Hey teachers! Some of you may have already faced your first week back in the classroom, but for some of you, that first day is right around the corner! I don’t know about you all, but right around this time every year, I start getting “the dreams”. Yes, you know the ones I mean…
It’s the first day of school, and I don’t even know what subject I’m teaching! I haven’t prepared anything whatsoever, and there are already 25 children (and maybe their parents…) wreaking havoc in my undecorated classroom. Worst of all, none of them will listen to a word I say!
Now, I’ve never had a first day that went so poorly, but those dreams…well, let’s just say they were almost enough to make me throw in the towel before the school year even began!
I haven’t had as many of “the dreams” since I’ve been “vacationing” (hah!) as a stay-at-home mom, but I sure remember them! And so, I want to load you up with some “emergency” (or planned) books that are perfect for the first week of school.
If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, DON’T! – Written and illustrated by Elise Parsley
“No alligators in the classroom” seems like a reasonable rule if you ask me. Read this book when you’re going through your rules and procedures for a laugh and maybe as a writing prompt: “What might happen if you brought a _______ to school? Write all of the reasons you can think of that someone shouldn’t bring a ____ to school!” You get to choose how outlandish to make the creature or thing in the blank.
Be Kind – Written by Pat Zietlow Miller, Illustrated by Jen Hill
Oh man, this one is amazing. I may have to devote a whole post to it another day, but for now, use this book to pose the question: “What does it mean to be kind?” Miller presents lots of possibilities. Are there other ways the kids in your class can think of to be kind to each other?
The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes – Written by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein, Illustrated by Mark Pett
I was this girl. I mean, I wasn’t really. Of course I made mistakes! But, I tried not to make any at all, and I was quick to cover up the mistakes I did make. In this book, a girl makes her first mistake ever, and she reacts simply beautifully. Use this book to start a conversation about mistakes, failure, laughter, and love. Ask questions like: “Have you ever felt like the main character? How do you feel when you make a mistake? What do you do?”
On the First Day of Kindergarten – Written by Tish Rabe, Illustrated by Laura Hughes
Okay, obviously, this one is for kindergarten teachers. It’s fun and a great way to get your class excited about the year. If you can manage it, you could plan out activities in keeping with the progression the book follows for the first 11 days of the year.
Miss Nelson is Missing! – Written by Harry Allard, Illustrated by James Marshall
I had to include Miss Nelson. I just had to. I mean, the Miss Nelson books were some of the most fun, memorable books a teacher ever read to my class when I was in school (along with How to Eat Fried Worms, which the librarian read to us right before lunch…). Do you have a teacher alter-ego? If not, maybe you should… Or, maybe not.
We Don’t Eat Our Classmates – Written and Illustrated by Ryan T. Higgins
Making friends can be challenging! Especially if you are a little T-rex who eats your classmates at every chance you get. Start a conversation about how to be a friend.
So, there you have it! 6 books to read during the first week of school.
Here’s to a new year! May all of your dreams and none of your nightmares come true.
Your turn! Do you have any favorite back-to-school reads? What are they?
P.S. Celebrate life!