Start the School Year with Stories
Must-Read Books to Kick Off Your Classroom Community
As back-to-school prep kicks into gear and your lesson plans are coming together, there’s no better way to break the ice, ease jitters, and build classroom community than with a really great read-aloud. The right story can set the tone for your class, spark thoughtful conversations, and let students know your classroom is a place where everyone belongs.
There are so many books to choose from, it’s hard to pick just a few. But, here are six of my favorite books for the start of the year, plus tips for turning those stories into powerful moments of learning and connection. Let’s start the year on the right foot!
Book Picks to Launch Your Year
1. We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins
Looking for the perfect way to introduce expectations? Penelope Rex is starting school… but she’s a dinosaur. With classmates who look more like lunch than friends, things get tricky fast! This hilarious read-aloud series opens the door to important conversations about empathy, friendship, and learning to navigate new environments.
(Click the link to snag our readers theatre and activities. No prep, and ready to go!)
2. Hooray for Wodney Wat by Helen Lester
Poor Wodney struggles to say his “R” sounds and his classmates never let him forget it. But when a loud new student arrives, Wodney’s quiet confidence ends up saving the day. This is a heartwarming, empowering read that gently encourages students to celebrate differences and lead in their own way.
3. Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
A classic for a reason! Chrysanthemum is proud of her name–until the teasing starts at school. This book sparks conversations around kindness, identity, and learning to love what makes us unique.
4. Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes
Wemberly has a worry for everything, but especially about starting school. This story resonates with so many students (especially new students) and gives them language to help express their own feelings. A wonderful way to acknowledge nerves while modeling courage!
5. Big by Vashti Harrison
This beautifully illustrated, emotionally rich story follows a young girl navigating how the world reacts to her size and spirit. A powerful way to open conversations around self-worth and compassion from day one.
(Click the link to snag our readers theatre and activities. No prep, and ready to go!)
6. First Day Critter Jitters by Jory John
Ok I saved the best for last! This charming picture book follows a group of animal students with all kinds of first-day fears–from being too small to not knowing what to wear. It’s funny, relatable, and ends with a gentle twist that reminds kids (and teachers!) that everyone has jitters sometimes.
(Click the link to snag our readers theatre and activities. No prep, and ready to go!)
From Read-Aloud to Real Impact
Reading these stories is just the beginning. To maximize their impact and make the most of those first precious days of school, here are some ways to build instruction around them:
1. Spark Discussion
Use open-ended questions to guide meaningful conversations. “How did this character feel at the beginning? What changed?” “Have you ever felt this way?” “What would you do in their shoes?” Giving space for personal connection builds classroom trust and sets the tone for respectful dialogue. Allow some time for students to discuss with each other, too!
2. Extend with Activities
After reading, let students respond creatively:
-Writing or drawing about a time they felt nervous or brave
-Reader’s theatre where students get to act out the story (see linked activities if you want to save prep time!)
-Creating class anchor charts on “What makes a good friend” (psst…this could help generate ideas for a social contract)
-Role-playing tricky social situations with positive solutions
-Sorting character traits and emotions from the story
-Making mini-books about their own names, like Chrysanthemum
Need a head start? Our companion packs for We Don’t Eat Our Classmates and First Day Critter Jitters are ready to print and go—perfect for centers, morning work, or SEL time.3. Create a Story Ritual
Kick off each day with a picture book in the first week of school. This not only helps establish routines but reminds students that stories are central to your classroom. Follow each read-aloud with 10–15 minutes of meaningful reflection or a quick response activity to turn story time into learning time.
Start Strong with the Right Story
The first week of school is more than just procedures and name games! It’s your chance to shape the tone, trust, and culture of your classroom. These carefully chosen books do more than entertain. They help your students see themselves, learn classroom expectations in a fun way, understand each other, and feel safe enough to take risks.
So gather your class on the carpet, open one of these powerful picture books, and start building a reading community (and classroom culture!) that will last all year long!
