
My personal all time FAVE is The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn!
School is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. To help ease Chester’s fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary. Since its first publication in 1993, this heartwarming book has become a children’s classic that has touched the lives of millions of children and their parents, especially at times of separation, whether starting school, entering daycare, or going to camp. It is widely used by kindergarten teachers on the first day of school.
I’m a HUGE fan of Storyline Online. Members of the screen actors guild, aka well-known actors read children’s books adding a little of the movie magic in the presentation of the pages of the book. Trust me, you and your students will be glued to any reading! Share the magical reading of The Kissing Hand by Barbara Bain with your students HERE.
Talented teachers across the country have developed fun, educational activities that could go on for the entire school year. Perform a search to find the ENDLESS list of activities available.
10 More great first day books to read:










Hayley quickly finds out that first grade is different from kindergarten, but in all the wrong ways! The classroom isn’t as bright and colorful. Ms. Gray doesn’t seem to smile as much as her kindergarten teacher Ms. Lacey did. The work is hard and there isn’t enough time to play outside. Worst of all, her best friend Ryan says he likes first grade! Finally, Hayley has had enough. “First grade stinks!” she shouts. The classroom is suddenly very quiet. “You’re in trouble now,” Ryan whispers. But to Hayley’s surprise Ms. Gray doesn’t look mad at all.
Every teacher has a go-to first day of school read aloud. Tell us in the comments your favorite book! Maybe it will make our list for next year.
I love Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and Tuck Everlasting =)
I love Don’r be Sillly Mrs. Milly