Story time in Kindergarten is powerful. Reading books aloud to children improves early literacy skills while also teaching important concepts. Here are my top ten books for the beginning of the year in Kindergarten…
1. The Kissing Hand: Teaching about feelings & separation anxiety
The Kissing Hand is one of my favorite first day read-alouds. Students can easily relate to Chester the Racoon, who was nervous about school and leaving his Mom.
After listening to the story, I have students work in centers while I pull them to my teacher table one at a time to create their own Kissing Hands. You can find this First Day of Kindergarten FREEBIE in the Free Resources Library!
2. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: Introducing the Alphabet
This Chicka Chicka Boom Boom companion lesson resource includes editable pages to customize for each student’s name, bulletin board lettering, and a class book cover. First, I use the pages for our first bulletin board of the year. After I take the pages down, I place the sheets into page protectors. I add the cover inside the clear binder window, and place the class book in our library for my students to read again and again.
3. We Put the Kind in KINDergarten: Teaching Kindness and SEL
You can find my We Put the Kind in KINDergarten companion lesson that includes writing, a craft, and bulletin board in my TPT Store!
4. The King of Kindergarten & 5. The Queen of Kindergarten: Teaching confidence
The King of Kindergarten & The Queen of Kindergarten written by Derrick Barnes are wonderful stories that introduce students to the fun things they will experience in the wonderful world of Kindergarten. These texts promote self-confidence as well as diversity.
6. Giraffes Can’t Dance: Teaching the “Power of Yet”
I loved this story when I received it as a baby shower gift for my son, and it’s perfect for Kindergarten! Giraffes Can’t Dance empowers children to believe they can accomplish anything – even if they can’t just yet!
7. Interrupting Chicken: Teaching How to be a Good Listener
8. Personal Space Camp: Teaching Personal Space
9. The Rainbow Fish: Teaching the Importance of Sharing
10. Too Much Glue: Teaching How to Use Supplies Appropriately
Roundin
There are so many wonderful children’s books for kindergarten! I hope you enjoyed my favorite books for the beginning of the year in kindergarten.
CLICK HERE to shop the list on my Amazon Storefront!
For more ideas, visit the KINDERGARTEN KORNER BLOG!