Kickstart your school year with fun first week of first grade activities, classroom routines, and easy-to-follow strategies for first-grade success with our first week of school packet . These read-alouds and videos go right along with our first week of school lesson plans packet, setting the tone for a welcoming and engaging start to the year. Through these stories, and activities the students will explore themes of friendship, community, and the excitement of new beginnings.
Jitter Juice
by Julie Danneberg
Sarah is scared and doesn’t want to start over at a new school. She doesn’t know anybody. It will be awful. She just knows it. With much prodding from Mr. Hartwell, Sarah Jane reluctantly pulls herself together and goes to school.
Clark the Shark Goes to School
by Bruce Hale
Clark zooms into school, crashes through the classroom, and is rowdy at recess. Clark loves life—but when his enthusiasm is too much for his friends just see what happens. Will he make friends and like school? Click the link below to find out.
Manners in the Lunchroom
by Amanda Doering Tourville
A children’s book that teaches young readers about proper etiquette and behavior while eating in a school cafeteria. Through simple text it emphasizes the importance of saying “please” and “thank you,” keeping voices at a reasonable volume, cleaning up after oneself, and being considerate of others.
How Do Dinosaurs Count to Ten?
by Jane Yolen & Mark Teague
How Do Dinosaurs Count to Ten? is a charming children’s book written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Mark Teague. In this delightful story, young readers follow along with playful dinosaurs as they learn to count from one to ten.
A Little Spot Goes to School
by Diane Alber
A Little Spot Goes to School by Diane Alber is a heartwarming children’s book that helps young readers navigate the exciting and sometimes daunting experience of starting school. Through the journey of a small, colorful character named Spot, children learn about the various emotions they may feel on their first day, from excitement to nervousness.
Let's Learn the Letter Aa
Let's Learn Letter "A"pple
Apple craft included for the first week of school. Additional option for craft and a coloring sheet option also included.
Let's Learn with Apple Math
Way Up High in the Apple Tree
by Nicholas Ian
Way Up High in the Apple Tree by Nicholas Ian is a delightful children’s book that combines simple rhymes with charming illustrations. Perfect for early learners, this book fosters a sense of curiosity about nature and helps develop basic math skills in a fun and engaging way. The gentle tone and playful illustrations make it a wonderful read for young children.
Back to School Activity Packet "I Spy"
Back to School ” I Spy” with mini magnifying glasses. The kids have so much fun looking for the hidden pictures. We just purchased some off of amazon and use them every year and throughout the year as well.
The Line Up Book
by Marisabina Russo
Line Up Book by Marisabina Russo is a delightful children’s story that explores the concept of patience, waiting, and the excitement of being in line.
Display Visual Expectations Poster for Lining Up and the T-Chart to perform with your class to go over procedures for lining up.
Let's Learn the Letter Bb
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
by Michael Rosen
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen is a beloved children’s classic that takes readers on an exciting adventure. A journey through various obstacles, like tall grass, a river, and a dark cave, in search of a bear. The book encourages kids to join in on the fun, mimicking the actions and sounds of the adventure.
Song and motions fun below
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
by Michael Rosen
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen is a beloved children’s classic that takes readers on an exciting adventure. A journey through various obstacles, like tall grass, a river, and a dark cave, in search of a bear. The book encourages kids to join in on the fun, mimicking the actions and sounds of the adventure.
Song and motions fun below
The Gummi Bear Counting Book
by David A. Carter
The Gummi Bear Counting Book is a fun and interactive children’s book that introduces young readers to the concept of counting through the colorful world of gummi bears
Manners at School
by Carrie Finn
A wonderful children’s book that teaches young readers the importance of good manners in a school setting. This book is a great tool for parents and educators to help kids develop social skills and navigate their school experiences with confidence and kindness.
Clumsy Crab
by Ruth Galloway
A charming children’s book about a little crab who feels embarrassed by his clumsiness. The story, with its gentle message and delightful illustrations, encourages children to embrace their imperfections and reminds them that they are special just the way they are.
There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Cactus
by Lucille Colandro
A fun and quirky twist on the classic “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly.” In this version, the old lady swallows a variety of objects, The repetitive, rhyming text makes it easy for children to follow along, while the bright, humorous illustrations add to the charm.
A Little Spots Learns to Read
by Diane Alber
A delightful children’s book that encourages a love of reading. It also introduces the different types of books and how they can make us feel different emotions. This heartwarming story is a great way to inspire children to explore books and develop a lifelong passion for reading.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
by Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault
A lively and fun-filled children’s book that introduces the alphabet in an exciting way. A perfect book for young children to learn their ABCs while having a blast. This classic tale is an energetic and engaging way to teach early literacy skills, all while keeping kids entertained.
Rocking in My School Shoes
by Eric Litwin
A fun and upbeat story about a young boy named Pete who is excited to start school and explore his new environment. It’s a delightful celebration of school life, independence, and the joy of learning.
ABC BINGO!!!- Do your kids love BINGO? Mine do, so it’s the perfect way to learn and review uppercase letters A through Z while having fun! Kids love bingo and it’s the best game during the first week of school. Simple as print and play!
