One of my favorite back-to-school traditions is introducing my students to books by Shannon Olsen. Over the years, several of her books have become staples in my classroom because they help establish the kind of learning community I want to build from day one.
I always begin with A Letter from My Teacher. It’s a wonderful way to reassure students that I care about them, believe in them, and want each of them to be successful. It sets a warm, welcoming tone for the school year and helps ease those first-day jitters.
Next, I read Our Class Is a Family, which reminds students that our classroom is more than just a place to learn—it’s a community. We support one another, celebrate each other’s successes, and understand that when one person grows, we all grow together.
This year, I added Collaboration Station to my classroom library, and I’m so excited to share it with my students. The book emphasizes the importance of working together, listening to different perspectives, communicating respectfully, and solving problems as a team.
What I especially love is that these lessons extend far beyond our classroom. My students will use these collaboration skills during STEM challenges, in physical education, during partner and small-group activities, and in everyday interactions throughout the school. Learning to work well with others is a lifelong skill, and this book provides a fun and meaningful way to introduce it.
I’m excited to add Collaboration Station to my back-to-school book collection and continue building a classroom where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed together.
Shawnette Brown 