Children’s Books That Teach Classroom Expectations

We can tell a child how to do something correctly over and over. As a teacher and mother, I have been there. This is how you correctly use glue…then a big pile ends up on your table. Or, this is how you cut PAPER…and then find a big chunk of hair under the table.

 I’d like to share with you a few books that I think are wonderful and so helpful for teachers and mamas! If you are a teacher, these books are great for starting conversations about correctly using materials at the beginning of the year. They are also perfect for review, especially as the year goes on. These books can be pulled out again and again or referenced when you notice someone (AND THERE WILL BE SOMEONE) who “forgot.”

Here are a few skills that you might want to teach early on…

How to use Scissors– Check out this book…

Henri’s Scissors by Jeanette Winter- The author of this book tells the tale of Henry Matisse who was a brilliant artist who used scissors to create some of his finest pieces of art. 

Using a pencil and eraser– This one is great…

When Pencil Met Eraser by Karen Kilpatric and Luis O. Ramos, Jr.- Pencil thinks he is better without Eraser until one day Eraser shows him that they can be better together.

Making pictures beautiful with crayons– This teaches a great lesson too!

The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt- The crayons aren’t getting along until they realize that they are better together. Kids will read this cute story and also learn that pictures are better when you use more colors.

How to use just a little glue– Hopefully this helps!

Too Much Glue by Jason Lefebure- This adorable book has an energetic boy who loves glue! One day he used glue puddles instead of glue raindrops. This has adorable rhymes that young kids will love!

Using Markers Correctly– Kids will love this book!

Purple, Green and Yellow by Rober Munsch- This book tells a funny story of Brigid who loves her markers so much but learns an important lesson about how to use them properly. 

Mess free/stress free snack time– This would be good for toddlers too!

How do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food? By Jane Yolen and Mark Teague- With lots of rhyming, the authors of this book show dinosaurs what to do and what NOT to do with food. This is perfect for helping your little humans know what is expected when eating.

Thank you for reading! Do you have suggestions for other books? I always love adding books to my library!