Transform” (Knew-New connections!), but also one that would make a wonderful anchor book for writing about your special school!

NOTE: If you are a GearPicksPack subscriber, this book is included in your Fall box (Primary). For those who are subscribers, because many of these titles are ones you would want to share in the first days and weeks of school, no other books listed here are included in the fall GearPicks Packs as we don’t usually ship the first boxes until the end of September.

 Lupe Lopez – Rock Star Rules – Pat Zietlow Miller

Super cute book about following class rules! Lupe is a spit-fire, drum loving Kindergartener who loves to drum on everything! But when she gets to school and discovers the “no drumming” rule, this little rock star is not ready to put down her drum sticks. Eventually she decides to listen to her teacher, and makes a few new friends along the way! Love the addition of Spanish words throughout this energetic story, reminiscent of Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse.

Mae’s First Day of School – Kate Berube

Mae refuses to go to school and makes up many reasons why she should not go. Upon entering the schoolground, she decides to avoid entering and climbs a tree. Another girl who is afraid to go in decides to join her in the tree. Then, the teacher, also afraid of the first day of school, climbs the tree, too! I love the humour, along with the connections kids will make about why Mae doesn’t want to go to school.

  Hello World! – Kelly Corrigan

A young girl sets off with her dog to go explore the world to meet new people. She asks questions, connects to people, listens to their advice, and learns along the way. A perfect analogy for starting school and a great Reading Power anchor book for practicing asking questions!

That’s Not My Name – Anoosha Syed

I LOVE books about names and this new one is SUCH a wonderful addition to my collection. Mirha is so excited for her first day of school: she can’t wait to learn, play, and make new friends. But when her classmates mispronounce her name, she goes home wondering if she should find a new one. Such a great book about the importance of pronouncing people’s names correctly.

The Queen of Kindergarten – Derrick Barnes

A sweet companion to The King of Kindergarten (I think I might even like this one more!), this book follows MJ as she starts kindergarten. Lively, colorful and heartwarming and I LOVE that there is a focus on kindness and helping others. A must-have for your school library collection!

Blue Flower – Sonya Hartnett

I got a little teary reading this one! A perfect book for making connections to feelings of not fitting in, feeling different, making friends, and anxieties associated with starting school. I love the simple, small moments of self realization, perseverance, and resilience. Stunning illustrations. LOVE this one!

The Little Bear – Nicola Killen

I’m a fan of this author/illustrator, so was excited to see her new book! A very sweet story about a about a bear cub soothing a little girl’s fears about starting school. The story is sprinkled with a little magic and adorable illustrations. Would make a great read-aloud and perfect bed-time story.

First Day Critter Jitters – Jory John

This book came out a few years ago, but I only just discovered it, so thought I would include it. This is a true laugh-out-loud picture book about a group of animals who are all tense about the first day of school. The sloth worries about being late, the mouse about being too small, the kangaroo about leaving mom’s pouch, the parrot about too much repeating, and so on. The creatures are adorable and I love the message of reassurance of starting school mixed with humour. A PERFECT read-aloud for the first day of school!

Lunch From Home – Joshua David Stein

WOW! I’m so in love with this book! Such a great book to discuss the importance of culture and food. Four students are teased by “the sandwich kids” for bringing culturally-specific lunches to school. Readers follow each student as they learn to manage their first “lunch box moments”. Love how this book inspires everyone to stand up and be proud of their food and culture and encourages empathy and respect. This is a PERFECT new book to add to my Powerful Understanding “Others” book list!

Narwhal’s School of Awesomeness – Ben Clanton

Another delightful addition to the graphic novel series for beginning readers. In this story, Narwhal and Jelly become substitute teachers! They teach their “school of fish” some interesting subjects, including “Wafflematics”. Surprise bonus in this book are all the TRIPLE SCOOP WORDS! Every time a fish responds to a question, the other fish respond in synonyms! Sweet, silly and great for vocabulary building! Available in FRENCH.

 A Letter from Your Teacher on the First Day of School – Shannon Olsen

This book came out last year but it is definitely worth a second mention. SO much to love about this heartfelt, honest letter from a teacher to her/his students. A perfect back to school book to highlight a teachers purpose and to help build a positive classroom community. The illustrations are beautiful and inclusive. This book is also now available in French.

Our Class is a Family – Shannon Olsen

By the same author as A Letter from Your Teacher, this is one of my favorite books for helping to build a positive class community at the start of a school year. In it, the teacher compares the class to different families both traditional and non-traditional and how, like their family at home, a family environment in a classroom means making sure everyone is accepted, cared for, and loved.

All Are Welcome – Alexander Penfold

Last, but certainly not least, you can’t have a “back to school” book list without including this one! This is one of the best books on diversity and inclusion you can find – and sends a warm message to all children that no matter who they are, what they wear, what language they speak, and what they eat for lunch – they are all welcome at school. A perfect back to school read aloud but an even better book for a principal to share at the “Welcome Back” assembly! There is even a SONG written from this book!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have discovered one or two new titles to add to your “back to school” book collection! Happy reading and sharing book joy with your class this year!

Back to School 2021 – Books for Building Class Community

Well, it’s that time of year again… August is quickly passing by and we are starting to make that mental shift to our classrooms. It might be a good time to start gathering some books to share during those first few weeks back. I love sharing picture books to help to build class community so thought I’d share my latest favorites (and some old favorites as well!)

A Letter From Your Teacher on the First Day of School – Shannon Olsen

Every year, new books are released at this time to coincide with the start of school. And every year, one stands out to me as the “must have” back to school book. A “Letter from Your Teacher: on the First Day of School” by Shannon Olsen (author of Our Class is a Family) is on the top of my list this year! Told in the voice of a teacher, the rhyming text captures the feelings, hopes and expectations of a new school year. What a perfect book for your first week back and a great way to build a positive learning environment in your classroom.

How to Get Your Teacher Ready – Jean Reagan

The latest in the “How to” series (How to Babysit Grandpa, etc.) is out just in time for back to school! This book puts the roles in reverse by showing children getting their teacher ready for their school year instead of the other way around. Great for showing kids that teachers get nervous, too!

How to Be Kind in Kindergarten – D.J. Steinberg

Attention Kindergarten teachers and Kindergarten parents! Here is a wonderful new picture book perfect for back to school! “How to Be Kind in Kindergarten” by D.J. Steinburg is a collection of short poems that spans the entire year of kindergarten, offering simple, practical tips on how to show kindness: sharing your umbrella with a friend; taking turns on the swings, inviting someone to join in a game. Small book – perfect for a backpack! LOVE!

Don’t Hug Doug (He Doesn’t Like It) – Carrie Finison

Doug does not like hugs! They are “too squeezy, too squashy, too squooshy, and too smooshy!” But just because Doug doesn’t like hugs doesn’t mean he doesn’t like you! Fun, light-hearted and upbeat but introduces important topics to younger children about consent and respecting boundaries in an accessible way. Great for discussions and making connections.

Be Strong – Pat Zieltow Miller

SOOOO excited about this BRAND NEW book “Be Strong” by Pat Zeitlow Miller, author of Be Kind. A young girl, discouraged she can’t climb the climbing wall in gym, learns there is more to being strong than just physical strength. Such a great book for discussion and includes themes of perseverance, leadership, and caring. SO many things to love about this one! I would recommend it as an anchor for the “One Word Activity” using the word “strong”.

IMPORTANT: if you are have or are planning to order the Primary GearPicks Pack – DO NOT ORDER this book! (You can infer the rest!!!)

Listen – Gabi Snyder

Beautiful, mindful story about slowing down and paying closer attention to nature. I love the soft, quiet tone of the story and the grey-blue pallet. Would make a great anchor book to read before heading outside for a quiet, mindful moment!

Little Fox Has Feelings – Didi Dragon

While there are many books about feelings, I love how, rather than managing emotions, this author focuses on naming and acknowledging them. Delightful, likeable main character and adorable illustrations.

My Unique Name – Chynika Wright

I do love books about names and this new book is definitely being added to my collection! In this story, you’ll meet a little girl who gets frustrated when others cannot pronounce her name properly.  This story sends a strong message of empowerment, confidence, and celebrating uniqueness! Would make a great read-aloud before your students make nametags for their desks!

Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners – Laurie Keller

This book is a few years old but a “go to” for the beginning of the year to introduce manners and the “golden rule”. When a family of otters moves in next door, Rabbit is not sure how to treat them. But Wise Owl gives him some advice to “do unto otters”! This one is quirky and laugh-out-loud funny!

You’re Finally Here! – Melanie Watt

In a Mo Willams “Pigeon” style, this bunny speaks directly to the reader, telling them how LONG he has been waiting for them.   Melanie Watts’ style is fun, playful, and very easy to read aloud because the humour keeps readers engaged in the story. to read with your new class.

Our Favorite Day of the Year – A.E. Ali

So much to love and so many lesson ideas with this book – one of my favorites from 2020. After their teacher tells them the first day of school is her favorite day of the year, a group of kindergarten students get the opportunity to share their favorite day with their classmates. As the school year progresses, many different cultures, traditions, and observations are introduced and shared between each classmate.  A wonderful anchor book for celebrating favorite cultures and traditions.

We Don’t Eat our Classmates – Ryan T. Higgins

Oh my goodness – SUCH a funny book!   Yes, there are many “back to school” books to choose from… but this is definitely one I recommend.  So fresh and funny, but teaches empathy so beautifully.  A perfect read-aloud or gift for that young one who might be experiencing “back to school jitters”.

Germs vs. Soap – Didi Dragon

This book was released last summer but it might be another good reminder to reinforce the importance of handwashing. Love the clever, memorable language, playful illustrations and humour.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you found one or two titles that you are excited about sharing with your new class this fall. Happy reading, everyone and remember – if you want your students to love to read, then read amazing books aloud to them every single day!

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? Back to School 2020 with New Books, Old Books and a few Covid Books

This school year will certainly be uncharted and ever-changing territory!   Students, parents, and teachers will have nonstop questions and concerns.   With just a week left, I know that many have mixed emotions about the return to school.  But one thing I do know, when everything else about this year may feel completely upside down – the one constant you can rely on is… BOOKS!    So here are my favorite new, older, and Covid releases for “back to school 2020”.  There will never be another “back to school” quite like this one!

NEW RELEASES 

Our Favorite Day of the Year – A.E. Ali

Oh, this book.  So much to love and so many lesson ideas (my brain is swirling!) with this book!  After their teacher tells them the first day of school is her favorite day of the year, a group of kindergarten students get the opportunity to share their favorite day with their classmates. As the school year progresses, many different cultures, traditions, and observations are introduced and shared between each classmate.  LOVE!

Our Class is a Family – Shannon Olsen

One of my favorite new Back to School books this year and a perfect one for building community within your classrooms, creating a home away from home, and making students feel safe, included, and loved.

I Got the School Spirit – Connie Schofield-Morrison

A young girl greets the new school year with an abundance of positive energy!  Bouncy text, lots of sound words, and boundless enthusiasm in this one!  Would make a great first day read-aloud.  I Got the Rhythm and I Got the Christmas Spirit are the two other books in this series.

Bunny Braves the Day – Suzanne Bloom

When a little bunny is nervous about starting school, his big sister hops right in to help him overcome his fears.  I really liked how it was a sibling, not an adult, who helps ease the nerves.

Clover Kitty Goes to Kittygarten – Laura Purdie Salas

First day of kindergarten told from the viewpoint of a shy child.  This is particularly good for children with sensory issues and how to make plans to help with those school challenges.

We Will Rock Our Classmates – Ryan T. Higgins

Follow-up to the very popular We Don’t Eat Our Classmates (see below), and while not quite as cute as the first one, there is still a lot of fun and heart with Penelope Rex and the kids of Mrs. Noodle Man’s kindergarten class as they prepare for the class talent show.

Old Favorites….

All Are Welcome – Alexandra Penfold

A warm, welcoming picture book that celebrates diversity and gives encouragement and support to all kids starting and returning to school.    All children need to know they are welcome in their classrooms and feel a sense of belonging.  In rhythmic phrases, this story emphasizes the inclusiveness, acceptance, and celebration of all cultures.  The perfect book for the first week of school to promote a positive classroom and school community.

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!– Mo Willems

Mo Willems is back with another pigeon book just in time for back to school! The Pigeon Has to Go to School is a laugh-out-loud hilarious story focusing on fears about going to school for the first time. Not preachy and a great ending. A perfect back to school read! LOVE this!

You’re Finally Here! – Melanie Watt

In a Mo Willams “Pigeon” style, this bunny speaks directly to the reader, telling them how LONG he has been waiting for them.   Melanie Watts’ style is fun, playful, and very easy to read aloud because the humour keeps readers engaged in the story.

We Don’t Eat our Classmates – Ryan T. Higgins

Oh my goodness – SUCH a funny book!   Yes, there are many “back to school” books to choose from… but this is definitely the one I recommend.  So fresh and funny, but teaches empathy so beautifully.  A perfect read-aloud or gift for that young one who might be experiencing “back to school jitters”.

Steve, Raised By Wolves –  Jared Chapman

LOL!  This book is hilarious and would make a brilliant back to school read-aloud for any grade! Young Steve is literally raised by wolves.  Mother wolf sends him on his first day of school with this advice:  “Just be yourself!”.   So Steve proceeds to do just that – howling in class, shredding homework, marking his territory, drinking from the toilet and pouncing on his classmates!  His behavior does not go over well!  In the end, Steve saves the day and helps to find the class pet.  Great book for discussing appropriate school behavior as well as what it means to “be yourself”

The Day You Being – Jacqueline Woodson

Wow. Powerful and perfect. A beautifully illustrated and told story of encouragement and empowerment for kids who feel different from others, one that urges them to tell their stories and lift their voices.  A great back to school book for creating a positive class community.

A Few COVID Tales….

Germs vs. Soap – Didi Dragon

The perfect how-to children’s book for Covid Times, when proper hand washing is more important than ever.  Love the clever, memorable language, and playful illustrations and humour.

If You Can’t Bear Hug, Air Hug – Katie Sodmak

Super cute book that provides alternative ways to greet each other and show that we love them during this new world of social distancing.  Perfect book for the first week back to school!

A Unique Start – 6 Ft. Apart – Emily Oquendo

A perfect classroom read aloud for the first day or week back at school during the COVID-19 crisis. This book addresses some of the changes that students will see around school during the 2020-2021 school year and a great one for  parents and/or teachers who have to talk about this difficult time with their children.  Written in a very relatable way without being too preachy

Thanks for stopping by!  Hoping you found a title or two that caught your eye!

Sending positive thoughts to each and every one of you as you prepare for back to school this year.