What we read in Room 35 and why you should too!
In my fifth grade classroom we read a ton of picture books for a variety of reasons. This month I wanted to boost the JOY of reading and connecting in my classroom. Did you know that all the books I ever recommend are tried and true, tested with my own groups of 5th graders?! Here’s what we read and a little bit about why as we kicked off the school year. Comment below with what books you always include in your Back To School read alouds!
Mae’s First Day
This is the perfect first day. It reminds me of First Day Jitters with a new spin. The teacher and her two students are nervous for the first day. The teacher and the girls help each other to feel confident to walk into class on the first day.
The Magical Yet
Setting my students up with a growth mindset is a MUST for the beginning of the school year. I want them to know that it is okay if we can’t do somethin yet because we are all here to learn and grow together, at our own pace.
Milk Goes to School
If you love a good play on words, this book is for you! At the beginning of the year, I want my students laughing and enjoying their new year. Milk Goes to School is the solution to reluctant readers and it reminds students about including others and being open to new situations.
Collaboration Station
Collaboration goals are at the top of most teachers lists. Check out this book to encourage and jump start the idea with your students! Bonus: Check out this full blog I did all about it!
The Big Cheese
Do you have students that think they are the best at everything? (Don’t we all?!) The Big Cheese learns that being the best isn’t always the most important thing and gets a dose of humility when a new student shows up for a big race.
All are Welcome
Fostering a welcoming class family is important for building relationships and setting the tone for the year. This is why I love using this book in August and you should too! Every person is welcome in the class family, no matter what!
The Smart Cookie
If you’re new here, you may not know my love for The Food Group series yet, but you will soon! (and welcome!) Last year, I named my table groups after these books, met the illustrator, and even have a signed illustration up in my class- it’s AMAZING! Anyway, this book is a must because some people’s talents and “smarts” lie in the academic sorts of learning and other people’s “smarts” are with creativity and other not-so-obvious forms. Such a good lesson for kids to hear!
Nerdy Birdy
Being lonely and finding a group of friends is so hard for kids. Introduce them to Nerdy Birdy! He knows he doesn’t fit in with the “cool” crowd, but eventually finds his flock and sees that being Nerdy isn’t so bad…or unusual!
Carla’s Sandwich
Who else likes to see what yumminess kids are bringing to the cafeteria? It’s so fun to see the different cultures, traditions, and types of foods that are sent from home. Our friend Carla has a very unique taste in sandwiches and the kids in her class catch on quickly that they’re different. I like to share this book so kids can see that being different, and having different food tastes, is a-okay! Want more ideas for using Carla in you class? Check out this resource and a more detailed blog here!
Need more picture book recommendations? Try this list of Social Emotional Learning Picture Books that I cannot recommend enough!
Interested in how I keep up with all of these GREAT books? I use a Picture Book Inventory and now you can, too! Try out this FREE Template and look out for more info on how I keep up with it all. [AND check out this blog!] I also go into more detail about selecting books here.
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