Some teachers are awesome math teachers, others are amazing writing teachers, one of the things I pride myself on is creating a classroom culture based on kindness, security, and respect for one another. Every August, as I start a new school year with a new group of kids, I make it a priority to lay down the foundation for the way I would like my classroom to feel.
The classroom culture needs to be cultivated. Some years, depending upon the mix of kids, that’s easier said than done. I can think of years when the kids just came to me with sweet, kind open hearts and the years when the "cool" kids were not the kind kids. No matter what, I stress the importance of respect and compassion for others.
Here are some must read books to add to your library for the beginning of the school year.
1. The Brand New Kid by Katie Couric
The Brand New Kid is a cute, rhyming, not-too-intense book about being kind to someone who seems different. In this story, everyone is excited about the new school year, except the new boy named Lazlo. He has a hard time making friends until Ellie McSnelly notices how sad he seems and tries to get to know him. To everyone's surprise he's not that different, and he soon has new friends. This book is primary, but it's a great first read for the first day of school.
2. My Secret Bully by Judy Ludwig
My Secret Bully is perfect for older students like fourth, fifth, and sixth graders. This is a story of a girl whose best friend since kindergarten now picks on her and excludes her. This book addresses emotional bullying through name calling and manipulation. There are great discussion questions at the end of the book that you can use especially for classroom rule creation.
3. Enemy Pie by Derek Munson
Enemy Pie is a super cute, lighthearted story about a boy named Jeremy whose #1 enemy just moved in down the street. Fortunately, Jeremy's dad has a secret recipe for losing enemies. Jeremy has to spend the whole day with his enemy, but his dad says it will be worth it. The twist, of course, is he loses his enemy because they become friends.
4. Just Kidding by Trudy Ludwig
Another AWESOME book by Trudy Ludwig to address emotional bullying. In this story, DJ's friend continuously teases him, puts him down, and then says, "just kidding". DJ feels belittled but doesn't want his friends to think he can't take "a joke". DJ's dad helps him work through this problem with his secret bully. These social behavior books have a great impact on classroom management.
5. The Meanest Thing to Say by Bill Cosby
The Meanest Thing To Say is a great book to have on hand when you only have a couple minutes before a transition. It's a quick read with a powerful message. In this story, Little Bill is challenged to a game called "The Dozens". In this game, you get 12 chances to say the meanest thing you can think of to the other person. Dad teaches Little Bill how to win with one powerful word. This book is a fun way to teach kids how to avoid bullying situations.
6. Mr. Peabody's Apples by Madonna
Mr. Peabody's Apples demonstrates the destructive power of gossip. In this story, Tommy Tittlebottom believes he sees the beloved Mr. Peabody steal an apple from a local store. Like wildfire, the gossip spreads and ruins Mr. Peabody's reputation. In the end, Mr. Peabody takes Tommy on a little field trip to a windy field and shakes out a pillow filled with hundreds of feathers. The feathers represent the gossip that blows with the wind. This book is long, but it has a good message.
7. Snail Started It by Katja Reider
Snail Started It is designed for younger students, but I love the message. The story starts with Snail calling pig fat. Feeling bad about himself after the insult, he calls Rabbit timid. The insults circle throughout all the animals until it gets back to Snail. Once Snail realizes that he started the chain of insults, he begins a string of apologies. This is a cute story about the power of words.
If you are trying to create a caring, compassionate classroom, Wonder is a MUST READ. Wonder is about a boy with a physical deformity who must navigate trying to fit into a new school. The power of this book is in the characterization. You can't help but love the characters and become moved by the power of their friendship.
In Fish in a Tree, everyone thinks the main character, Ally, is a troublemaker. Everything changed for Ally when a new teacher, Mr. Daniels, suspects he struggles with dyslexia. Throughout the story, you see Ally's gain confidence in herself and form relationships with other classmates who consider themselves "outcasts". This is an uplifting story for kids who have felt misunderstood or out of place.
10. Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes
I've never read another children's book that addresses the issues of bullying and discrimination the way Black Brother, Black Brother does. It's really unique. It could lead to great classroom discussion of race relations, or provide insight for some kids who are not exposed to racial injustices.
For me, creating a kind, safe culture has always been my number one priority. It is not a one lesson or do-as-I-say rule. Creating a caring culture with clear expectations takes time, patience, practice, and modeling.
Are there any books I missed for the first week of school? What's your favorite book for creating a kind, caring, safe classroom?
