More Picture Books You Need for Back to School

If you are new to teaching first grade, last week I wrote about 18 picture books you need for back to school. 

But I have so many beloved back to school books that they don't all fit on my shelf!  So after the first week I take down the books I've read to get them into the kids' hands for choice time.  Then update my display bookshelf with more books that teach valuable back to school lessons to my firsties.  

To sum up my last post, here are the books I display that first week of school, but usually don't get to read until week 2, 3, or 4:

Keisha Ann Can

On Our Way to First Grade   

First Grade Here I Come   

Brand New Pencils Brand New Books 

First Grade Jitters 

First Day Jitters 

Morris Goes to School 

Franklin Goes to School 

Mouse Loves School 

Hello School

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School 

You can read about these in my last post.  Because today I want to introduce you to 5 more books that I read aloud during our first month:   

Have You Filled a Bucket Today?  I've heard about bucket filling for many years.  I knew the concept.  But I'm embarrassed to say I never read the ACTUAL book until this year.  If you're like me, it IS worth getting.  It's not too corny for first grade.  It turns the idea of being nice into something magic.    

Peanut Butter and Cupcake  This book has fun, realistic images of anthropomorphic foods (I don't know about you, but that appeals to me and most of my students right away).  It also has a great story about persevering when the first few kids you try to make friends with isn't working well for you.  It's worth it to find that one friend you really gel with.  And at the end, everyone gets together to play, so it's not like the others are all bad after all. 

Wemberly Worried  Some of your worriers let you know immediately in a very obvious way that they are overwhelmed with starting first grade.  Some of those kids are perfectly fine once they get into the routine.  Then there are your chronic worriers.  I read this book so they know I see them, and I'm here for them for as long as they need me. 

Benny's School Trip  Funny story:  the first year I taught first grade, I was going over the rules the morning of our first field trip of the year.  When I thought I was reminding them "listen to your chaperone," one asked me, "what's a chaperone."  I did not see that coming (they had field trips in kindergarten so I made an assumption).  This book isn't a back to school book, but if you go on a field trip at the beginning of the year, this is great to help them prepare.   

Bubble Gum Brain  I bought this book after taking a course on growth mindset.  It is a little preachy, but they make the anti-hero likeable.  I was so happy when the fixed mindset character learned that he had a bubble gum brain too, all along.  As with everything else, it takes practice to change your mindset, but it improves his mood.  

If you love Amazon as much as I do, here's a tip I have for you.  Put ALL the books that interest you in their own wish list called First Grade Books.  If you use my affiliate links I will receive a commission at no cost to you.  Buy a few that you feel like you will definitely want to read next month.  Leave the rest and revisit it every few weeks to watch for price cuts.  Depending on how badly you want a book, set a specific price goal in mind, and when a few drop below your threshold make your purchases and make your book wishes come true! 

 

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