10 Books That Say "Welcome to Kindergarten!"

The first days of kindergarten....

books to help create a welcoming environment...

The first days of kindergarten are all about building a safe, welcoming, and structured classroom community. The best books to read during this time help with routines, emotions, friendships, and confidence. Here's a list of books I highly recommend that we have used for years and some new ones too! I love reading these books aloud to my students but just in case I don't have the book or I can't find it, I like having a great version ready online, like Storyonline. 

  🚌 "The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn  A heartwarming story that helps children cope with separation anxiety. (I've read this book for many years and the students love it each time.) If you do not have the book it is on Storyonline here.

       

🚌"Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten" by Joseph Slate  This book is one of my favorites since I had a border collie and Miss Bindergarten is a border collie in the story. Fun rhyming text where students are all animals. We read the "Miss Bindergarten's Last Day of Kindergarten" on the last day of school. The book is online here. Download this page if you would like a quick activity for your Kindergartners. 😊

                             

🚌"The Night Before Kindergarten" by Natasha Wing We actually record this book on our Seesaw platform and have parents play it for the incoming students the day before they arrive. It is a sweet take on the excitement and nerves of the students and parents before the first day.  You can find it online here.

🚌"Chrysanthemum" by Kevin Henkes A great book to share with students about being proud of who you are and dealing with teasing. The author Kevin Henkes reads the book aloud here.

🚌"David Goes to School" by David Shannon Kids love David books and makes talking about rules engaging and fun. Your students can watch an animated version here.

🚌"Llama Llama Misses Momma" by Anna Dewdney Reassures kids its okay to miss their parents and show how school can be fun. If you do not have the book, it is on youtube here.

🚌"King of Kindergarten" by Derrick Barnes and Vanessa Brantley-Newton is a beautiful, empowering read-aloud. It builds confidence and sets a positive mindset. We read this right before we make our kindergarten crowns. Storyonline version with Terry Crews is here.

  🚌"First Day Jitters"by Julie Danneberg is relatable. Even the teacher gets a little nervous about the first day of school. You can find it online here.

🚌"Pete the Cat Rocking in My School Shoes" by Eric Litwin and James Dean is fun and musical. We read this book before we take a tour of the school! There are some fun videos to go along with this book here! I also have Pete the Cat stuffed toys around the room. 

🚌"Our Class is a Family" by Shannon Olsen is a must-read during the first day os kindergarten. Build a warm, supportive classroom community. This a heartfelt, reassuring, and a perfect way to say "You belong here." Here is an animated version here.

Teacher Tip: If students say they have heard that book before I always say "Books are like pizza, you can order pizza again and again." The students can relate to Pizza! 🍕

Here is a free Seesaw activity, ALL ABOUT YOU digital activity, you can use in your classroom during the first weeks in Kindergarten.