End of Summer Books for Kids: Grades K-3
Inevitably we all have to go back to school at some point in our lives. For me, it’s one of the best parts to my summer! I absolutely love the time of year when the smell of crayons and colored pencils takes over Target, children pick out a backpack that fits their personalities, and new school clothes are bought and washed.
Let’s make it fun! Let’s get our kids involved in the process…and how can we? By introducing some great “Back to School” books at the end of the summer.
Here are some of my, and my fellow teacher’s, absolute favorites:
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
“When Chester the raccoon is reluctant to go to kindergarten for the first time, his mother teaches him a secret way to carry her love with him.”
The first day can be one of the scariest, especially for a kiddo beginning school for the first time. Chester is very anxious and worried about leaving his mom for the first time, making friends, and liking his teacher. I don’t want to reveal the secret way his mom teaches him to carry her with him all day…it will touch your heart. J Read this book with your child at home and you will find that most of your children’s K and 1st grade teachers will read it with them on the first day as well.
First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
“Sarah Jane is worried about going to a new school. She refuses to get out of bed because she keeps imagining all the bad things that can happen.”
We all get those jitters when we try something new. Sarah Jane tries to find many ways to make it to school for her first day. From staying in bed to tripping over her dog and cat, Sarah Jane finally makes it to school. The surprise ending to this book will have your older children understand what it truly means to have to try something new for anyone at any age.
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
“She was a perfect baby, and she had a perfect name. Chrysanthemum. When she was old enough to appreciate it, Chrysanthemum loved her name. And then she started school. ‘I’m named after my grandmother,’ said Chrysanthemum. ‘You’re named after a flower,’ said Victoria. Chrysanthemum wilted. Life at school didn’t improve. In fact, it got worse. Then the students were introduced to their music teacher, Mrs. Twinkle. Mrs. Delphinium Twinkle. And suddenly, Chrysanthemum blossomed…”
I love using this book maybe the second or third day of school. After a few days children find that associating with their peers can be a little tough, whether because of their name or how they interact with their peers. Each student will find something in common with Chryanthemum and learn that they will each find their place in their classroom and school.
Charlie & Lola, I am TOO absolutely small for school by Lauren Child
“Lola is not so sure about school. After all, why would she need to count higher than ten when she never eats more than ten cookies at a time? Once again, it’s up to ever-patient big brother Charlie to persuade Lola that school is worthwhile – and that her invisible friend, Soren Lorensen, will be welcome too.”
Charlie and Lola are two of the best characters, in my opinion, written in children’s literature. I love the idea of engaging students in a book that incorporates peers. Most children do come to school already having an established relationship with their family members, especially their brothers and sisters. Not only feeling scared, Lola isn’t sure she can take her invisible friend to school with her. It being up to her big brother Charlie to convince her, he shows her how fun and engaging school will be from his own experiences.
Most of your child’s favorite characters such as Fancy Nancy will have some type of “Back to School” book. Find the one that fits your child’s personality and interest the best. Engage your child with these books and have a ton of fun!
*All descriptions listed within quotation marks below book titles are borrowed from Barnes & Noble.
