When I decided to update my Vocabulary Units, I knew I wanted to include some interactive read-alouds. It is so important to read high quality, engaging texts to all students - English Language Learners are no exception. I was looking for books that would interest students, provide opportunities for discussions, and included rich vocabulary. I also wanted books that weren't too long so that primary level students would attend throughout the story. While I read and loved many teacher themed books - these five were my final choices.
Same Way Ben by Maryann Cocca-Leffler
Same Way Ben by Maryann Cocca-Leffler is a great book for students about to experience their first substitute teacher. Ben did the same thing every day, he put on the same clothes, went to school, sat at the same table, ate the same lunch, and everything was perfect! However, Ben’s world gets thrown for a loop when suddenly there is a substitute teacher, and nothing is the same at all. With the help of friends and a special teacher, Ben learns to embrace the change.
Discussion Questions
p. 5 Ben likes things the same every day. Is there anything that you like to keep the same every day? Are there things that you like to change?
p. 8-9 How is Ben feeling? Why do you think he is feeling this way? Have you ever felt sad or nervous about something changing?
p. 16-17 Even more things are changing in Ben’s class. What do you think Ben should do about all the changes? Is there someone he could talk to?
p. 22 Mrs. Garcia says, “Changes make life exciting… like an adventure!” Do you agree with Mrs. Garcia? Why or Why not?
p. 26-27 Ben is trying something new! Looking closely at the picture - What is Ben doing that is different that his usual routine?
after reading What did Ben learn about change? Have you ever had to make a change you were scared about, but it was a good change in the end?
Post-Reading Activity
After reading, complete a story map to identify the setting, characters, beginning, middle, and end. This book would also be a great way to start the conversation around the expectations when there is a substitute teacher.
First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg, illustrated by Judy Love
This book is a classic beginning of school story – and for good reason. It gives students a glimpse into a teacher’s thoughts and feelings on the first day of school. Up until the very end readers believe that Sarah Jane Hartwell is a student nervous about her first day of school. Every kid can empathize with her reluctance to start at a new school. Reading this book and sharing your feelings about the first day with your own students will help to create a caring and empathetic classroom.
Discussion Questions
before reading This book is called First Day Jitters. Do you know what the ‘jitters’ are? It means you feel nervous. Do you feel nervous on the first day of school?
p. 4 Sarah says, “I hate my new school.” Why do you think she says that? Has she ever been to the school? Have you ever said you didn’t like something before you tried it?
p. 6-7 Look at these two groups of students. Which group would you like to go to school with? Why?
p. 15 Sarah says, “My head hurts.” Why does she say that? Have you ever gotten a headache or stomachache thinking about doing something you didn’t want to do? Do you think she should stay home today?
p. 24-25 Look at the classroom – how is it like your classroom? How is it different?
after reading Sarah is the teacher! Did you know that teachers can feel nervous on their first day of school too?
Post-Reading Activity
After reading, compare the ways you, as a teacher, feel on the first day of school with the ways students feel on the first day of school. Be honest with your students about your feelings. This can help with building relationships in the classroom.
School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex, illustrated by Christian Robinson
This lovely book is told from the point of view of a new school building. When Janitor tells School that soon teachers and children will be coming School becomes nervous. When the first day finally arrives, School is disheartened to learn that not everyone likes him. However, as the day goes on things get better for everyone. After all the students go home, Janitor returns, and School tells him all about the day. School decides that being a school is lucky after all!
Discussion Questions
p. 1 Look at the school they have built! Can you see School’s face? Watch for that face carefully because it will change in the story to tell us how he is feeling. Does this school look like your school? How is it the same? How is it different?
p. 6-7 Look at this big room – what do you see? What different things can this room be used for?
p. 8-9 Look at School’s face now. How is he feeling? Why do you think he is feeling that way? How did the children get to school?
p. 17 Why do you think the little girl says that she does not like school? How is she feeling? Have you ever felt that way about school?
p. 26 Look at school now, at the end of the day? How is he feeling? Why do you think he is feeling better? What happened that made him happy?
after reading What makes a school special, and different from a house? Do you think school will be nervous to have the children back tomorrow?
Post-Reading Activity
After reading, create a character map for School. Use what he says and thinks to fill in the map.
How to Get Your Teacher Ready by Jean Reagan, illustrated by Lee Wildish
This adorable book takes students through various important dates in the school year. For each special day there are jobs students can do to help their teacher get ready. There are even plans for when the day doesn’t go as planned. How to Get Your Teacher Ready by Jean Reagan is a perfect read-aloud for the beginning of the school year.
Discussion Questions
p. 2-3 This page is “How to Welcome your Teacher” What are some ways you can make your teacher, or another classmate feel welcome in our class?
p. 8-9 Have you ever performed in a concert? How is the teacher feeling? How do you know? What helps them to feel better?
p. 12-13 This day did not go as planned! What went wrong? What did they do to fix it? What other ways can you try to fix a bad day at school?
p. 14-15 These students are teaching their teacher about their favorite topics? What is your favorite thing to learn about? Who do you like to talk about that topic with?
p. 16-17 They are getting ready for field day? What do you know about field day? What kind of games do you play on field day?
after reading This book talked a lot about special events at school. What special events at school are your favorites? How do you and your teachers get ready for them?
Post-Reading Activity
After reading, brainstorm ways that students can help their teachers.
Clothesline Clues to the First Day of School By Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook, illustrated by Robert Davies
If you’ve read any of the Clothesline Clues books – then you’ll know this is a good one. Every other page gives clues to someone who works at school, followed by a page of them doing their job. Students will love guessing who is who based on the clues.
Discussion Questions
Allow students to guess the school staff member after each page.
Post-Reading Activity
After reading, students can create clues to school personnel. They can then present the clues to the group.
If you are looking for these discussion questions and activities ready-to-print and use please check them out in either my People at School Vocabulary Unit or my People at School Read-Alouds resource in my Teachers Pay Teachers store. If you chose to read any of these books with your students I'd love to hear about it! You can e-mail me at TeachingEternity@gmail.com, or connect with me on Instagram, @TeachingEternity.
Click the image above for a list of more picture books about people at school.
