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When I was little, my mom used to read this book to me because I was always afraid of the first day of school. I remember after my mom read this book, she would kiss my hand just like Mrs. Raccoon did to Chester. This book put me at ease and I knew that I could look at the spot my mom kissed on my hand if I needed comfort. I still love this book today and I would recommend it a million times! I would recommend this book be used for anyone ages 3 to 8, or even higher, if they have a hard time with change or not knowing what's next. Giving children the satisfaction of knowing they can look at their hand or put their hand over their heart to give them comfort is amazing! Why wouldn't you do it?

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This website has many activities for teachers to do with their class on the first day of school. We all get first day jitters, but these activities show that we are not alone! I believe these activities would be best for K-2 grades.

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The Kissing Hand is a classic book for many kindergarten and elementary classrooms on the first day of school. Here are Kissing Hand freebies, activities, videos and books listed all in one place so you won't have to go digging to look for them.

Be sure to click on the name of each Kissing Hand freebie to see where it came from and to download it or read more.

Ready for more story ideas to help keep your classroom going all year long? You may just love 73 Cool Pete the Cat Freebies and Teaching Resources. Check out how I use 20 familiar kindergarten stories to create a retell center that lasts the whole year.

The Kissing Hand Freebies

First Day Hershey Kisses Treat Bag Toppers - These sweet printable Hershey's kiss treat bag toppers are adorable and just the right size to go on a snack size baggie.

Chester Raccoon Roll and Cover - Three different versions to easily differentiate the numbers your students are comfortable with. Build beginning number recognition and number sense with this dice game. More roll and cover games to stash away for the year.

99 Page {Free} Kissing Hand Unit - This free printable unit is incredibly huge. There are lots of card activities and this alphabet game board too. My favorite is the dice roll game and it is the second item I roll out in the practice zone.

First Day of School Certificate - This sweet first day of school certificate features Chester the raccoon. Have these printed up and ready to go in no time so that they are already done before the first day of school. Or check out this non-raccoon alternative first day of school certificate.

My First Day of School Memory Book - This simple memory book may be just the right amount of coloring and "writing" for documenting the first day of school over the first week of school. You can add a photo of the student on the illustration page.

Chester Raccoon Craftivity - This sweet raccoon head and tail background makes a nice craftivity to connect with the book. You could do a handprint and name sample in place of writing sample for first week of school for a little less writing {ahem per brand new kinders still learning to hold a pencil}.

Coloring Page - A simple and straightforward coloring page that asks parents ask student about the story. Plus, here are a few more coloring pages you may find handy.

On the First Day I Felt Page - Print this handy response page for day two or three of the first week of school. Students write about how they felt on the first day and draw a picture.

Chester Raccoon Craftivity Topper or Headband Pattern - These raccoon face and hand patterns would make adorable headbands. They also can top any writing or work piece you've done in kindergarten or first grade.

Chester Loves School Emergent Reader - This simple black and white emergent reader has 5 pages listing things that Chester loves: his mommy, friends, teacher, bookbag and of course - school!

Kissing Hand Activities for Kindergarten

First Day of School Feelings Class Book - Create a class book of your first day of school hand prints to save all year long.

Painted Kissing Hand - This is a classic activity that I think originally came from the Mailbox magazine. I've recreated this myself even but simply used die-cut hearts to glue on instead of whipping out the scissors on day one. Here is a free alternative to print and use.

Loving Hands Cutout - Make a precious hand print that is traced turned into 2 handprints and a heart. Want to do more with it? Turn it into an art project.

Chester Raccoon Puppet {automatic download} - I believe this raccoon puppet template was originally found from Kristen at Love Two Teach. You may also love these alternative pieces that are more simple.

Paper Plate Raccoon Craft - Add a little gray paint to a paper plate and you've got the start to a modern-looking raccoon. This craft could be a paint and assemble project or add to your hallways displays.

Kissing Hand First Day Poem and Song - Teach a first day of school song to the tune of Kookaberra which reinforces the nocturnal nature of raccoons and why Chester would go to school at night. You'll also find a poem for the first day of school that might be suitable for first grade.

Kissing Hand Necklace - Here is a fun twist on the "I Love You" sign language Valentine. This first day of school necklace has a "kiss" (a heart shaped sticker) in the middle and students can wear it for the rest of the first day of school.

"Chester Hunt" Tour the School - Acquaint your sutdents with hallway procedures and the layout of the school by taking a school tour. It's a fun and surefire way to get them up and moving! This activity is similar to the Pete the Cat scavenger hunt.

Comparing Class vs. Chester Raccoon - Dig into learning with a whole group comparison activity. After re-reading the book, students can compare Chester with the class.

Kissing Hand Chester Raccoon Videos

The Kissing Hand Read Aloud Storyline Online - These are the best online versions of this story being read aloud to students.

Each video is right about 5 minutes long and a great way to break up the first day of school.

Online Video Guide - Put together in a nice list format, this video follow up teaching guide has a book summary, discussion points and 14 activity ideas.

Kissing Hand Books

Not sure if you have enough first day or first week read aloud books? Here is a list of current titles available that I think are a good classroom fit. (And just a heads up that these are affiliate links to Amazon. It's so kind of you to support a fellow teacher with your clicks)

Alternative First Day of School Books to the Kissing Hand

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27 Fresh Kissing Hand Freebies and Teaching Resources | KindergartenWorks

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The Kissing Hand is a classic book for many kindergarten and elementary classrooms on the first day of school. Here are Kissing Hand freebies, activities, videos and books listed all in one place so you won't have to go digging to look for them.

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The Kissing Hand is the story of Chester Raccoon, who is terrified to tears at the thought of starting kindergarten and being away from his home, his mother and his usual activities. His mother reassures him about all the good things he will find at school, including new friends, toys, and books. To help ease Chester's fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called “the Kissing Hand” to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary.