A Letter From Your Teacher: On the First Day of School

by Shannon Olsen, Sandie Sonke (Illustrator)

From the author and illustrator of Our Class is a Family , this heartwarming picture book helps teachers in welcoming their new group of students on the first day of school. Through a letter written from the teacher’s point of view, students are given the message that their new teacher is someone they will get to form a special bond with. Their teacher is not only there to help them academically, but also to cheer them on, and to provide a caring, safe environment for them to learn and grow.

During back to school time, teachers are wanting to set the tone for the new year. In addition to establishing rules and procedures, they are ready to get to know their kids and start building positive relationships. This is a read aloud that helps with laying that foundation, and it serves as a great starting point for get-to-know-you activities and class community building.

There is a blank space on the last page for teachers to sign their own name, so that students know that the letter in the book is coming straight from them. With its sincere message and inclusive illustrations, A Letter From Your Teacher is a valuable addition to any elementary school teacher’s classroom library.

Genres: Picture Books, School, Childrens, Teaching, Back To School, Kids

31 pages, Paperback

Published May 19, 2021

About the author

Shannon Olsen is the #1 best-selling author of 5 picture books, all geared toward building community and positive relationships at school: Our Class is a Family, both books in the A Letter From Your Teacher series, Our School is a Family, and Collaboration Station.

Her newest book, We're So Happy You're Here: A Warm Welcome for our New Student, will be released in fall 2025.

Her first book made the #1 spot for children’s books on Publisher’s Weekly, and several of her titles have reached the overall Top 20 on the Amazon Charts.

Shannon earned her B.A. in English and M.A. in Teaching from the University of California Irvine, and is a wife and a mom of two girls.

Through her fifteen years of experience as a second grade teacher, she found a strong passion in creating books and materials for the classroom.

Shannon does in-person and virtual Author Visits with elementary school classes, and continues to share teaching ideas and resources through her website and TPT store, Life Between Summers.

Reviews

[Bethlyn Allmey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gorgeous book that captures all that happens and is expected in a school year. A great read with a new class or at the start of a new school year!

[Lady Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book!
When I first read it, I knew I wanted it for my students.
I'm teaching Kindergarten this year, and I read it to them during our circle time on their first day of school. Ever.
I also bought a copy of it for each one of my students.
I was so happy to hear the next day that their parents read it again to them that same night as their bedtime story.
The children liked it.
The parents LOVED it.
* Just a side note. This book can be purchased in a box set of 30 books in paperback at a reasonable price (for all my fellow teachers).

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Letter From Your Teacher on The First Day of School is by Shannon Olson. This is a cute picture book that could be used at any grade on the first day of school. The teacher is writing to her students giving them an overview of what they will learn from her. At the end is a surprise for the teacher too. I wish I had had this book when I was teaching. It would make a cute icebreaker for classes. It could be used to start a teachers’ meeting as well.

[Anaya Bradd · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is through the perspective of a teacher and their point of view. Students will find out that they will have a special bond with their teacher and their teacher will be someone who supports them. I want my students to know I will always be their for them and hope to build a bond with them.

[Mary Alampi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and Sweet

This is a cute, sweet, and visually appealing book. It is appropriate for very young students. I’d hoped to use it with older students (I am the corny, campy teacher) but it’s a bit too young, too much of a stretch. Quite charming for the right audience.

[Anne Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this will be a great first day of school read-aloud for my students. Well done!

[Tammy Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great 1st day read!

[Solei]

This was the sweetest book to read on the first day! It had so many great reminders and I also loved the illustrations. I will definitely be purchasing this one for my own classroom.

[Allison Logue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must have

I love nothing more than creating a lasting and strong connection with my kiddos! Reading this book gave me all the feels and I can’t wait to share it with my kids! I always ready a few books to them and introduce my “I wish my teacher knew jar” then I invite them to write me a letter that only I see! They can tell me anything they want but I encourage them to tell me their fears and celebrations! Their glows and grows for themselves and how they feel about me and what they want from a teacher! I learn so much from this simple task! I love adding this book to that moment in my classroom!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an amazing book!

I absolutely loved “our class is a family” and this book is just as amazing!!! What a wonderful way to start a new school year and help the students feel welcomed and give them a sense of belonging. I highly recommend this book to any teacher or parent with a little one starting a new school year!

[Tatiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear Student,
This is a little welcome note
I want to share with you.
Believe all that I'm about to say,
because every word is true.

If you need a picture book that perfectly welcomes your new class to a new school year, this is it. I read it on the second day of our school year this past week. (We ran out of time on the first day - always over-plan!) My fresh crop of 4th graders gobbled it up. It conveyed exactly how I feel: I will always care about them and help them grow. After we read, we discussed what the students look for in a teacher, and they added their thoughts to a Padlet with the prompt, "What do I need from my teacher?" Then we talked about what makes an awesome student. It was a great way to communicate expectations for our class and gave me insight into my kiddos' emotional needs.

I will be reading this to every one of my new classes from here on out!

[Gabby]

As a second grade teacher this is one story I love reading at the beginning of each school year. I love how this book rhymes and flows. This book does a great job sharing how excited I am to get to know my students and some of the expectations I have for them. It also is a great way to express to my students how I will be there for them each and every day. Students are always excited after hearing this book and I believe it helps them feel valued and accepted which is key to allowing students to feel comfortable opening up and having the space to make mistakes and learn. The text is at grade level for some of my students to even be able to decode on their own and the illustrations are engaging for all students. I also love Shannon Olsen's other book "Our Class is a Family" and also use that book at the beginning of the year.

[Katie Guiborat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. My grandma bought it for me as the start of my teacher library for my birthday this year and I plan to read it every year on the first day of school. This is the perfect book for a younger, elementary class. The illustrations are fun cartoons with a very eye-pleasing color scheme. I love how the illustrations imitate a classroom and show all types of students. The book is focused on letting students know that all types of people are included and welcomed in our class. It tells the student that throughout the year, your teacher will learn all about you. Your teacher will be there to support you, push you to grow, teach you new things, and celebrate with you. I love how it tells the story of the relationship between the teacher and the student because it encourages a warm, comfortable relationship between one another and that's the most important part.

[Tori Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a letter from a teacher to the students on the first day of the classroom. The teacher tells the students about how they are going to get to know each other, support each other, help each other reach goals and succeed, and have fun. I would use this book as a writing workshop prompt. I would read the book as a read aloud during the first day or week of school then we would discuss what a letter is and how we are all feeling on the first day/week of school. Then I would dismiss students to work individually and they would be given the chance to write a letter to me about how they are feeling or things they think are important for me to know about them. I would walk around and provide assistance then collect them and thoroughly go through all of them. This is a fun activity for everyone and also provides me with useful information to best support my students!

[Christina Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Letter from Your Teacher is one of the most touching and inspiring books I have ever read. It beautifully captures the heart of what teaching is truly about — connection, encouragement, and belief in every student’s potential. The words are warm and sincere, reminding children that they are seen, valued, and capable of amazing things. As an educator, this book moved me deeply.

It’s the perfect read-aloud for the first day of school or any time a student needs a confidence boost. The illustrations are vibrant and full of emotion, complementing the heartfelt message. This book should be in every classroom and home library. It’s a timeless reminder that kindness, patience, and love can change a child’s world forever.

[Beau’s Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Letter From Your Teacher: On the First Day of School by Shannon Olsen is a truly heartwarming book that beautifully captures the love, reassurance, and encouragement teachers give their students—especially on those big, emotional first days of school. The message is tender and comforting, making it a meaningful read for both children and adults.

I gifted this book to my son’s preschool teacher, and it felt like the perfect way to say thank you. One of my favorite features is the page in the back that allows you to write a personal letter, making the gift even more special and heartfelt. With its gentle words and thoughtful message, this book is a wonderful keepsake and a lovely way to honor the incredible impact teachers have on our children’s lives.

[Linda (bythebellbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, THIS one is my favorite in this series by far! It’s such a beautiful, heartfelt way to kick off the school year. Shannon Olsen completely nails the excitement and nerves that come with the first day of school, and the “letter” from the teacher feels like a warm welcome hug for every student. The book is packed with positivity, making kids feel seen and valued right from day one. The illustrations are bright and joyful, adding to the excitement. It’s just the perfect way to show kids that their teacher cares about them before they even step into the classroom. The BEST in the series, hands down! Every teacher needs this in their back-to-school toolkit!

[Robin Pelletier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw a teacher on Instagram who used this novel in her classroom: she read the story, recorded it, made a QR code to listen to her read it and put the QR code on a postcard to send out to her students before the first day of school. I LOVED this idea and I plan to do the same thing she did this year to welcome my students back to the classroom IN-PERSON and to Middle School! I am so excited! This story really does set a welcoming vibe for the year and sends out a few expectations ahead of schedule. Can't wait for parent and student feedback on them - off to design my postcards!

[Madison Truax · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book that I throughly enjoyed reading as it was written from the teachers perspective. This book is a great reminder to both students and anyone reading it as to why teachers do what they do, even when it can be difficult at times. The passion and dedication that teachers take to the classroom each and everyday is all wrapped up into this book. A great first day read for kids as it lets them know that as your teacher I am your biggest fan. One that I will be incorporating into each first day of school I have.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely picture book for the beginning of the school year.
A teacher makes promises to the students in her class, and lays out of few expectations for students as well.
Bright cheerful illustrations, simple rhyming text.
The sentiments are rather cliché for the beginning of the year, but nevertheless heartfelt and appropriately aspirational.
Recommended for all elementary grades, although the illustrations tend toward K-3.

[Kaylee Sulda]

Summary: This is a book about a teacher writing a letter to her students on the first day of school. It talks about what she expects from the students. It also talks about what she will do in school to help the students succeed.

How would I use this in my classroom?
-I can read this book on the first day of school to get students excited about school
-I can read this book on the first day of school and then talk about the expectations and procedures when coming to school

[Erin Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another book I’ve used with my students the past two years and used again this school year. I don’t always have time to use it on the first day of school but I definitely use it sometime during the first week! It help to let my students know that I care for them more than just how much they learn (even though that still part of it)! It also help open up lines of communication between my students and myself. After we read this book, I have my students complete the “I wish my teacher knew…” activity where they write down one or more things that they wish I knew about them. This activity gives me insight into my students that I might not have gotten otherwise.

[karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute book! I bought it hoping to read it during my introductory library lessons, but it’s a much better fit for a classroom teacher. As a specials teacher, there were several specifics that don’t apply to how students will experience my class. It’s a sweet book, though, and one I’d definitely recommend for classroom teachers of elementary students!

[Maurisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

great way to start the year

This book is such a great way to start and end the school year. It was great reading this as an introduction to my students the day before we began in person learning and again in the month of May as we are approaching the end of year. We used the book to discuss our growth throughout the year.

[Stephanie Kline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Perfect!

This is a perfect way to start a year with a new class. No matter the age, every elementary teacher will love sharing this book and making connections with their students right away. It’s heartfelt and sets the right tone for the year. The follow-up book for the end of the year is a perfect match. Well done!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect beginning of the year book.

I bought the ebook as I am looking for my summer reading assignment for 1st grade. I recommend this book to any teacher. The perfect book to read at the beginning of the year.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Sweet!

I am so excited that I got this book! I cannot wait to read it to my class at the beginning of the school year. I just know it will help build a class community with healthy relationships that will last a lifetime.

[Ursula · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for the beginning of the year!

A great rhyming book for primary students at the beginning of the school year. I highly recommend this book. I’ll be reading it on the first day!

[Christina Dankert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect back to school book to highlight a teachers purpose and to help build a positive classroom community. The illustrations are beautiful and inclusive. I highly recommend this book for all elementary teachers.

[the_disappearing_librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST have for teachers & librarians

What an amazing book written by a teacher for teachers. A heartfelt letter to a new class of students written by their teacher and what they hope to accomplish this year. Can also be used by librarians.