At VolunteerSpot, we LOVE teachers. Personally, I feel anyone who is willing to greet my children with a smile each day, guide their learning, inspire them, and help them navigate the challenges of growing up, is a SAINT! If I had a million dollars, I'd be sharing with our teachers. Since I don't - we keep VolunteerSpot free for teachers and parents to schedule and coordinate classroom help, fundraisers, exam proctors, and extra free time.
I asked a dozen teachers to list their personal favorite gifts of appreciation - ALL said, "getting a personal thank you note." Wow - that's easy! I'm going to step it up and I invite all you parents out there to join in the small satisfying gesture of sending an email message or a hand-written thank you note to your child's teacher. Think about saying Thank You the next time you son or daughter comes home with a cool project, an improved test score, or even continued challenges that your teacher is helping overcome.
For those wanting to go the extra mile - we'd love to hear your ideas: What are the GREATEST TEACHER GIFTS? We're putting together a free eBook filled with ideas for Teacher Appreciation and Recognition. Here are a few to spark your thinking:
What are your ideas for the GREATEST TEACHER GIFTS? Please respond by scrolling down to the COMMENTS window below. We're looking for all kinds of ideas -- simple, involved, low-cost, crafty, single-family and class or school collaborative ideas. (please add your first name and city for recognition)
I asked a dozen teachers to list their personal favorite gifts of appreciation - ALL said, "getting a personal thank you note." Wow - that's easy! I'm going to step it up and I invite all you parents out there to join in the small satisfying gesture of sending an email message or a hand-written thank you note to your child's teacher. Think about saying Thank You the next time you son or daughter comes home with a cool project, an improved test score, or even continued challenges that your teacher is helping overcome.
For those wanting to go the extra mile - we'd love to hear your ideas: What are the GREATEST TEACHER GIFTS? We're putting together a free eBook filled with ideas for Teacher Appreciation and Recognition. Here are a few to spark your thinking:
- Back to School: Welcome Basket - each parent brings one small item to stock the classroom and keep the teachers out-of-pocket expenses to a minimum: e.g. pencils, markers, tape, tissue, hand sanitizer, stickers.
- Thanksgiving: So Thankful or our Teacher - share the thanks by donating a turkey dinner in your teacher's name to a family in need.
- Winter Holidays: Winter Break Package - approach local theaters, attractions and holiday productions and ask for free tickets or discounts to share with your teacher.
- Valentine's Day: Virtual Box of Chocolates - scan a photo of each child's face and paste onto a photo of a large heart-shaped box of chocolates.
- May Day: Class Bouquet - each child brings one flower for the teacher, collectively making a gorgeous bouquet.
- Teacher Appreciation Week - Plan small gifts and little surprises for Teachers throughout the week. (e.g a packet of seeds - "Thanks for helping our children grow!") Hold a raffle for some bigger gifts like shopping cards, a free car wash, and pedicures.
- End of School - Summer Reading Collection - ask parents to each donate one of their favorite gently used books. Add a beach towel and sunscreen for a relaxing summer gift.
What are your ideas for the GREATEST TEACHER GIFTS? Please respond by scrolling down to the COMMENTS window below. We're looking for all kinds of ideas -- simple, involved, low-cost, crafty, single-family and class or school collaborative ideas. (please add your first name and city for recognition)