Over the last couple of weeks we've shared some ideas for classroom goals and routines. Both are very important for beginning to develop your classroom community. Books are another beautiful way to start to progress to some more rigorous academic work, while still reinforcing the routine and community based focus you should have in the early weeks of school.
I've selected just a few stories from our home library that you could integrate into your program. This post contains some Amazon affiliate links. This makes no difference to your experience but we may earn a small commission if you click on one or purchase a book.
Why do books help community?
- Shared reading is a sure way to engage your students. The vast majority of students will settle quickly for a story.
- Many behaviour expectations can be authentically reinforced during shared reading - effective listening, classroom seating and discussion routines.
- Shared reading provides an opportunity to build relationships with students. They can start to get to know you, and your voice, as you chat informally about the book and discuss ideas.
- Responding to texts as a whole class, after your morning read, will allow you to gradually unfold and develop some key expectations you have for independent work by students.
Dog Days of School
Dog Days of School
is a great story that students will love. It is funny, relatable and unfolds at a good pace. There is a subtle underlying message of appreciating your normal routine - as boring as it sometimes seems - which will make a great source of reflection on your classroom daily routine and how important it is.
is a great story that students will love. It is funny, relatable and unfolds at a good pace. There is a subtle underlying message of appreciating your normal routine - as boring as it sometimes seems - which will make a great source of reflection on your classroom daily routine and how important it is.
Juicy Juicy Green Grass
is a bright happy book and CD that includes 4 of Peter Combe's favorite songs. Your little learners will just love learning some catchy songs at the beginning of the year. Singing is a wonderful way to establish classroom community as you can all join in, laugh and be a little silly. My Sam loves to look at the pictures in this book and read the words based on the songs we sing, boosting his confidence in reading.
is a bright happy book and CD that includes 4 of Peter Combe's favorite songs. Your little learners will just love learning some catchy songs at the beginning of the year. Singing is a wonderful way to establish classroom community as you can all join in, laugh and be a little silly. My Sam loves to look at the pictures in this book and read the words based on the songs we sing, boosting his confidence in reading.
The Big Umbrella
is a lovely short read that will help you introduce the concept of inclusion and kindness in a practical way. The umbrella in the story is never too small to protect everyone. Stay tuned for a fun craft later this week to accompany this beautiful story.
is a lovely short read that will help you introduce the concept of inclusion and kindness in a practical way. The umbrella in the story is never too small to protect everyone. Stay tuned for a fun craft later this week to accompany this beautiful story. 
The Selfish Crocodile
will provide you with an opportunity to discuss negative behaviours in the classroom and strategies to improve them. Friendliness, helpfulness and community are also explored. The story and illustrations are engaging and its pace and plot make it perfect for encouraging the development of the 'predicting' comprehension strategy. Stop and ask students to talk about what might come next in the story and what aspects so far make them think this.
will provide you with an opportunity to discuss negative behaviours in the classroom and strategies to improve them. Friendliness, helpfulness and community are also explored. The story and illustrations are engaging and its pace and plot make it perfect for encouraging the development of the 'predicting' comprehension strategy. Stop and ask students to talk about what might come next in the story and what aspects so far make them think this.
Speaking of crocodiles, read The Greedy Crocodile
, a collection of Australian stories by acclaimed indigenous author Sally Morgan to compare and contrast. This detailed story is perfect for second to third graders who are ready for a longer text with limited illustrations.
, a collection of Australian stories by acclaimed indigenous author Sally Morgan to compare and contrast. This detailed story is perfect for second to third graders who are ready for a longer text with limited illustrations. 
I would love to share a free printable book report with you today that can be used throughout the year for students to record some ideas about one of the favorite reads.
Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today. Be sure to sign up to our email newsletter - I have an exclusive freebie scheduled to be sent out in a few days and more ideas for children's books at the beginning of the school year.