Top Children’s Literature Books to Help You Manage Your Elementary Classroom

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Show Notes:

Books are a staple in every teacher’s classroom, and storytime is often a favorite part of the day for students. While many of us use books to support lessons or create a calm, engaging moment with our class, did you know there are other powerful ways to use them? Children’s literature isn’t just about telling stories. It’s an effective tool for establishing expectations, modeling behavior, and building a positive classroom culture.

I’ve always prioritized reading with my students, but over time, I discovered how books can be transformed into valuable classroom lessons. Through relatable characters and meaningful narratives, literature helps young learners understand classroom norms, develop empathy, and foster a strong sense of community from day one. In today’s episode, I’m sharing five of my favorite children’s books that will help you teach classroom expectations, build community, and support your behavior management plan, especially at the beginning of the year.

As teachers, we know that a strong classroom management system and a positive culture don’t just happen. They need to be intentionally taught. The five books I discuss are powerful tools you can use to shape your dream classroom. Each one encourages meaningful conversations about empathy, inclusion, responsibility, and encouragement. With each book offering a unique lesson, your students will learn how to navigate new experiences, understand the importance of classroom rules, and recognize how their actions impact others.

Children’s literature is more than just entertainment. It’s a foundational part of a thriving classroom. It provides a gentle, non-confrontational way to introduce and reinforce core values. By intentionally weaving literature into your daily routines, you can create a classroom environment where every child feels seen, heard, and motivated to grow.

If you love the idea of using children’s literature to guide and support your classroom management, be sure to join the Classroom Management Club! Inside the Club, you'll receive book-based routines and activities for the titles mentioned in this episode, plus new books each month to help spark meaningful conversations about expectations and kindness. If you're ready for age-appropriate, impactful lessons right when you need them most, join the waitlist now! 

 Inside this week's show, you'll learn:

• How using children’s literature helps foster a positive classroom community and establish clear expectations.
• Five children’s books you can read in your classroom, along with age-appropriate, meaningful activities to support each one.
• How students can emotionally connect with characters in books, helping them take ownership of their actions in a positive way.
• Ways to use these books at the beginning of the year to establish classroom norms, or revisit important values throughout the year.
• How the Classroom Management Club can help you manage your classroom with seasonal book-based routines and activities.

Links & resources mentioned inside this episode: 

• Classroom Management Club Waitlist
• Fantastic Books for the First Weeks of School K - 5th Grade
• Beginning Teacher Talk on YouTube
• Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms
• Lung Cancer Free: One Couple’s Journey Through a “Lungs in a Box” Double Lung Transplant.
• Enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card by leaving a review for Beginning Teacher Talk on Apple Podcasts!
• Follow Dr. Lori on Instagram
• Follow Dr. Lori on Facebook
• Follow Beginning Teacher Talk on TikTok

I hope this information is helpful as you prepare for your first, second, or third year of teaching. Until next time, remember, just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one.

💛 Lori

Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor

Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy and The Classroom Management Club, Dr. Lori Friesen has mentored thousands of beginning teachers across the country through her workshops and courses. Host of the popular podcast Beginning Teacher Talk and author of Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com.

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Related episodes you might enjoy:

• My 10 Favorite Books for the First Weeks of School: (And Activities to Use with Them)
• 21 Children's Books that Teach Diversity and Compassion
• 10 Fantastic First-Week-of-School Activities: Teach Your Expectations & Create a Caring Classroom Community
• How to Create a Classroom Community in the First Weeks of School

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