The first weeks of school are packed with routines, relationship-building, and getting your class settled.
But they’re also a great time to start laying the foundation for purposeful vocabulary instruction.
Instead of waiting for things to “settle down,” why not make the most of the read-alouds you’re already doing?
The right picture books can help you naturally weave Tier 2 vocabulary instruction into your lessons without adding one more thing to your plate.
These are my favorite picture books to use for vocabulary instruction in August and September.
They’re perfect for launching vocabulary instruction in a way that feels intentional, meaningful, and manageable during those busy back-to-school weeks.
📚 Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson
What It’s About:
A powerful story of a missed opportunity for kindness, and the regret that follows. When a new girl, Maya, is rejected by her classmates, one student realizes too late the impact of her actions.
Why It’s Perfect for August:
This book opens the door for conversations about kindness, inclusion, and how our choices affect others. It sets the tone for a caring classroom community right from the start.
📚 The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
What It’s About:
When Unhei moves from Korea to the U.S., she wonders if she should change her name to fit in. With a little help from her classmates, and a jar full of suggestions, she discovers the value of her identity.
Why It’s Perfect for August:
With new classmates and fresh personalities in your room, this story encourages kids to celebrate identity and diversity while building understanding and acceptance.
📚 Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival by Kirby Larson & Mary Nethery
What It’s About:
The true story of a dog and cat who survived Hurricane Katrina together and captured the hearts of many.
Why It’s Perfect for August:
August is peak hurricane season, making this nonfiction story especially relevant to real life. It’s a great way to build background knowledge while talking about empathy, friendship and resilience.
📚 Chester’s Way by Kevin Henkes
What It’s About:
Chester and Wilson are best friends who do everything the same. They have matching bikes, follow the same routines, and even cut their sandwiches into the same shapes. They like life just the way it is until Lilly moves into the neighborhood. Lilly shakes things up and over time Chester and Wilson discover that making a new friend doesn’t mean giving up your old ones.
Why It’s Perfect for August:
With new friendships forming and classroom routines coming together, this book highlights important themes like cooperation, adapting to change, and finding common ground.
📚 The Potato Chip Champ by Maria Dismondy
What It’s About:
Champ is great at sports but struggles with kindness. When he wins a prize and notices a classmate’s struggles, his heart and perspective begin to change.
Why It’s Perfect for September:
As your students navigate friendships and classroom relationships, this story supports positive behavior, empathy, and social-emotional growth.
📚 Sonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows in the Bronx by Jonah Winter
What It’s About:
This bilingual biography shares the inspiring story of a determined girl from the Bronx who grew up to become a U.S. Supreme Court Justice.
Why It’s Perfect for September:
Hispanic Heritage Month starts mid-September. This book is a great way to grow kids’ background knowledge about a real-life hispanic role model while discussing themes like perseverance.
📚 Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty
What It’s About:
Ada’s endless questions, and the messes they sometimes cause, help her family discover the power of curiosity and critical thinking.
Why It’s Perfect for September:
Perfect for kicking off science units or inquiry-based learning, this story encourages students to embrace curiosity, ask questions, and think like scientists.
Starting the year with purposeful vocabulary instruction doesn’t have to mean adding more to your plate. By using the picture books you’re already reading aloud, you can naturally introduce Tier 2 words in ways that connect to your routines, relationships, and classroom conversations.
If you’d like a ready to use vocabulary resource for all of these books, check out my August and September Vocabulary Book Companions.
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