Are you looking for some superb September children’s books to use in your classroom that include literacy extension activities? This list may be just what you are looking for!
The month of September is filled with some wonderful literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these amazing books already, but hopefully some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. Whether it is Back to School or the beginning of Fall enjoy these engaging books and try some of the extension activities suggested.
1. Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons By Eric Litwin
This is the fourth book featuring this mellow blue cat and his positive attitude. When Pete begins to lose his buttons off his yellow shirt, he doesn’t freak out at all. It is also a great book for beginning number concepts and the skill of subtraction.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “What Have You Lost”
- How Many Buttons? Student Booklet
- Pete the Cat Art Project
- Button Number Mats
2. Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? By Eric Carle
A children’s literature classic, asks different animals what they see. Each animal responds with the color of another animal looking at them. This process is repeating throughout the book which gives children a very easy read and associates colors and meanings to objects.
Literacy Extensions:
- “School, School What Do You See?” Classroom Book
- “ I See” Student Color Booklet
- Paper Plate Brown Bear Art Project
- Animal Color Match Games
3. Apples by Gail Gibbons
Explore the history of apples and how families and farmers grow and care for apple trees. The reader is taken from planting to selling and then turning this delicious fruit into tasty treats. The detailed pictures show the parts of the apples and diagrams of an apple tree.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “All About Apples”
- “Apple Senses” Student Booklet
- How Does an Apple Tree Look? Seasons Worksheet
- Apple Core Art Project
4. Apples A to Z by Margaret McNamara
A group of animal friends lead readers through an apple alphabet. From apple buds through the X on an apple pie, children learn the science behind an apple along with some very fun facts.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Alphabet Book: A is for Apple
- “How Many Apples?” Student Booklet
- Apple Poem Art Project
- Apple Letter & Sound Match Game
5. Autumn is Here by Heidi Pross Gray
Celebrate the coming of autumn with this wonderful book that describes the how the world changes along with this season. This book has beautiful watercolor illustrations making you wish that the season of autumn was all year round!
Literacy Extensions:
- Autumn/Fall Writing Station Words
- “I See Fall” Student Counting & Color Booklet
- Fall Tree Art Project
- Fall Sight Word Games
6. Animals in the Fall by Martha E. H. Rustad
The author brings to life how the animals must get ready for the winter that is coming. Honk! Geese are flying south. Grr! Black bears are looking for a den. Munch! Deer are eating extra food to prepare for the winter ahead.
Literacy Extensions:
- “All About Fall” Classroom Book
- “Fall Senses” Student Booklet
- Seasons of a Tree Student Worksheet
- Fall Build a Word Game
7. Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert
With the use of watercolor collage and pieces of actual seeds, fabric, wire and roots the author gives the reader a rich introduction to the life of a tree. The tree is a sugar maple tree and the child who planted it watches the tree through all the seasons.
Literacy Extensions:
- “All About Leaves” Classroom Book
- “I See Leaves” Student Counting Booklet
- Leaf Story Retelling Graphic Organizer
- Leaves Sight Word Match Game
8. Why Do Leaves Change Color by Betsy Maestro
Bright illustrations with its clear simple test explain what happens to leaves in autumn. This informative book includes detailed pictures of leaves in different sizes, shapes and colors. It also includes a list of activities kids can do with leaves.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Leaf Fun” Classroom Book
- “Leaves Senses” Student Booklet
- Leaf Poem Art Project
- Leaves Counting Games
Grab your Free, Apples Senses Student Booklet Here!
Finally, there are so many superb September children’s books you can choose from. From the themes of apples to the season of fall the list of books is endless. Remember to pick the books that best fit the needs of your students or children and support your learning activities. Happy Reading!
Find some more literacy and extension activities in my store, The Teaching Scene by Maureen.
To read more blog topics check out my blog, “A Guide to Using Literature-Based Units of Study.”
