The first few weeks of school can feel a little chaotic. Students are learning routines, figuring out classroom expectations, and discovering how to work alongside their peers. One of the easiest and most meaningful ways to guide them through this transition is with read-alouds. The right story can spark conversations about behavior, kindness, and character traits in a way that actually sticks! Here are five of my favorite read-alouds that I use every year, along with simple, hands-on activities to help your students connect the story to their own choices and behaviors.
David Goes to School by David Shannon
I read this book on the very first day of school every year. In this classic story, a young boy named David is causing all kinds of disruptions and trouble at school! Students love noticing all the funny (and sometimes not-so-great) choices David makes, and it naturally leads into a discussion about classroom rules and expectations.
As you read, pause on each page and ask students what David is doing and whether it’s a good choice. After finishing the story, we talk about peaceful choices versus disruptive choices. Then, we create a class anchor chart listing examples of both.
Students follow up by completing a writing prompt such as, “I can make peaceful choices by…” They draw a picture and write a sentence showing a positive choice they can make. This simple activity helps students think about their actions and sets the tone for a respectful classroom community.
I love using these pages to make a classbook afterward by laminating each one and binding them together. The kids love to flip through these in the classroom library all year long!
Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
Sharing isn’t always easy, especially for students who haven’t been in a preschool setting before entering kindergarten. This story is perfect for introducing the idea of generosity and thinking about others’ feelings. In this story, a vibrant fish is hesitant to share, but later learns that sharing is caring!
While reading, pause to discuss how the Rainbow Fish feels when he doesn’t share and how the other fish respond. After the story, give each student a paper fish to decorate, then provide one “shiny scale” sticker.
Students can choose to share (trade) their scale with a classmate, and you can guide a reflection discussion about how sharing felt for both the giver and receiver. This creates a memorable lesson on kindness and empathy.
I like to hang these up on a bulletin board afterward so that students can see a visual reminder of what sharing feels like. While the display is up, I will often reference it during the morning meeting to help set the tone and remind my students of the classroom expectations.
A My Name is Alice by Joyce Bayer
In this book, you’ll walk through the whole alphabet with a name and backstory for each one. This is a sweet story to use during an All About Me unit. It’s a fun way to help students see that everyone is unique and special, starting with something as personal as their name.
While reading, highlight how each name is different and ask students to think about what makes their own name special. Try to allow for ample time here so that many different volunteers get the opportunity to share. The more classroom conversation you can encourage, the better!
Afterward, students create their own self-portraits. You can have them draw, paint, or build their self-portrait with cut-out paper pieces and art materials. It’s also fun to have a mirror nearby for reference as they work. You can ask them questions like “What color is your hair?” or “What color are your eyes?” to prompt them.
After they complete a portrait, have them write their name and something they like about themselves. This activity reinforces name recognition, self-awareness, and confidence. Not to mention, they will make the CUTEST bulletin board display you have ever seen!
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
I’m sure you’ve read this one before; it’s one of my favorites! This story is a must-read for teaching students about empathy, respect, and the importance of individuality. Chrysanthemum’s experience reminds us that names are special and should be celebrated! As you read, pause and talk about how it would feel to be in Chrysanthemum’s shoes. I love hearing the students’ responses!
After reading, have students share the story of their own names. They can share anything they know about their names, such as where they come from or what makes them unique. I kick this off by sharing about my name first. If your kids don’t offer any stories, you can prompt them with questions like:
- Do you share your name with anyone in your family?
- Are you named after a flower or plant?
- Does your name have a special meaning?
I like to follow up with a fun craft that everyone loves. Students will create a “name flower” with each petal representing a letter in their name. You just need to provide pre-cut petal shapes, construction paper, crayons, and glue. Have the students first draw the center of the flower and the stem on a piece of paper. Then, add a petal for each letter in their name. You can display them around the classroom, creating a colorful reminder that every name is meaningful and everyone belongs.
Leo the Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus
In this book, Leo the lion isn’t doing anything at the time everyone expects him to, and his father is concerned. But Leo’s mother isn’t because she knows her son will do all those things when he is ready!
This story is perfect for teaching students that everyone learns at their own pace. It’s an encouraging way to start conversations about growth and patience, especially at the beginning of the year.
After reading, invite students to share something they are still learning to do. Model first by sharing one of your own ongoing learning goals. You can create a simple anchor chart by writing down some of the things your students are learning to do as they share, or by drawing the examples as pictures. Display this in your classroom for everyone to see. This reinforces a growth mindset and helps students feel supported in their learning journey.
Books Make Learning Character Traits Fun and Simple!
Read-alouds like these do more than fill time; they help students build character, practice empathy, and make connections between stories and real-life choices. The follow-up activities give students a hands-on way to reflect on the stories, apply the lessons to their own lives, and practice kindness and problem-solving in the classroom! Try adding these activities to your back-to-school lesson plan, or anytime you’re in need of some practice with these social-emotional learning skills.
Ready for More Back-to-School Ideas?
If you’re looking for ways to kick off the school year with meaningful routines and engaging lessons, I have a full collection of back-to-school resources in my Teachers Pay Teachers store.
These resources are designed to help you start the year with confidence, build routines, and create a strong classroom community without adding extra stress. Check them out and find ideas to make your first weeks of school meaningful and memorable!
Even More Ideas!
Read these blog posts next for more back to school learning ideas:
- 6 Fun Back to School Activities for Kindergarten
- Setting Up a Back to School Writing Center
- 6 Fun Activities For Back-to-School Lapbooks
Save These Read-Alouds for Teaching Character Traits
Make sure to pin this post on Pinterest so that you can find it easily later!
