Book Review A Letter From Your Teacher On the First Day of School (The Classroom Community Collection)

There’s something magical about the first day of school—the crisp new notebooks, the freshly sharpened pencils, and the nervous excitement buzzing in the air. But for many students (and teachers!), it’s also a day filled with uncertainty. A Letter From Your Teacher: On the First Day of School by Shannon Olsen is a tender, reassuring picture book that bridges the gap between apprehension and belonging.

This isn’t just another back-to-school book; it’s a love letter from educators to their students, wrapped in warm illustrations and heartfelt prose. Whether you’re a teacher looking for the perfect first-day read-aloud or a parent hoping to ease your child’s nerves, this book delivers comfort, connection, and a powerful message: You are valued here.

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Without giving too much away, A Letter From Your Teacher is structured as a heartfelt note from an unseen teacher to their new students. The book walks readers through the emotions and experiences of the first day—acknowledging the jitters, the excitement, and the hope that fills the classroom.

The teacher’s words are both a welcome and a promise:

• You’ll be safe here.
• You’ll be challenged here.
• You’ll be celebrated here.

The narrative doesn’t follow a traditional plot but instead unfolds like a conversation, assuring children that their teacher is not just an instructor but a mentor, cheerleader, and advocate. The illustrations (by Sandie Sonke) beautifully complement the text, depicting diverse students in a vibrant, inclusive classroom setting.

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Though we never see the teacher’s face, their voice is warm, steady, and full of care. The letter format allows the teacher’s personality to shine through—they’re patient, encouraging, and deeply invested in their students’ growth. This stylistic choice makes the book universally relatable; any teacher (or parent) can imagine themselves speaking these words.

The illustrations feature a diverse group of children, each with unique expressions and body language that capture the spectrum of first-day emotions—shyness, curiosity, excitement, and quiet determination. The absence of specific names or backstories makes it easy for any child to see themselves in these pages.

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Shannon Olsen’s writing is clear, rhythmic, and deeply empathetic. The book avoids overly complex language, making it accessible for young readers while still carrying emotional weight. The letter format creates an immediate intimacy, as if the teacher is speaking directly to each child.

• Repetition for Emphasis – Phrases like “I can’t wait to…” and “In our classroom…” reinforce the teacher’s excitement and commitment.
• Inclusive Language – Words like “we,” “our,” and “together” foster a sense of community.
• Interactive Potential – Teachers can pause and ask students, “How are YOU feeling today?”

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At its core, A Letter From Your Teacher is about:

1. Belonging – The book reassures children that they are an essential part of the classroom family.
2. Growth Mindset – The teacher emphasizes that mistakes are part of learning.
3. Trust & Safety – Students are reminded that their feelings matter and their voices will be heard.

These themes make the book a powerful social-emotional learning (SEL) tool, perfect for setting a positive classroom culture.

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As someone who has both taught and been a nervous student, this book hit me right in the heart. The first time I read it, I found myself nodding along—yes, this is what every child needs to hear. The illustrations, with their soft colors and expressive faces, add an extra layer of warmth.

I especially loved how the book doesn’t shy away from acknowledging nervousness. Instead of dismissing fears with a simple “Don’t worry!” it validates them and offers reassurance: “It’s okay to feel however you feel.”

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This book stands alongside classics like:

• The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn (comforting separation anxiety)
• First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg (humorous take on first-day nerves)

But what sets A Letter From Your Teacher apart is its direct, teacher-to-student voice. While other books focus on the child’s perspective, this one feels like a personal welcome from the person who will guide them all year.

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✅ Emotionally resonant – Perfect for building teacher-student bonds.
✅ Inclusive & diverse illustrations – Every child can see themselves represented.
✅ Versatile use – Great for read-alouds, gift-giving, or even teacher training.

❌ Not plot-driven – If you’re looking for a story with conflict/resolution, this isn’t it.
❌ Best for younger grades (K-3) – Older elementary kids might find it too simplistic.

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• Teachers (especially K-3) – A must-have for the first week of school.
• Parents – Helps prepare anxious kids for a new classroom.
• School counselors – Useful for discussing emotions and belonging.
• Teacher trainers – Demonstrates how to foster a supportive classroom culture.

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“I want you to know that this is a safe place for you to learn, to grow, and to be yourself.”

“We’ll laugh together, we’ll learn together, and yes—sometimes we’ll make mistakes together.”

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A Letter From Your Teacher is more than a book—it’s an invitation to trust, a promise of care, and a foundation for a strong classroom community. Shannon Olsen has crafted something truly special, a read that will undoubtedly become a back-to-school staple.

If you’re looking for a way to start the year with warmth and connection, this book is a perfect choice.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

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• How did your favorite teacher make you feel welcome on the first day?
• If you’re an educator, how do you build trust with new students?
• What’s a book that helped you feel less nervous about a new experience?

Let’s chat in the comments! 📚💛

Get this book on Amazon

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