Grades
PreK - 5
Give Your Students a Brain Break With These 5 Read Alouds
Students often feel anxious and nervous at school — whether it's first-day jitters, a test, or meeting new people. As you begin to think about ways to prepare your students for the fall academically, don't forget to also consider ways to prepare them emotionally.
Having the right read-alouds in your classroom library can make all the difference in how your students process stress and how they regulate their anxieties. Read-alouds not only keep your students engaged in learning, but also make the perfect brain breaks to complement outher calming strategies like meditation.
Whether you're teaching about confidence, kindness, or creativity, having a wealth of SEL-focused read-alouds in your library will make a positive impact on your students.
Here are five read-alouds to share with your students for stress-busting brain breaks that leave them feeling refreshed and energized for more learning.
This sweet book is a soothing introduction to mindfulness meditation that helps smaller children feel grounded in moments of stress, and then draws upon their newfound calming techniques to remember their true selves and feel whole again. This is a perfect read-aloud for any time of the day or year and can be read over and over again.
2. Zen Shorts
When your students love a variety of stories, look to this lovely book by Jon J. Muth about three children who get a peculiar new neighbor — a friendly panda bear named Stillwater who tells amazing tales. These simple stories that hold valuable lessons (like how to handle frustration, how to value what we have, and what it truly means to do good), along with beautiful watercolor illustrations are sure to be a hit with students year after year.
This popuar picture book is a stirring and inspirational title for anyone who’s ever dismissed their own innate creative spirit. A powerful read-aloud that encourages imagination, this book will remind students of their own unique ability to create, starting with something seemingly simple that could blossom into ideas beyond their wildest dreams.
4. What Does It Mean to Be Kind?
Teach your students what it truly means to be kind to one another with this beautiful read-aloud about how small things truly mean the most. Filled with ideas on how everyday people can be kind to others, students will get a sense of how kindness ripples through their community, starting from small acts that they themselves can do!
Lily Hippo is energetic, creative, and kind — but she's also way too loud! Everywhere she goes, Lily is told by grown-ups to lower her voice. Until one day, a new music and drama teacher comes to school, and Lily discovers she's finally doing the right thing by just being herself. This beautiful, funny book will encourage your students to discover what they're really good at and what brings them the most joy.
Shop more popular read-alouds perfect for brain breaks below! You can find all books and activities at The Teacher Store.
$3.71$4.95
save to wishlistWhen Esperanza finds a heart-shaped rock, she is reminded to be kind and forgiving. But when her work in the school play is flawed, will she remember to be kind to herself?
$14.24$18.99
save to wishlistTold through creative language play, and with depth and whimsy, this picture book reminds readers of their own agency and the power they have to direct their own path.
The complexity of mixed feelings are addressed in this brightly colored, empathetic picture book with a section for caregivers.
In a story brimming with love and light, Jon J Muth shows how we can all heal the world a little bit at a time — just the right message for now — and always!
$4.46$5.95
save to wishlistBeauty is much more than how one looks on the outside. True beauty is found in conquering challenges, showing kindness, and spreading contagious laughter. Beautiful girls are empowered, smart, and really, really strong!
Beautiful breaks barriers by showing girls free to be themselves: splashing in mud, conducting science experiments, and reading books under a flashlight with friends.
$4.46$5.95
save to wishlistParr's bestselling books have reminded kids to embrace differences, to be thankful, to love one another, and to be themselves. This follow-up to It's Okay to Be Different embraces life's happy accidents, the mistakes, and mess-ups that can lead to self discovery.
$3.71$4.95
save to wishlistIn plain language, parents of a brightly colored rockfish share lessons about how to swim joyfully through life.
Demonstrating mindfulness in action, this picture book shares acts of kindness and respect among children at school, the beach, and home.
$5.96$7.95
save to wishlistJabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He's finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he's a great jumper, so he's not scared at all. "Looks easy," says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board.
Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody ever seems to notice him or think to include him in their group, game, or birthday party...until, that is, a new kid comes to class.
When Justin, the new boy, arrives, Brian is the first to make him feel welcome. And when Brian and Justin team up to work on a class project together, Brian finds a way to shine.
This tender picture book introduces children to the benefits of expressing their anxieties.
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