When the school year starts, students have a lot of adjusting to do. They may have had a more relaxed summer free of schedules and routines, and it is important to find ways to build a sense of classroom community and ease them back into the structure. Continue reading to learn the top back-to-school books to build classroom community.
You’re Here for a Reason by Nancy Tillman
This is a great book that teaches children that they are valuable and important. It focuses on the fact that all people have their own gifts that benefit everyone in the community. It shows them that their small actions impact everyone and can bring about reactions that are larger than expected. It also helps teach about how important acts of kindness are.
What Do You Do with a Problem? by Kobi Yamada
This book is great for helping students feel motivated and confident to take on challenges and work through problems. It shows a child who has a problem and the anxiety it causes, and it helps children relate to their own problems. It opens the door for a great discussion about problems and how to handle them.
The Recess Queen by Alexis O’Neill
This story teaches children about bullying on the playground, and it uses rhymes to do it. This is a great book because children always face struggles on the playground and it is important for them to understand how they should behave and what to do if someone is unkind to them. They can learn how to know when someone is bullying them and how to help when they see someone bullying another student.
I Am Enough by Grace Byers
If you are looking for a book that helps students see that they should be proud of who they are, this is a great option. It helps plant the idea that being themselves is much more important than trying to fit in with the popular crowd. This story includes wonderful anecdotes about setting goals, trying your best, and more. It is a celebration of individuality and it is a great way to start out the school year.