Books to Read on the First Day of School With Activities
The first day of school is always one of mixed emotions. Students are happy to see friends, sad that summer is over and nervous about the academic pressures of the year. Teacher should select books and activities that help bring the students back to the school year, while encouraging socialization and growth. The books should have themes and deal with experiences that resonate with the students.
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New Friends
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Reading the students a book about making friends and starting school mirrors what they are currently experiencing. Some books that deal with this situation are "Chicken Sunday," "Crowboy," "Jessica" and "Duncan & Delores." Afterward, the students can then each share what they are experiencing
Changes and Growth
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The start of the school year is a time of change and growth. "All Through The Night," "The Aesop for Children" and "Momo" all deal with changes and growth and the theme of empowerment. Students can share their goals about who they want to become or grow up to be. They can then draw a road map of how they are going to arrive at that point and what might happen along the way.
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Education
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Books that deal specifically with education and studying as a theme may be appropriate on the first day to ground the students and ease them back into an academic environment. Books like "Virtues, Wisdom and Kindness," "The Most Important Things" and "Wise Short Tales" can help bring the children's minds back to learning without focusing on a particular subject. This will help acclimate the children's minds to personal values. Have the students write a story about what education means to them. It can include examples of what they have learned.
Addressing Problems
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Home life and social life may be sources of problems for some children. Select a book that deals with issues some students may be dealing with or problems that are common in many households. (See Resources.) Have the children discuss some of the issues in the book and how they would have solved the problem.
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