6 Books for Back to School

The school supply aisles are stocked and I've already received my welcome back letter from my administrator… that can only mean one thing:  Back to School is here!  I always feel bittersweet at the end of the summer, because on one hand, I love my lazy summer days.  BUT, I'm also looking forward to getting back in the groove with the best job ever.

Since I'm currently doing some long term plans for my therapy, I thought I would share some really good books that I'm planning to use at the start of the year!

Officer Buckle & Gloria by Peggy Rathman is an oldie but goodie, I've actually blogged about using it before for community helpers. It is great for the beginning of the year because it can be helpful for discussing rules for school and your classroom.  PLUS… kids are always entertained by the antics of Gloria!Hey, Little Ant by Phillip and Hannah Hoose is actually based on a song (which is included at the end of the book) about a conversation between a little boy and the ant he wants to squish.  This story is great for character education and to encourage conversations about bullying, diversity, and tolerance.

Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes feels like it's been around forever.  This book is perfect for the beginning of the year, because that's when the story takes place!  Another good one for tolerance and acceptance of those who are different than us, Chrysanthemum is also about learning to love every little thing about yourself.  Not to mention, TONS of great vocabulary in this one 🙂Big Al by Andrew Clements is one of my favorite books EVER.  In fact, I love it so much I just sent all my newsletter subscribers a free book unit to use with it!  Big Al just wants to make friends, but because he is scary looking to all of the other fish, he has a hard time getting anyone to talk to him.  This sweet story is perfect for discussing friendships and being kind to others.Hooway for Wodney Wat by Helen Lester is a must have for any SLP.  The main character in this story can't say his /r/ sound and struggles with being bullied by another student because of it.  BUT, Rodney is able to outsmart his nemesis, sending her on her way.  I love using this book in classrooms to introduce myself and what my job is to all students, as well as to help the children on my caseload know that their articulation errors don't define them!A Boy and a Jaguar by Allan Rabinowtiz is another one that is great for all SLPs!  The author is a stutterer and tells the tale of his struggles with it and how it impacted him as a child, but also how it led to his passion with animals and his career.  This would be another great story for classrooms to introduce stuttering, and it would also be great for using with your students who stutter.  I love the conversations that this book can spark about communication!

What other books do you like to use at the beginning of the year?