As the school year approaches, parents and children alike may feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. For those entering first grade, the transition can be particularly daunting. With new teachers, classmates, and academic challenges, it’s important to prepare children for the year ahead. One way to do so is by reading books specifically geared towards first graders, such as “The Day You Begin.”
The Day You Begin
Starting first grade can be an intimidating experience for children. The unfamiliar classroom, new teacher, and unknown classmates can all cause anxiety. In her book, “The Day You Begin,” Jacqueline Woodson celebrates the courage it takes to step outside of one’s comfort zone. This beautifully illustrated picture book is a great way to prepare children for their first day of school and help them feel confident and brave as they begin this new chapter in their lives.
Hello World!
The transition to first grade is a significant milestone in a child’s life. In “Flubby Series,” Kelly Corrigan and Stacy Ebert celebrate the possibilities that come with this new chapter. The book highlights the importance of building connections with teachers, friends, and classmates. Through colorful illustrations, young readers are encouraged to embrace their new experiences and the people they meet along the way.
Milk Goes to School
Milk, equipped with a new glittery backpack, faces her first day of school with both excitement and nervousness. She must navigate through new relationships and make a good first impression.
The Worry Box
“The Worry Box” is a children’s book by Suzanne Chiew, illustrated by Sean Julian. The story follows a young bear who worries about everything, and his older sister suggests he make a box to keep his concerns safe. This way, he can acknowledge his worries without letting them take over his life. The book is recommended by school counselors to help children cope with anxiety and stress. It provides a helpful tool for children to manage their worries and feel more in control.
Lupe Lopez: Reading Rock Star!
Lupe Lopez is a kindergartener at Hector P. Garcia Elementary School, and she is determined to become a Reading Rock Star. She has started a band at her school, and she is the first kindergartener to do so.
Despite the fact that she has a lot to learn, she is confident that she can succeed. This story is an excellent resource for beginner readers who need encouragement. The text is simple and includes Spanish words, and the illustrations are vibrant and engaging.
Sounds Like School Spirit
“Sounds Like School Spirit” is an interactive book that encourages children to feel proud of their school. It uses energetic chants and lively illustrations to add excitement to everyday activities. This book is perfect for teachers and parents who want to get their kids feeling pumped up about the school year. It can be read in the classroom or at bedtime to help children feel more connected to their school.
Luli and the Language of Tea
In the book “Luli and the Language of Tea” by Andrea Wang, Luli discovers a way to connect with her classmates despite the language barrier. She introduces them to her love of tea and they bond over it. This heartwarming story shows how a simple shared interest can bring people together, no matter their backgrounds or languages.
Theo Thesaurus
“Theo Thesaurus” is a humorous storybook written by Shelli R. Johannes and illustrated by Mike Moran. The book follows the story of a dinosaur named Theo who loves using big words. Theo worries that his extensive vocabulary will make it difficult to make friends at his new school.
However, as he gets to know the other dinosaurs in his class, Theo realizes they have more in common than he thought. This story is a fun way to introduce young readers to new words and the importance of finding common ground with others.
A Pig, a Fox, and a Box
In this story, readers are introduced to two friends, Fox and Pig, who have many misadventures together. The book is an excellent resource for strengthening sight word skills and reading strategies.
It features a variety of sight words, as well as some unfamiliar words, making it a great choice for young readers. If your child enjoys this book, they may also enjoy the other books in the series, including A Pig, a Fox, and a Fox, and A Pig, a Fox, and Stinky Socks.
How to Identify a True Best Friend
Finding a best friend can be a challenging task, but there are certain characteristics that can help identify a true best friend. Here are some signs to look out for:
- Trustworthiness: A best friend should be someone who can be trusted with personal information and secrets.
- Loyalty: A true best friend stands by your side through thick and thin and is always there to support you.
- Honesty: A best friend should be honest and upfront, even if it means telling you something you may not want to hear.
- Similar interests: Having similar interests and hobbies can help strengthen the bond between best friends.
- Positive influence: A best friend should inspire and motivate you to be the best version of yourself.
Remember, a true best friend is someone who accepts and loves you for who you are.
Humphrey’s Tiny Tales Series
Humphrey’s Tiny Tales is a popular chapter book series for young readers, written by Betty G. Birney and illustrated by Priscilla Burris. The series features Humphrey, a classroom pet hamster, who goes on exciting adventures with his classmates during weekends.
Each book in the series presents a unique adventure, from camping trips to surprise birthday parties. The series is known for its adorable illustrations and engaging storytelling, making it a favorite among first graders and growing readers alike.
Flubby Series
The Flubby series is a collection of chapter books that are perfect for first graders who are learning to read. These books are based on the author’s own pet, and feature simple text, graphic novel-style panels, and engaging illustrations.
They are designed to help new readers gain confidence and move towards independent reading. With their delightful stories and charming characters, the Flubby books are a great addition to any young reader’s library.
A Narwhal and Jelly Book Series
The Narwhal and Jelly book series, written and illustrated by Ben Clanton, is a popular children’s book series that has been featured on the New York Times bestseller list.
The series features the adventures of Narwhal and Jelly, two ocean creatures who explore the world around them with humor and friendship. The stories are perfect for young readers who are looking to challenge their reading abilities and enjoy tales filled with adventure and excitement.
The 12 Days of First Grade
“The 12 Days of First Grade” is a fun and engaging picture book that children will love. Written by Jenna Lettice and illustrated by Colleen Madden, this book is perfect for kids who are starting their first year of school.
The book follows the same structure as the classic Christmas song “The 12 Days of Christmas,” but instead focuses on the exciting experiences that first grade has to offer. The rhyming text and colorful illustrations make this book a great choice to read at any time during the school year.
Summary
Books for first graders should be engaging, age-appropriate, and help develop reading skills. Picture books with simple text and colorful illustrations are ideal for this age group. Series books with relatable characters can also be a great choice.
Non-fiction books about animals, science, and history can spark curiosity and expand knowledge. It’s important to choose books that match the child’s interests and reading level to encourage a love of reading.