Back to school is just around the corner! Fresh school supplies, new clothes, and the anticipation of what kindergarten will be like… The beginning of kindergarten can be an exciting time for kids, but it can also be overwhelming. (This goes for parents too!) These are some of my favorite books to help kids adjust to their new schedule and routine.
The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing
This book is the perfect read for the night before your child’s first day of school – or as a first day read aloud! This could invite a discussion on how they are feeling about starting kindergarten.
Kindergarten, Here I Come! by D.J. Steinberg
I read this book every year. It talks about all the different things you might do in kindergarten… no naps, recess, lunchtime. It is the perfect way to introduce our schedule and talk about some of things we will also do in kindergarten!
Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate
Miss Bindergarten books are some of my favorites to read with my class each year. I love telling my class about what I did to get our classroom ready and then we talk about what they did to get ready for kindergarten!
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Books! by Lucille Colandro
Who doesn’t love an Old Lady book?! I read these for just about every season and holiday, and back to school is no different. I pass out these pocket chart cards to my students and when she swallows the item in the story, they get to come put it in the pocket chart. There is also a craft that accompanies the story that I do in small groups a few weeks into the school year!
The Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School by Deborah Diesen
This book is an amazing way to introduce growth mindset conversations with your students. Plus many kids have heard the original Pout-Pout Fish book, so they enjoy the familiar character.
Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes
Being worried is such a common feeling the first few days of kindergarten. Everything is brand new! This book is great for opening conversations and easing some worries.
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
I read this book every year on the first day of school. We have a little stuffed raccoon and the kids pass him around to share how they are feeling.
First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
Another book perfect for helping kids understand those jittery feelings are completely normal!
Kindergarten Rocks! by Katie Davis
The title says it all – kindergarten rocks! But sometimes kids need to work through some nerves to realize that.
Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park
This is a classic! I loved these as a kid and if you have a reader at home, I almost guarantee these will be a hit!
I hope you have found some new books to add to your home collection or classroom library that will help your kindergartners get excited about the upcoming school year! Do you have any other must-reads? I’d love to hear! 👇👇