Teacher Gifts!
Yes I am a teacher and I am a big proponent of teacher gifts. I have just put my daughter to bed and I am dying pasta in to different colors so that my preschoolers can graph and sort them. I do not do it for recognition but I do often wonder, does anyone know what I do and appreciate it instead of just expecting it?
Teacher gifts are not for the purpose of brown-nosing or for the purpose of "winning your teacher over" or for getting a good grade for your kids. They are for the sole purpose of letting the person who has taught your kid all year, or is teaching your kid during the year, that you notice the work they do. Many teachers have to buy their own supplies, give up good pay, and rack their brains to figure out ways to get 20 or 30 different kids to learn the same thing in an enjoyable way. The really hard part is that they do this without a "bonus" or pay raise for their efforts. Most of them do it too without much notice. No one comes in their classroom everyday and says - "wow great idea" or "you are doing a great job!" So take a bit of time and get them a little thank you. Even if you don't agree with all they have done or if you don't think they did a good job. Thank them, and you will be surprised how a little encouragement can help a teacher and help the class feel noticed.
Here are some ideas (for the end of the year or all year!):
* Sonic Drink - find out their favorite drink and get them one. Or you can get them a simple $5 gift card to sonic. I got one and get a drink on my way in to school - it definitely makes me happy!
* Candy
* Take out lunch - most teachers have to scrounge around for something in 20 minutes so a hot take out lunch is such a treat. I heard a high school teacher say that a parent emailed him and all their kids teachers and said we are treating you all to lunch on this day, place your order. He felt so appreciated and so treated. What a great idea!
* Breakfast
* A subscription to a magazine. Lots of elementary teachers love "The Mailbox". It is a great resource for teachers and will help them next year.
* Things for their classroom.
* Offering to help with cutting or pasting things.
* When you take lunch for your kids, email your teacher and ask them what they would like.
* Gift Cards of any kind are nice.
* Plants or flowers for their classroom or home.
* Nice pens or pencils.
* Dinner - make a bit extra of your dinner for them to take home to their families!
There are many more ideas you could do. If you think of one send us an email! Just give it a try!