The first few weeks of school are full of big feelings—for both kids and teachers! Whether you’re teaching Kindergarten, Grade 1, or supporting early years classrooms, read-alouds are a powerful way to build connection, ease nerves, and set the tone for the year.
The best part? These books are available in both French and English—perfect for dual-language classrooms or anyone supporting students in both languages.
Here are five of my go-to bilingual read-alouds for back to school:
📘 The King of Kindergarten / Le roi de la maternelle
by Derrick Barnes
This joyful story is perfect for the first day. It follows a confident little boy as he heads into Kindergarten with excitement and pride. It’s a great way to boost your students’ confidence and remind them how special this new beginning is—in both languages!
📘 David Goes to School / David va à l’école
by David Shannon
David is full of energy and always pushing boundaries—which makes this book a fun way to talk about classroom expectations. Students love his silly behavior, and it opens up conversations about rules, routines, and being part of a classroom community.
📘 Our Class Is a Family / Notre classe est une famille
by Shannon Olson
This heartwarming read helps build a strong classroom culture right from the start. It reminds students that your class is a safe space where they belong, and where kindness and care are part of everyday life—no matter which language you’re speaking.
📘 You’re Finally Here! / Enfin, te voilà!
by Mélanie Watt
With playful illustrations and a narrator who’s been impatiently waiting for the students to arrive, this book is a great way to break the ice. It sets a fun, welcoming tone for the first day and encourages laughter and connection.
📘 The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! / Le pigeon DOIT aller à l’école!
by Mo Willems
Who doesn’t love the pigeon? This story tackles school jitters with humor and honesty. It’s a fun way to validate kids’ nervousness while also reassuring them that school is a great place to be. Plus, it’s full of opportunities to introduce expressive reading in both languages!
Tip:
If you’re teaching in a bilingual setting (or like me, supporting both French and English classrooms), keep copies of these titles in both languages so you can flip between them depending on the day or class.
Head to my TPT store to grab low-prep, bilingual activities designed to support a smooth start to the year! From “All About Me” booklets to routines-based centers, you’ll find engaging resources that support both French and English learners—no extra stress required.