🌟 Set Your Purpose:

Are you reading for fun, to support academic growth, or to impact students’ well-being? Each purpose brings its own magic, and sometimes, a single book can do all three!

The first thing to do when reading picture books is simply START. Friend, I know your schedule is packed. There are lessons to teach, assignments to grade, and a never-ending to-do list. But I promise you—picture books will transform your classroom culture, elevate engagement, and create lifelong readers. Whether you’re reading for joy, academic understanding, or emotional growth, just opening that book is a step in the right direction.

🎉 Read for FUN:

Reading for fun should be a daily non-negotiable in every classroom. Picture books allow students to laugh, wonder, and dream. They introduce new vocabulary, help with fluency, and show kids that reading isn’t just an assignment—it’s an adventure.

📚 How to do it:

• Read at least one picture book a day—bonus points for two!
• Use fun voices and expression to bring the story to life.
• Let students predict, react, and connect to the story.
• Ask open-ended questions like:
  • “What would you do if you were the main character?”
  • “How does this remind you of something in your own life?”

✨ Book Suggestions for Fun Read-Alouds:

• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt (great for laughter and creativity)
• Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein (perfect for interactive engagement)
• We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins (silly but teaches an important lesson)

🔎 Read for GROWTH:

Reading picture books isn’t just about enjoyment—it’s an incredible way to support academic growth and deepen students’ understanding of key concepts. Whether you’re teaching story structure, figurative language, or even math, there’s a picture book for that!

📚 How to do it:

• Choose books that naturally align with your standards (but don’t stress—authentic discussions often hit multiple standards without trying).
• Pause to model thinking aloud, making inferences, and identifying key details.
• Allow students to turn and talk about what they notice.
• Use anchor charts to track thinking and connect ideas across books.

✨ Book Suggestions for Growth:

• Enemy Pie by Derek Munson (great for cause & effect, problem-solving)
• The Bad Seed by Jory John (amazing for character analysis and growth mindset)
• Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco (perfect for discussing perseverance and empathy)

⏳ Remember: Reading picture books is NEVER a waste of time! A well-chosen book can reinforce academic skills in ways worksheets never could.

♥️ Read for IMPACT:

If you do nothing else, read for impact. Books help students see themselves, understand others, and develop social-emotional skills that shape them far beyond the classroom. Some of the most powerful lessons in empathy, resilience, and kindness come from a well-told story.

📚 How to do it:

• Pick books that address feelings, friendships, and tough topics in an age-appropriate way.
• Create space for quiet reflection and big conversations after reading.
• Ask questions like:
  • “How do you think the character felt?”
  • “Have you ever experienced something like this?”
  • “How can we use this lesson in our own classroom?”
• Encourage students to write, draw, or role-play their responses to deepen understanding.

✨ Book Suggestions for Impact:

• Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson (a heart-wrenching story about kindness and missed opportunities)
• The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig (great for discussing inclusion and friendship)
• I Am Enough by Grace Byers (a beautiful affirmation of self-worth and acceptance)

Final Thought:

No matter your purpose, reading picture books is one of the most valuable things you can do in your classroom. Whether you’re making kids giggle, teaching a standard, or helping them navigate emotions, every book opens a door to learning and connection.

So grab a book, gather your students, and start reading—the impact will last a lifetime. ❤️📖

The post How to Boost Your Picture Book Read Aloud appeared first on Ramona Recommends.

Do you use national days in your classroom?

I personally LOVE using national days as a catalyst for learning. A national day can turn into a picture book read aloud, morning meeting questions, would you rather game, research, writing assignment, and a bonding moment for my 5th graders. 

February 3rd is National Girls and Women in Sports Day.  Let me help you plan a few activities surrounding this day.  Start the day by reading She Persisted in Sports by Chelsea Clinton.

This picture book highlights the stories of remarkable women athletes who overcame obstacles to achieve greatness. Featuring figures from various sports, the book showcases their determination, resilience, and groundbreaking achievements.a delightful story about embracing patience and teamwork. My favorite is Simone Biles!

Spark discussions with morning meeting questions revolving around resilience:  

Question 1: Can you think of a time when something was really hard for you, but you kept trying? How did it feel when you didn’t give up?

Question 2: Why do you think it’s important to keep going, even when things don’t go as planned? What can we learn from those tough moments?

Take your students outside and play a game that requires teamwork like kickball. 

Here is a list of my fav NATIONAL DAYS for February! 

February 2nd: National Groundhog Day : Groundhog Gets it Wrong
February 3rd: National Girls and Women in Sports Day : She Persisted in Sports
February 5th: National Bubble Gum Day : On Account of the Gum
February 6th: National Chopsticks Day : Tricky Chopsticks
February 11th: Make a Friend Day : Meesha Makes Friends
February 14th: National Ferris Wheel Day : Mr. Ferris and his Wheel
February 15th: National Presidents Day : President Taft is Stuck in the Bath
February 24th: National Tortilla Chip Day : Nacho’s Nachos
February 25th: National Clam Chowder Day : Chowder Rules: The True Story of an Epic Food Fight
February 26th: National Tell a Fairy Tale Day : Goldi Rocks and the Three Bears

Want to share with other teachers and parents? Here is a pdf of the book list.

If you want more lists, you can visit my amazon store and open the magic!

Ramona Recommends partners with affiliate platforms where commission may be earned based on clicks and or purchases, and I would love it if you decided to use the links above! Affiliate links help bloggers like me to fund the free content that we provide on our blogs.

The post Picture Book Recommendations for February National Days appeared first on Ramona Recommends.

November’s Cozy Classroom Reads: Celebrating Gratitude and Stories

November invites a season of gratitude, community, and reflection—making it a wonderful time to bring picture books to life in your classroom. From stories of kindness and thankfulness to moments of humor and adventure, these books offer opportunities to connect with students while celebrating the season. This month’s selections are full of charm and inspiration, sparking meaningful discussions and unforgettable classroom moments.

• The Verts by Elizabeth Pulford
  An engaging story of a family who experiences the world in shades of green, sparking a celebration of nature and unique perspectives.
• Leo’s First Vote by Thea Feldman
  A timely introduction to civic engagement as Leo learns about the importance of voting through a relatable first-time experience.
• If I Were President by Catherine Stier
  A thoughtful exploration of the responsibilities and joys of being president, perfect for fostering civic curiosity and big dreams.
• Leafy Landmarks: Travels with Trees by Nancy Shapiro
  This fascinating journey explores famous trees and their historical significance, connecting students with nature and the world around them.
• Nerdycorn by Andrew Root
  Fern the unicorn loves science and solving problems, but she learns the importance of balancing her passion for STEM with friendship and self-expression.

• America’s White Table by Margot Theis Raven
  This moving story introduces the tradition of the white table set to honor fallen soldiers, perfect for teaching gratitude and remembrance.
• Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco
  Polacco’s heartfelt story of overcoming struggles with reading and the life-changing influence of a caring teacher inspires students to value perseverance and kindness.
• Where’s My Butt? by Donald Budge
  A silly, laugh-out-loud adventure as a curious character embarks on a quest to find their missing butt, sparking imagination and fun.
• Cranberry Thanksgiving by Wende and Harry Devlin
  A cozy tale of unexpected friendship, where a secret cranberry bread recipe becomes the centerpiece of Thanksgiving lessons on generosity and kindness.
• Pocket Full of Colors by Amy Guglielmo and Jacqueline Tourville
  The inspiring story of Mary Blair, a Disney artist who used her creativity to brighten the world, encourages young readers to follow their passions.

• The Great Thanksgiving Escape by Mark Fearing
  Gavin and his cousin Rhonda turn Thanksgiving into an epic adventure as they escape the dreaded kids’ table. With humor and relatable family dynamics, it’s a hit for giggles and connection.
• I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie by Alison Jackson
  This playful Thanksgiving twist on the classic cumulative rhyme will have students laughing as the old lady’s appetite spirals out of control.
• My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero
  This heartwarming story celebrates family, culture, and community as a young girl takes a ride with her papi, discovering the beauty of her hometown.
• Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey
  A timeless tale of parallel adventures, where a little girl and a bear cub unknowingly swap places with their mothers during a blueberry-picking trip.
• Turkey Bowl by Phil Bildner
  Ethan dreams of the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl, but when a snowstorm threatens the tradition, he learns the true meaning of togetherness and fun.

These November reads warm the heart and ignite curiosity, encouraging students to think deeply about gratitude, community, and creativity. Whether it’s a laugh-out-loud moment or a lesson in empathy, these stories bring a special magic to the classroom. Which of these books will you share first to inspire your young readers this season?

Ramona Recommends partners with affiliate platforms where commission may be earned based on clicks and or purchases, and I would love it if you decided to use the links above! Affiliate links help bloggers like me to fund the free content that we provide on our blogs.

The post What We Read in November appeared first on Ramona Recommends.

Let’s explore the books that made October unforgettable in my classroom, and how they can bring magic to yours!

On Account of the Gum by Adam Rex
A hilarious chain of events unfolds when gum gets stuck in a child’s hair. Packed with absurdity and giggles, this book is a hit for discussions about problem-solving and creative thinking.

Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds
A delightfully spooky tale of Jasper Rabbit and his paranoia about the carrots following him. This humorous book is perfect for October fun, with clever illustrations that add to the suspense.

My Name is Sangoel by Karen Lynn Williams and Khadra Mohammed
Sangoel, a refugee, navigates his new life while holding onto his identity. A powerful story about resilience and the importance of names, sparking meaningful conversations on diversity and inclusion.

Rot, the Cutest in the World by Ben Clanton
Rot, an adorable mutant potato, enters a cute contest with hilarious results. This book delivers an important message about self-confidence and loving who you are.

Amara and the Bats by Emma Reynolds
A heartwarming tale of Amara’s love for bats and her efforts to protect their habitat. It’s a perfect blend of environmental awareness, activism, and a passion for nature.

Something Beautiful by Sharon Dennis Wyeth
This touching story teaches students to find beauty in their surroundings, even when the world seems bleak. It’s a powerful conversation starter about hope and change.

I Want to Read All the Books by Karin Johnston
An inspiring tale of curiosity and determination as a child embarks on a quest to discover every story ever written—a celebration of the joy of reading!

Lila and the Crow by Gabrielle Grimard
This beautifully illustrated book addresses bullying and self-acceptance as Lila learns to embrace her unique qualities.

The Snurtch by Sean Ferrell
A humorous yet insightful look at managing emotions, following Ruthie as she battles her mischievous “Snurtch.”

Stacey’s Extraordinary Words by Stacey Abrams
A heartfelt tale of perseverance and the power of words, this book showcases the magic of language and finding your voice.

Why Not? by Mindy B. Holte
A charming tale of endless possibilities, encouraging young minds to embrace creativity and ask questions.

Mr. Fox’s Game of No by Erin McGill
An engaging story about problem-solving and resilience as a group of animals outsmarts a tricky fox.

Monster Hands by Laura Leuck
A playful exploration of monsters and manners, perfect for some lighthearted October fun!

Bonaparte Falls Apart by Margery Cuyler
Bonaparte’s humorous quest to keep himself together (literally!) makes this a favorite for laughter and lessons on friendship.

Ice Boy by David Ezra Stein
A quirky adventure of a rebellious ice cube finding his place in the world.

Creepy Crayons by Aaron Reynolds
A spooky yet silly tale about a mischievous set of crayons that will have students giggling and guessing.

The Yellow Bus by Susan Green
A warm story of adventure and the community built through a daily school bus journey.

Picture Day Jitters by Crystal Allen
Navigating picture day anxieties, this relatable book is full of humor and heart.

I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll
A fun and imaginative twist on the classic monster-under-the-bed story.

Dear Dragon by Josh Funk
This rhyming gem chronicles an unlikely pen-pal friendship between a boy and a dragon.

Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller
A tender story about small acts of kindness and their ripple effects, perfect for building empathy.

Gustavo, The Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago
This sweet tale of a ghost overcoming shyness is a Halloween treat with heart.

Pick a Pumpkin by Patricia Toht
A cozy celebration of pumpkin picking and fall traditions, ideal for seasonal storytelling.

Poultrygeist by Eric Geron
Packed with puns and humor, this ghostly chicken tale brings laughs and a touch of spookiness.

She Made a Monster: How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein by Lynn Fulton
A fascinating introduction to Mary Shelley’s life and her creation of Frankenstein, inspiring budding writers.

Leila the Perfect Witch by Flavia Z. Drago
Leila learns the value of imperfection in this enchanting story about embracing oneself.

Our Day of the Dead Celebration by Ana Aranda
A vibrant introduction to the Día de los Muertos traditions, celebrating family and remembrance.

These books made October magical for my students—and they can do the same for yours! Each title invites young readers to explore new ideas, relate to diverse experiences, and celebrate the joy of storytelling. Which one will you dive into first?

Ramona Recommends partners with affiliate platforms where commission may be earned based on clicks and or purchases, and I would love it if you decided to use the links above! Affiliate links help bloggers like me to fund the free content that we provide on our blogs.

The post What We Read in October appeared first on Ramona Recommends.

Unpopular Opinion- I actually do not like pie!

…and neither does Peyton, the main character of “Peyton Picks the Perfect Pie”!

In Peyton Picks the Perfect Pie, join Peyton on a deliciously fun adventure as she bravely searches for a pie she can finally enjoy—even though she’s the pickiest eater around! With colorful illustrations and mouth-watering pie options, this story celebrates trying new things and reminds us that sometimes the “perfect” choice is the one you never expected!

How relatable is this book?! Kids are the PICKIEST of eaters and, just like in “Just Try It!,” reading this to your class may just encourage at least one of your students to go ahead and try something new all while you’re covering key reading comprehension skills in an engaging way! Win- Win! (parents will thank you, truly!)

Some Ideas:

• Connect to your kids with the morning meeting questions. Spark an interest in the topic and get kids talking! Class discussions warm my heart and you can learn so much about each other this way. 
• Character Development- Peyton is a dynamic character to follow through the plot because she has great interactions with family members along the way and displays a change by the end of the story. Students can typically really make a text to self connection with Peyton and really be descriptive in their responses to show understanding.
• Listening and Speaking- Do you struggle to track this or be sure to engage students in these tasks? Your students can verbally answer pre-planned questions to each other out loud to practice these crucial skills!
• Build Vocabulary- Encourage students to learn something new and boost their word bank. Pulling words from a text is so meaningful and applicable!
• Overall, boost comprehension of a literary text. Include multiple ways to show understanding of the story with questioning and writing.

Grab your Print-and-Go Picture Book Companion Here!

BONUS: Do you have involved families that would support a pie treat?! Have students bring in a pie to share as a little classroom “Friendsgiving” and encourage them to try something new!

[I got this AMAZING pie from an allergy-friendly baker, Julie’s Table – SO YUM!]

Need more Ideas for Thanksgiving Books?

• “Our Table” follows a girl who brings her family closer by helping them rediscover the joy of sharing meals together.
• “Who Will Bring the Turkey?” The turkeys are all hiding…how will these friends find one? Can you spot it on each page?
• “A Plump and Perky Turkey“ is a funny tale about a clever turkey who outsmarts a town determined to make him their Thanksgiving dinner.

Find More Here!

Ramona Recommends partners with affiliate platforms where commission may be earned based on clicks and or purchases, and I would love it if you decided to use the links above! Affiliate links help bloggers like me to fund the free content that we provide on our blogs.

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If we want our students to read with intonation we must model all year long. Make the read aloud in your classroom the reason your students become readers. 

Please understand, I do not think you have to be a broadway star to read a picture book, but you need to have some confetti in that voice. 

If you are a first year teacher, student teacher, or a teacher who does not want to be on broadway, this blog post is for you! Let me help you feel confident when you are reading aloud in your classroom. 

I teach fifth grade and I would say 95% of my students love it when I read picture books. This last week, I had my students fill out a rating form about their 5th grade experience thus far, and SO many said their favorite part of the day was Open The Magic. It made my whole week!

Speaking of my students, in the past I have asked them, “What do I do that makes you engaged during read alouds?” Here are their responses summarized.

“you are SO excited about picture books! It’s like giving EXCITEMENT VIBES.”

“You do cool voices!” (bless them, I try!)

“You raise and lower your voice at the perfect time”

“You find books that we can learn from or relate too.”“You find funny books, remember when you read, Where’s My Butt?.”

I teach fifth grade and I would say 95% of my students love when I read picture books. This last week, I had my students fill out a rating form about their 5th grade experience thus far, and SO many said their favorite part of the day was Open The Magic. It made my whole week!

Speaking of my students, in the past I have asked them, “What do I do that makes you engaged during read alouds?” Here are their responses summarized:

“You are SO excited about picture books! It’s like giving EXCITEMENT VIBES.”

“You do cool voices!” (bless them, I try!)

“You raise and lower your voice at the perfect time”

“You find books that we can learn from or relate too.”

“You find funny books, remember when you read, Where’s My Butt?.”

Here is what I do when I want to have a solid read aloud. 

#1 Read the book ahead of time.

Reading aloud takes practice. Sometimes you have to pull your inner broadway star out of you, but I promise it is worth it. I understand that time is vital; you do not always have the time. I get it, I am a teacher too. Just try your best! If you are using a book to teach a lesson, I highly recommend reading the book beforehand. This will help you utilize all the teaching confetti inside. I am the type of teacher that has to prep before I do an activity in front of my students. My brain works better that way. If you are not sure which picture books would hit in your classroom, be sure to check out The Confetti Bookshelf, where I give you picture books I read each month in my own classroom.

#2 Do not sound like a robot.

I ask you to please not read like you do not like to read. The kids notice and then they are not engaged. I have learned from over the years when I make reading a confetti moment is when I get the most buy in about books. I have had multiple parents tell me that their child did not like reading until they came into my class. If we want our growing readers to thrive we must model for them how to read, the importance of reading, and showing the excitement we get from reading a book we love. 

I provide a  free training where I walk you through how to engage your readers during a read aloud and how to not be nervous when reading. Grab it here. 

#3 Explain the confetti.

Make the read aloud fun and engaging so your kids buy in. I typically share why I choose the books we read during Open The Magic. When I am selecting the books for the week, the first thing I will do is look up the national days for the week. I will try to match a national day with a book. For example, October 22nd is National Color Day. I will most likely read the book Mixed: A Colorful Story. I have a detailed blog post about National Days that are kid friendly and I share which books pair well with every holiday.

I also share new books that have not been released yet, the kids LOVE this. They feel so cool. Mini perk of Ramona Recommends. Oh! We always start off with looking at the picture book wallpaper and to see if there is a secret cover. Yes, I have 5th grade boys begging to have me check if there’s a secret cover even before I sit in my yellow chair. 

Here is your plan for your next read aloud.

-Grab a book from my suggested list. 

-Read it aloud or in your head. 

-Think of 1 way this book will connect to your students.

-Go shine, bookstar!

Ramona Recommends partners with affiliate platforms where commission may be earned based on clicks and or purchases, and I would love it if you decided to use the links above! Affiliate links help bloggers like me to fund the free content that we provide on our blogs.

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“Should I use picture books in my classroom? I am not sure. I want to, but how can I get my upper graders to buy in?”- Upper Grade Teacher 

If you take anything from me, please take this. Using picture books in the classroom will be one of the best instructional practices you can do this year. I have been teaching for 15 years and I have had multiple students- all upper grade kids- tell me how much they loved our picture book time. I use picture books for fun and for content. 

Here are 6 ways I show, use, or decorate with picture books in my 5th grade classroom:

Picture Books Can: 

There are several reasons I believe picture books can be the best tool in your instructional toolbox to guide your students. As I type this section, I am so excited to get my school year started because picture books are so my jam. What CAN a picture book do? I am here to tell you A LOT. They can spark a love for reading. They can reignite a love for reading and be a teacher, friend, and role model. One big reason especially for upper grade picture books can help with reading comprehension and supplement content area lessons.

Honestly, right here I just dropped two game changers that have allowed my students to grow so much in one school year. Second, honest real talk, they have helped me be able to teach hard standards that bring down concepts. Picture books help model good writing to budding writers. A shout out to Josh Funk and Patricia Polacco for being two phenomenal writers who do a great job modeling show not tell. These gems also provide vacations to kids, yes please. Picture books support English language learners. I am here to tell you that picture books for students who are learning English give them so much hope of learning English. I saved the best for last: PICTURE BOOKS ARE JUST WHAT EVERY HUMAN NEEDS. I am proof of this.

[Send this handout home to parents about all the ways picture books are useful in all grades!]

Picture Book Corner:

Ok, picture this! Thirty-five 5th graders come down to the carpet and sit in the picture book corner with me to enjoy a morning of picture book reading and building community. If you can’t picture it, I can promise it is the best part of my morning. This is where memories are made and I think it really helps my students feel like family. We build community by answering morning meeting questions that match with the book we are currently reading. Want to see?

What makes my corner the best? My cozy chair, Sunny! I never knew I needed a cozy chair in my classroom until I saw other teachers in my school using them. This started my quest to find a cozy chair and how I found Sunny tucked away in a corner at Homegoods. It was love at first sight! She had to move into my house during the 2021 soft seating restrictions, but I am so excited to announce I am bringing Sunny back to my classroom this year and I can’t wait! 

Where the Picture Books Live: 

Picture books are always all over my classroom (in a neat way). I promote the use of picture books just as much as chapter books in my room. In the month of September, my students participate in National Open The Magic Day, Dot Day, and read to their little buddies. In our classroom, there is a ROYGBIV bookshelf of picture books and a Confetti Shelf full of current books. My favorite is watching my students gravitate to the books and sit on the floor and read to each other. In September our first writing activity is to create small Food Group stories using mentor texts from Jory John and Pete Oswald to guide their creativity. Want to do this in your classroom, click here!

Confetti Shelf:

This shelf is new for the 2024-2025 school year and I am SO excited for it’s debut! I emailed my principal to make sure it was ok to drill into the wall. The minute I received the O-OK, we went to Home Depot. I selected vinyl rain gutters and teacher talked myself into getting them cut for free. We attached it to the wall under my front board using wood nails, and VIOLA! This is my confetti shelf to display all of my paper back books in rainbow order.

Confetti Analyst

One of my student’s job is to be the “confetti analyst”. This student is the lucky kiddo that gets to select which book we read each day. Do I influence? Yes! I just can’t help it 😍

Inventory: Any way to save some time in lesson planning and while teaching is GOLD, am I right? One way I do this is through my Picture Book Inventory. I log each and every picture book that I own on a Google spreadsheet for ease in planning and locating the books I want to use for the week. Want more info on this? Check the blog here.

Looking for books to get started with? Check out this collection of funny picture books that your class is sure to love and start building some positive reading routines!

*Please note amazon affiliate links were used in this post.

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As back to school approaches, it is time to set expectations for the beginning of the year. Collaboration is key in a classroom and will help set your students up for success in the future. I like to call my collaboration activity a learning how to human activity. This activity is a great way to engage students, learn about their communication style, and read a picture book to your class. 

Prior to this year, I have always read Pig the Pug when introducing my collaboration lesson, but this year I am changing it up. 

Have you read Collaboration Station by Shannon Olsen? It is a new favorite for modeling the YESs and Nos of collaboration. 

There are many great parts to the book, but I really love how Shannon explained why working together can benefit all. I also love how she respectfully explains to kids how to lead and not boss. This skill is hard for kids who learn at all different paces. Model- Model-Model. 

Class in Session: Step by Step in my classroom

Step 1:

I explain to my students that in order to have a successful school year we MUST learn how to collaborate aka work together. I bring down the house playing my FAVORITE collaboration video featuring USA Olympians. I have been playing this video for about 8 years and it still gives me all the feels. One year I had a few kids stand up at the end and clap. We watch the video the first time for effect and then 2 more times for learning. I point out all the ways the athletes are working together and working alone. I stress that even though the athletes are working alone they are really working together for TEAM USA. 

Step 2:

Together we make a chart on how to be a good classmate in a team setting. What does that look, sound, and feel like?

Step 3:

We read Collaboration Station and look for more ways to be a good classmate and add to our chart. At this time, I have students work together in table groups and jot down what they learned from the book or their own ideas. We share aloud and then I write on the chart. This leads into showing my students our SAY SOMETHING posters where I have created sentence stems to help my students communicate effectively in whole and group settings.  You can grab these posters to display in your classroom, here!

Side note, if you have not read Say Something by Peter H. Reynolds, you should! It is such a great book to teach kids how to stand up for themselves respectfully. 

Step 4:

Lastly, as a closing activity, I have my students write their collaboration motto for the year. It is very simple. It is as simple as a post it note and a pencil. I provide a sentence frame: I will collaborate effectively this school year by_____________ . They bring their post it note to the front of the room and adorned it to my Collaboration Station poster and then before BTSN, I laminate and hang up in my class. Here is what I think the poster will look like.  During the year, I will refer back to the poster for my students who are leading by example or need reminders. 

As a veteran teacher, I know the power of modeling and teaching expected behaviors over and over again. Make sure to model collaboration all the time. Collaboration is key in a classroom and will help set your students up for success in the future.

Looking for more books for BACK TO SCHOOL, here is a great list.

*Please note amazon affiliate links were used in this post.

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