Back to school themed books are perfect for the start of a new school year or even a new school term.
At the start of the school year I like to display these books on a special stand in the library with my Back to School Books display poster. These books are hot property for at least the first few weeks of the term. They are frequently used by classroom teachers, myself and students absolutely love to borrow them too.
Here are some of my favorites:
Pete the Cat Rocking with my School Shoes by Eric Litwin
This book is really helpful as an introduction to school, especially for your Kindergarten/Prep students. Students are familiarized with the different places in the school and reassured that school isn’t so scary. I know a lot of teachers at my school like to do the Pete the Cat Scavenger Hunt where you take a tour around the school after reading the book. There are quite a few free ones out there on the Internet if it’s something you’re interested in recreating.
First Day by Andrew Daddo
An adorable book about getting excited about the lead up to first day of school. Special breakfasts, new shoes, fancy hair and being brave.
My First Day at School by Rosie Smith
With beautiful illustrations by Bruce Whatley, this book is perfect for the lower years. A very simple read, with just a few words on each page it covers the basics of school such as getting dressed, breakfast, lunch, story time and home time.
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
The Kissing Hand is a classic picture book that has the power to help ease the fears of children at the beginning of the school year. Chester Racoon is our protagonist, who is worried about starting school (at night, may I add! A nice touch for a nocturnal animal.) To help remind Chester of her love any time he feels scared Mrs Raccoon teaches Chester a special secret called ‘the kissing hand’.
This is a great read to help reassure children who may have separation anxiety about starting school.
First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
This book that deal with the nervousness of starting a first day at school. The twist at the end of this book will have students surprised and laughing. A fantasic book which has the potential to connect the common feelings of both teachers and students about starting a new school year.
Maddies First Day by Penny Matthews
This is another beautifully illustrated book about the first day of school. Suited to lower elementary students, new experiences, making friends and growing up are the main themes of this book.
Back to School, Splat by Rob Scotton
A great one for the return to school after summer break. Splat must decide what amazing summer adventure to share with his class for show and tell. This book would be useful as read aloud followed by a show and tell activity with your class.
First Day by Margaret Wild
I adore this book and the way that six children’s differences are portrayed on their first day of school. The book is broken up into sections such as ‘before school’, ‘going to school’ and ‘home time’ with the viewpoints of each of the six children being shared. A great reminder that no one student is the same and we all bring diverse experiences, backgrounds and knowledge to school. This is more of a lengthy book with a lot of text. With the lower years this book may be better suited to being read over the course of the day.
Wombat goes to School by Jackie French
Another story about the adventures of a very cheeky wombat, Mothball. This book features illustrations by Bruce Whatley and although the story is simple it’s probably best suited to students from first grade upwards. It involves little to do with starting school and is more a humorous story about a wombat in the school environment.
The Pout Pout Fish Goes to School by Deborah Diesen
Another installment in the much loved Pout Pout Fish’s adventures. This time the Pout Pout Fish is nervously awaiting his first day of school. Many students will be able to relate to the Pout Pout Fish who is anxious about not being able to write his name, do math and draw shapes. A great story to reassure children that school is the perfect environment in which to learn these skills.
If you’d like to make your own display in your library or classroom you can grab my ‘Back to School Books’ display poster from my FREE Resource Library.
Just print, laminate and display with your favorite back to school books.
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