Great Books to Use to Build a Classroom Community

Here are some great books to read in September that help teach kids about empathy, compassion, and working together. It helps build a classroom community and start the year off on the right foot!

The book, Zach Apologizes, spells out how to apologize to another person in a very simple way.  I made this poster to hang in our class after reading the book. You can grab a copy for your class here. 

There’s a great 4-part apology in the book that you can make as well. 

The Sneaky Weasel is a book about a Weasel who has all the fancy things, but when he throws a party for himself, no one comes. He finds out that not everyone appreciates the tricks he’s played on his friends and realizes he might have to become a better friend.

Do Unto Otters is a great book to read in the beginning of the year to introduce rules – especially the Golden Rule to treat others the way you want to be treated. Well, in this case it’s OTTERS =)

Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed is a fabulous book for teaching kindness. It shows that one person can make a big change on the world.

Recess Queen & Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon are perfect for teaching kids to stand up for themselves.

The book, One is one of my favorites.  It has a powerful message that it just takes one person to stand up to a bully. It’s done in a wonderful way with colors as the characters.

More books will be added soon. Hope you enjoy these suggestions and feel free to add any great books you've read in the comments.

Clipart credit: melonheadz, Graphics From the Pond & Creative Clips!