🌸 5 Teacher Recommended Books to Welcome Spring 🌸

Peace out winter, hello spring!

I love spring as it brings with it a sense of renewal and growth. It is a perfect time for educators to refresh their teaching practices and inspire their students in the home-stretch of the school year.

One great way to to infuse your classroom with the spirit of spring is by carefully selecting books that can serve as your guiding light. Check out this list of essential spring reads for educators!

"Miss Rumphius" by Barbara Cooney (Prek-2nd):

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2. A timeless classic, "Miss Rumphius" tells the story of Alice, who sets out to make the world more beautiful. Through vibrant illustrations and poignant storytelling, Barbara Cooney's masterpiece inspires educators and students alike to embrace the transformative power of kindness and stewardship—a perfect theme for springtime reflection.

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1. "Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt" by Kate Messner (Author) and Christopher Silas Neal (Illustrator) (Prek-K):

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2. Delve into the intricate world of gardening with this captivating picture book. "Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt" takes readers on a journey beneath the soil and above the ground, exploring the interconnectedness of life in a garden throughout the seasons. Educators can use this book to spark discussions on ecosystems, life cycles, and the importance of environmental stewardship.

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1. "Spring After Spring: How Rachel Carson Inspired the Environmental Movement" by Stephanie Roth Sisson (K-2nd):

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2. Celebrate the legacy of environmental pioneer Rachel Carson with this inspiring biography. "Spring After Spring" chronicles Carson's journey from a nature-loving child to a groundbreaking scientist and author whose work catalyzed the modern environmental movement. Educators can use this book to introduce students to the power of curiosity, advocacy, and the impact of one person's dedication to protecting the planet.

1. "The Curious Garden" by Peter Brown (Prek-1st):

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2. Immerse your students in the enchanting world of "The Curious Garden," where a lone gardener transforms a dreary cityscape into a thriving urban oasis. Peter Brown's whimsical tale celebrates the joy of discovery, community collaboration, and the transformative potential of nature. Educators can ignite students' imagination and curiosity by exploring themes of urban greening, biodiversity, and sustainability.

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2. "Planting a Rainbow" by Lois Ehlert (PreK-K):

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2. Bursting with vibrant colors and lyrical prose, "Planting a Rainbow" is a delightful exploration of the gardening process from seed to bloom. Lois Ehlert's enchanting illustrations and simple text provide educators with a valuable resource for teaching young learners about plant life cycles, color identification, and the joys of gardening.

For more books to celebrate spring check out this list from We are Teachers or PBS Kids!

Teacher Recommended Books to Ease Back to School Anxiety

 Going back to school, or starting school for the very first time is a momentous occasion in every child's life.  

Some kids are bursting with excitement and can hardly wait for the first day back.

Others have lots of back to school butterflies fluttering around in their bellies as they dread the start of school.    

My son is one of the anxious ones.  He started first grade this week, and was very worried! I get it!!  There are so many new things for him to experience.  He will see new spaces and new faces.  He will meet new friends and start new routines. SO. MUCH. CHANGE!  

As a parent, I wanted to ease his first day jitters ahead of time by reading books to help prepare him for his first day. 

Books are truly an amazing way to reassure kids when new situations have them scared.  Authors do a fantastic job putting emotions into words and having relatable characters.

 

Below are six fantastic books to help calm the nerves as students return to school.

Worrysauraus by Rachel Bright (PreK-2)

Perfect for any reader who might feel the flutter of an anxious butterfly in their tummy.  The Worrysaurus has a wonderful day planned, but it isn't long before a small butterfly of worry starts fluttering his his tummy.  What is he to do?   With a little help from his mom, the worrysaurus finds a way to soothe the anxious butterflies. 

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn  (PreK-2)

First published in 1993, this heartwarming book has touched the lives of millions of children as they struggle with separation.  School is starting for Chester Raccoon, and he doesn't want to go.  To help ease his fears, Mrs. Racoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give Chester the reassurance of love at any time. 

Wemberly Worried by Kevein Henkes (PreK-2)

This book is a warm and comforting back to school book favored by many.  Wemberly worries about everything.  Big things. Little things. And things in between. Then it is time for school to start, and Wemberly is worried even more. Wemberly gets to school and realizes that school is too much fun to waste time worrying!

Sad, Sad Bear by Kimberly Gee (PreK-K)

Young readers can relate to bear as he experiences going to school or daycare for the very first time.  Bear feels very, very sad as he is in cub care and mommy is at work.  Luckily, with the help of some brand new friends, Bear is able to cheer up.  

Invisible String by Patrice Karst (Grades 2-4)

This book offers a simple approach to overcoming loneliness, separation or loss that is easy for children to understand and welcome.  In this reassuring story, a mother comforts her two children who are frightened.  She explains that even when she isn't with them, that they are all connected with an invisible string. 

Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney  (Prek-1)

Little faces can connect with Little Llama as he experiences separation anxiety on his first day of school.  Little llama has a strange new teacher, strange new toys and there is lots of kids and lots of noise.  Little llama doesn't know what to do, and he feels so new! 

For more back to school book suggestions check out this list from Today or Scholastic.    

Teacher Recommended Books to Celebrate Summer

Warmer weather has arrived!

Alarm clocks are turned off, and lazy summer days are here to stay.  

Well....here to stay for at least a couple of months. 

Whether you plan to spend these delightful days at the beach, by the pool, in a tent or in the comforts of an air conditioned home....make sure to crack open one of these summertime favorites to delight everyone in the family!   

The following seven books celebrate all that summer has to offer.  There is a book about camping, visiting the beach, swimming, amusement parks and spending quality times with loved ones.

Katie Catz Makes a Splash  by Anne Rockwell

Do you have a child that is afraid to swim?  Katie Catz was terrified to swim, but she learned how from ultracool Patsy Polarbear just in time to attend Brendan and Belinda Porker's birthday party.  Young swimmers can share Katie's fears AND celebrate with her as she completes her first lap across the pool.  This is a great book at bout facing fears and taking chances!

On the Way to the Beach by Henry Cole

Little readers will follow a young girl on a summer stroll to the beach.  As she walks, she passes through the woods, a marsh and sand dunes.  She often pauses to observe and think about the wildlife watching her. A foldout reveals animals, birds, insects and plants in each of the coastal settings---which is great for curious young minds!

Zigby Camps Out by Mr. Brian Patterson

Follow along as Zigby Zebra and his friends decide to campout in the deepest, darkest part of the jungle.  When Zigby and his pals get cold, hungry and scared they decide to pack it in, head home and eat dinner.  Zigby finishes his campout in the safety of his own backyard.  I'm sure Zigby's camping story rings true for many families who have "camped" for the first time.  

Blackout by John Rocco

One hot summer night in the city, all of the power goes out.  What is a family to do?  They can't use the phone, work on the computer, watch tv....or even finish cooking dinner.  John Rocco authors this lovely story about the pure joy in being fully present in the moment. 

Lucille Camps In by Kathryn Lasky

Poor Lucille is too young to go on the camping trip with her dad and older siblings, and she is NOT happy about it.  Lucille's mom tries everything to cheer her up, but nothing seems to work.....until Lucille gets an idea of her own!  Lucille and her mom are going to camp in!!  A delightful story about how your imagination can take you anywhere!!

Roller Coaster by Marla Frazee

Do you like riding a roller coaster, but hate the wait?  If so...check out this book, as it has all of the excitement without the dreaded long line!  This book is so fun to read aloud with sounds like clacking and yelling as the text loops and drops!  

And Then Comes Summer by Tom Brenner

This ode to summer will delight anyone who has ever counted down the days until school gets out.  Tom Brenner has a summer favorite for everyone in this book--flip flops, hide and seek, fireworks, ice cream trucks, lemonade stands and even roasting marshmallows! This book leaves little doubt that summer is a season like none other!

Are you looking for more great summer book reads?  Check out this list from PBS or Reading Rockets!

🌷 Books to Celebrate Spring 🌷

 Where ya' at warmer weather?!?

Now, chilly temperatures are my jam.....but after a few months of sub-zero temps and lots of indoor recess time...I am ready for spring! Check out the following six books, which will make perfect read alouds to honor the longer, warmer and recess outside days ahead!

It is important to note that a few of these books may be out of print, yet are widely available at public libraries or on websites like, Thriftbooks.  AND...who doesn't love a public library or an inexpensive book?    

Spring by Ron Hirschi (PreK-2)

Great photographs and text introduce students to the natural world of spring. Hirschi, who has a degree in wildlife ecology and first worked as a biologist, has written many books for children on the topic of animals, natural habitats, discovering Earth and wildlife seasons. 

Spring by Tanya Thayer (Prek-2)

Colorful photographs and easy to understand text provide readers with a basic overview of the spring season.  Readers will be introduced to the idea o how animals, plants and people adapt to seasons.

Spring: An Alphabet Acrostic by Steven Schnur (Prek-3)

This is a companion book to "Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic," where students will delight in the pleasures of spring in twenty-six short poems.  Schur uses rich vocabulary that will bring the spring season to life--especially with Leslie' Evans's linoleum-cut illustrations.  When the poems are read vertically, each poem reveals a playful acrostic--making this book a double treat for kids!    

Spring According to Humphrey by Betty Birney (Prek-2)

This is the twelfth book in the award winning school hamster series. Spring has sprung and everyone at Longfellow School is happy, including Ms. Brisbane's class!  Family Fun night is right around the corner...which adds to the excitement for many students, except Humphrey.  Humphrey wonders (and worries) about his own family.  This story will take you on a journey with Humphrey as he realizes spring comes with lots of new things that grow and change, just like his family.   

Wake Up, It's Spring! by Lisa Campbell Ernst (Prek-2)

Ernst uses playful words and pictures that match the cheeriness of the spring season.  Word of the arrival of spring begins with the Earth telling a little worm.  The happy gossip of spring's arrival travels fast, and before long everyone is celebrating the arrival of spring! 

When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes (Prek-2)

Everyone loves a book by the award-winning, bestselling husband and wife team of Kevin Henkes and Laura Dronzek! Henkes uses striking imagery, repetition and alliteration to get readers to really feel, smell and taste spring.  Dronzek's gorgeous paintings show the transformation of the quiet, cold winter to the joyful newborn spring. 

For more books to celebrate spring check out this list from We are Teachers  or PBS Kids!

Teacher Recommended Books for Growth Mindset

When I return from winter break, not only do I review routines and procedures....but I also review the topic of growth mindset! 

What is growth mindset? 

Growth mindset describes a way of viewing struggles and setbacks.  Individuals who have a growth mindset believe their skills and abilities aren't set in stone.  Even if they find something difficult, they believe their skills can improve over time.

Carol Dweck, a leading researcher on the topic and author of Mindset, defines a growth mindset as:

"In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work--brains and talent are just the starting point.  This view creates a love of learning and a  resilience that is essential for great accomplishment." (Dweck, 2015)

In contrast, a person with a fixed mindset thinks their skills will not improve over time--no matter how hard they try.  They believe their skills and abilities are set in stone and will not change. No. Matter. What. 

Dweck defines a fixed mindset as:

"In a fixed mindset, people believe their basic qualities, like their intelligence or talent, are simply fixed traits. They spend their time documenting their intelligence or talent instead of developing them.  They also believe that talent alone creates success--without effort. " (Dweck, 2015)

Why does growth mindset matter?

Whether a student has a fixed mindset or a growth mindset significantly impacts their learning.  

If a student holds a fixed mindset--they give up when they can't solve a problem.  Their productive struggle is non-existent.  A fixed mindset is detrimental to learning and creates very limited growth.

If a student holds a growth mindset, they continually work to find a solution or improve their skills.  A growth mindset student leans in to productive struggle leading to success and ultimately greater growth. 

How can you encourage growth mindset in your classroom?

One way to encourage students about growth mindset is through children's literature.  These growth mindset books show characters using different strategies to achieve their goals. They undesrstand they can improve their abilities if they try.  Exactly what we want our students to learn.

Check out the SEVEN books below that illustrate productive struggle can be positive. 

A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Jen Bryant 

This wonderfully illustrated story tells the tale of a talented artist who grows up immersed in the joy of creating art until he is injured at war.  Very patiently, and with great determination, he slowly regains some control of his right arm and is able to create art again.  He goes on to become a celebrated artist. 

When Sophie Thinks She Can't..... by Molly Bang 

Sophie is frustrated when she can't solve a math puzzle and shouts, "I CAN'T DO IT!"  Thankfully Sophie's teacher steps in and teaches the class about the power of YET.  By the end of the story, Sophie uses her new technique (growth mindset) to help her prevail through struggles. 

Whistle for Willie by Ezra Jack Keats

Willie is determined to learn to whistle so he can call his dog. Although learning to whistle is hard work, he doesn't give up and eventually succeeds.

Brave Irene by William Steig

If there is a will, there is a way.  Irene Bobbin is determined to deliver a beautiful ball gown her mother made to the duchess.  In order to do so, Irene must defy the the blistery cold wind, snow and feelings of wanting to give up.

Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae

Giraffes can't dance....or can they?  Gerald is determined to take part in the annual Jungle dance and while all of the other animals laugh he shows perseverance and determination to follow his dream. 

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall

Jabari is determined to jump off of the diving board, but as he nears the ladder his confidence shrinks.  His dad reassures him that is okay to be scared.  With a new sense of determination, Jabari climbs the ladder and jumps. 

Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty 

Rosie Revere dreams of becoming a great engineer.  Rosie constructs amazing inventions from a hot dog dispenser to helium pants, but she is too afraid of failure to share them.  When Rosie's great-great-aunt Rose visits, she explains to Rosie that a flop isn't something to fear--it is something to celebrate.  One can only truly fail if they quit. 

Are you interested in more books to encourage growth mindset?  Check out this list from We Are Teachers, or this list from the Children's Library Lady. 

For ideas beyond books, check out American University's 10 strategies for fostering growth mindset in your classroom.