One of my favorite books to read to my students on the first day of school is The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn. The main character, Chester the Raccoon is scared about starting school for the first time and doesn’t want to go. Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to reassure him of her love any time he feels nervous or frightened. After reading this sweet story, we talk about how we felt about coming to school and that we can all feel differently. Then, we create this fun a
