My daughter Gabi has been at school for 5 months now. I finally got around to asking her homeroom teacher whether I could share a wonderful introductory letter she gave students on the first day of class. This is truly a letter worth sharing.

It is thoughtful on so many levels. It’s relevant to the children, speaking about TV shows and games that they were all familiar with. It immediately sets the tone of humanness, speaking of a range of feelings. It demonstrates, by example, exactly what will be expected from the children.

In my experience, teachers often will “talk the talk” but somehow lose the connection between what they preach and how they act. My daughter is happy in this class. She feels heard, comfortable and motivated. This is thanks to a teacher who understands children and lets them know! This letter defines emotional intelligence. Enjoy!

Dear Grade Five Students,

Welcome to grade 5! If you are a little bit nervous about starting a new class, I know how you feel! I am a little bit nervous too.

When I want to have fun I hang out with my husband, my friends and my daughters. We love to watch “So You Think You Can Dance,” play games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band or bike ride. I am looking forward to the new Beatle Rock Band! In the summer I love camping in Algonquin Park, travelling to Pittsburgh to watch my daughter play soccer and going to art shows.

If you saw me in elementary school, you might think I was a snob. I used to be very, very shy and I would not talk to people until I got to know them. Then, watch out! Once I got to know you, I would talk your ear off! I was always the smallest one in the class but I loved sports and was faster and stronger than anyone.

I think school should be a place where everyone feels safe and able to learn. School should be a place where students and teachers learn from each other. This year I hope to learn as much from all of you as you learn from me.

I feel proud when I know I have done my very best work and when I do something to help another person. I really get angry when people are cruel or unkind to others. I think our four class agreements are very important and will help create a ‘safe’ learning environment for all of us this year.

I am looking forward to hearing about each of you! Please write me back.

Sincerely,

Mrs. S

---

Marsha Jacobson is author of "Boom... Boom... Boom...: A Story to Raise Your Child's Emotional Intelligence". She is a regular contributor of mychildfeels.com and you can visit her website at marshajacobson.com.