It’s time to start thinking of BACK TO SCHOOL! When I plan my September- I always plan a few Read Aloud texts and responses for a few reasons. Sometimes- I incorporate them into my weekly plans. Reading mentor texts to your firsties is irreplaceable as an authentic way to teach classroom rules and norms. Other times I simply prep the materials and have them on hand in case I have a Sub day or find myself with an afternoon where I need to add in something fun. September is HARD! It’s hard for the kids and for me…. to be honest we all have days where we need to just put aside the plans and sit quietly on the rug to listen to an engaging read aloud. Below are my TOP FIVE September Read Aloud Books for First Grade!

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

A CLASSIC Back to School MUST READ! I prep this read aloud response for the first day back. It makes for a great way to acknowledge the stress of starting a new year, new classroom, new classmates, and new teacher your kiddos are feeling. Chester is an adorable raccoon nervous to start his school year. His Mom kisses the palm of his hand and assures him that that kiss will stay with him throughout the whole day. I have created a raccoon craft to go along with this book as well as a written response. CLICK HERE to find the link to this on Teachers Pay Teachers.

Chester’s Way by Kevin Henkes

Speaking of characters named Chester, this Chester definitely has some similarities to the Chester in The Kissing Hand. In Chester’s Way, in try Kevin Henkes fashion, there are ample detailed pictures and a beautifully written story about a mouse named Chester who has a best friend. Chester and Wilson do EVERYTHING the same and are nervous when a new mouse Lily moves into town. Of course, when they have the opportunity to get to know Lily, they are no longer afraid of her! I love to use this book with my firsties in preparation of a new student to help explain how much fun it is to get to know knew classmates. It also works well as just a fun, engaging story to enjoy. CLICK HERE for my mouse craft and writing response paper printables.

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Please is a Good Thing to Say by Barbara Joosse

I have used this book EVERY YEAR to introduce manner words in my first grade classroom. We read a little bit everyday for the whole week and we put our manner words on my word wall. Need I mention I think manners are SUPER IMPORTANT for every firstie to use on a daily basis? I notice manner words and reward when students use them without prompting. This book is my favorite way to introduce ALL THE WAYS we can use words like please, thank you, and (100% the MOST important phrase) may I help you? CLICK HERE for the craft and writing response I created to accompany this book!

Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann

Safety….safety…..safety. You can teach safety in a first grade classroom until you are blue in the face and still SOMEHOW witness daily accidents. Hmmm?? Officer Buckle is a school safety officer who makes his rounds teaching local schools about safety- however his assemblies are rather boring until he decides to bring along his police dog Gloria. His assemblies become so popular his phone is ringing off the hook with requests to visit other schools! A great book about safety this book is also a beautiful story about friendship. What book could serve your first few weeks of school better? CLICK HERE for my Gloria craft, star safety rule template and writing response!

Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen

Absolutely at the TOP of my favorite read alouds list! I just LOVE LOVE LOVE Library Lion by Michelle Knudson! I have always had a dream of being the librarian and just love this story of a kind, calm lion who befriends the librarian and attends all story hours. I use this read aloud to introduce my classroom library- we discuss the rules of the library and do a collaborative stack of books art project to think of ways to respect our classroom library. CLICK HERE for an adorable library craft, book end template, and writing response to use this book in your classroom!

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Back to School is one of my favorite times of year! Brand new crayons, pencils, and a clean classroom to name a few! However, it is also SO exhausting. There is no tired quite like first day of school tired and it extends the first few weeks! Grab my SEPTEMBER Read Aloud Response BUNDLE and do yourself a favor- prep all of the easy crafts and print the writing response copies to help you prepare for the first month of school!

Happy New School Year!

Katelyn Nevala