Back to School Read Alouds and Anxiety

Do you have favorite books that you read the first week of school each year?  The pandemic has impacted our community in multiple ways.  Before COVID-19, some of your students may have experienced some type of trauma. After COVID-19, all of your students have experienced stress, change, or trauma. Save your favorite Back to School books for the second or third week of the new year.  Social and emotional learning lessons should be the focus at the beginning of this school year.

The Breaking News by Sarah Lynne Reul is a timely story.  This is a story about a girl's family and what they experience after hearing bad news on tv. The story tells how a young child can help his or her family and neighbors.

There are always a few students that feel anxious at the beginning of the year.  This year you may notice more students experiencing anxiety because of all that has happened recently. Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes is a wonderful book to add to your plans.  Your students will be able to easily identify with Wemberly, a character who feels anxious about the first day of school.

Let your class make a Wemberly Worried flipbook after you discuss the story.  Bonus:  This makes a great bulletin board for Back to School Night.

Do you need for social emotional learning (S.E.L.) read alouds?  I have compiled a book list you should check out.

Have you tried a feelings journal with your class?  It is a great way to take the pulse of your class.  It is included with this file.

Don't forget to check out my Back to School book list.


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