Back to school fun with picture books

Picture books and children's literature are a great way to build student enthusiasm for literacy learning. Use these titles to help students feel comfortable in a new environment, build excitement about school, and get them reading and writing from day one.

This is the Way We Go to School - Edith Baer

After reading This is the Way We Go To School by Edith Baer, have students write their own rhyming sentences about the different ways they arrive at school. Combine the work together into a class book using the Project Wizard.

Dear Teacher - Amy Husband

Start the school year on a silly note with Dear Teacher by Amy Husband. After reading the story, encourage students to write you a letter to share what they look forward to this year.

The Day You Begin - Jacqueline Woodson

Enjoy this beautiful story by Jacqueline Woodson, The Day You Begin. Have students use one of the new book templates to write and illustrate a story about themselves.

Students can use the Presentation options to use a book format for a project so the reader can turn pages. Students can also start from a Book template by using the New button, choosing the Book option, and then selecting a template.

Pete the Cat: Rocking In My School Shoes - Eric Litwin

Read Pete the Cat: Rocking In My School Shoes by Eric Litwin and have young learners complete a sentence about their favorite school activity, and then color and decorate a pair of shoes reflecting unique personalities for back-to-school.

If I Built a School - Chris Van Dusen

After reading If I Built a School by Chris Van Dusen, encourage students to design their dream school. What would it include? What classes would they like to see?

The Name Jar - Yangsook Choi

After reading The Name Jar, by Yangsook Choi, have students type things they are grateful for and add it to their gratitude jar.

First Day Jitters - Julie Danneberg

Celebrate back-to-school with First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg. Then, ask students to reflect how they felt on the first day of school. Students can start with a blank canvas to paint a picture of themselves and then write a sentence sharing their feelings.

Our Class is a Family - Shannon Olsen

Ask students to create a poster describing the ways they can contribute to your classroom culture in a positive way after reading Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen.

Five Creatures - Emily Jenkins

Read Five Creatures by Emily Jenkins and put students in teams to interview each other, collect data on similarities and differences and write their team's version of this fun story.

If You Take a Mouse to School - Laura Numeroff

Explore cause and effect by recreating this fun story about a mouse's adventures visiting your school.

With Wixie’s versatile tools and templates, you can easily create a classroom atmosphere that encourages creativity, collaboration, and a lifelong passion for learning.

Here's to a fantastic start to the school year!