Looking for the perfect back to school read aloud? The Pigeon Has to Go to School by Mo Willems is a must-have for the first week of school! This hilarious and heartwarming story helps students connect with those first-day jitters while learning that school isn’t so scary after all. To make this story even more impactful, I’ve created a book companion packed with engaging activities that reinforce key reading and math skills—all through the lens of this beloved character.
Read Comprehension Posters and Anchor Charts
Kick off your lessons with colorful and purposeful posters and anchor charts. Use the Pigeon Worry/Don’t Worry sort cards to spark SEL discussions, and display posters about story elements like characters, setting, problem/solution, and the story message. There’s even a poster for students to share lingering questions after their first day of school—great for building community and classroom conversation.
Comprehension Strategy Extensions
Dig deeper into comprehension with activities aligned to Common Core Standards. Students can work on predicting, analyzing characters, identifying the setting, exploring story structure, and connecting the text to their own lives. With fun options like cut-and-paste retelling cards and a Pigeon’s Excuses activity, comprehension becomes both meaningful and interactive.
Writing Activities That Encourage Reflection
Help students express themselves through thoughtful writing prompts. Whether they’re contributing to a class book, writing about their own feelings toward school, or labeling and drawing the Pigeon, these writing extensions promote self-awareness and narrative development. Two differentiated versions of “This is how I feel about school” ensure every student can share at their level.
Pigeon Crafts
No back-to-school unit is complete without crafts! Choose from a full-body Pigeon craft, a paper topper, or a fun school bus cut-and-paste version. The “Meet the Pigeon’s Friends” and “School is Cool” posters add extra charm to your bulletin board or hallway display, creating a welcoming environment for students and families alike.
Math & Word Work Activities with a Pigeon Twist
Integrate math into your back-to-school plans with engaging, story-themed activities. Students can graph how they get to school, complete a tally and survey, and practice key math concepts through fun games like Roll & Move, Subtract from 10 Bingo, and a Plus One Coverall board game. These activities are perfect for morning work, centers, or early finishers. There are a few fun word work activities to do as well. Students can work on Syllables, a Word Search, ABC Order, & complete an Unscramble.
Whether you’re new to using book companions or a seasoned pro, this Pigeon Has to Go to School bundle is everything you need for a fun, literacy-rich, and SEL-focused first week of school. With a mix of reading, writing, math, and crafts, your students will be engaged, learning, and laughing as they kick off a brand-new school year. This read aloud unit is a classroom favorite that sets the tone for a positive and productive year ahead!
Grab your copy of The Pigeon has to go to School here!
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