With the end of school quickly approaching, Teacher Appreciation can be a time that parents want to overlook especially with the economy of today. The National Education Association recognizes the first full week in May as Teacher Appreciation Week.
As a former teacher, I challenge you to remember your teacher this month and show them how important they are to you and your child. After all, they do spend a large chunk of time with your children each week.
How do we show them we care and still maintain a budget? There are a lot of gestures and simple activities that do not have to cost a lot. Here are a few suggestions.
Class Memory Blanket
Purchase a few yards of fabric from the local craft store to create a blanket for the teacher. You can make a tree of handprints of each child using fabric paint and fabric markers. A second idea is to place each child's handprint pointing downward. Write at the top: "Mrs. Adams is the best teacher!" Then put at the bottom: "Hands Down!" Be sure to include each child's name and the school year.
Homemade flowers
These are a great craft for kids of all ages. You can copy or trace your child's handprint. Then glue to a green construction paper stem. You can curl up the fingers if you would like. A second way is to use tissue paper, cupcake holders, etc. Be creative. Be sure to put them in a glass or cup with a note telling her just how much she means to you and your child.
Notes of Encouragement
I once saw this idea as a Valentines gift. Send home two sheets of paper, two hearts, two stars, etc. It doesn't have to be the same, just two of whatever for each child. Have the child and a parent write something encouraging or what they love about the teacher. The kids can even draw something if they like. Then decorate a shoebox or buy a pretty jar. Write outside: Daily encouragement from those that love you! She will enjoy reading one each day.
Dinner for the month
Have each child sign up for a day of the month. Then that child's family can bring up a meal for the teacher and her family. This can be a great way to show her that her class cares for her. It also helps teachers a ton to be able to not have to worry about cooking dinner every night after teaching a long day. It doesn't have to be complex and even can be dropped off at school each day. It could even be a gift card to a local pizza place, tacos, spaghetti-just make extra for one night and pack it up!
Volunteer
Teachers can easily be overwhelmed this time of the year. Show your appreciation by volunteering in the classroom. Offer to grade papers, read to the kids,, etc. Be available to do anything, even cutting laminate.
These are just a few suggestions that cost little. If you have any suggestions, be sure to leave them in the comment section below. We all need to join together to cut costs during this time, but lets make sure our teachers still know we care about them.
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