As we inch closer to back-to-school season, you know what's coming—those first-week jitters, the worried faces in your morning lineup, and yes, that familiar flutter in your own stomach too. What if I told you that ten carefully chosen picture books could transform those anxious moments into powerful teaching opportunities that help your students understand and manage their big feelings?

In this bonus episode, I'm sharing my top 10 picture books that help students process worry and anxiety in the most beautiful, relatable way possible. From Ruby's growing yellow worry scribble to Jabari's diving board fears, these stories give our students permission to feel worried while providing concrete strategies they can actually use. You'll discover discussion prompts, follow-up activities, and practical classroom implementation tips that work even with your packed schedule. Plus, I'm sharing why these books are absolute must-haves for those crucial first weeks of school when everyone—students, teachers, and parents—could use a little extra support navigating those big feelings.

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🌟 50 Picture Books Every Classroom Needs

📝 Show Notes

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Keep your teaching colorful,
Sara :)

The Colorful Apple

Full disclosure: Amazon links in my descriptions are usually affiliate links which means if you purchase through that link, I receive a very small percentage of the sale.

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