By April Welch, The Mental Clutter Coach
National Teacher Appreciation Week is two weeks away! What will you do to appreciate a valued educator?
Living in Small Town USA means everyone knows everyone. It's a common occurance when the Pipsqueak's Kindergarten teacher is at the same football field ... sitting by Mom ... rooting for her own children.
Friends like these afford me the opportunity to pick their brain on what gifts they remember fondly {and ones they wish they could forget}. So, I decided this week to compile a quick list of ideas I've heard them express over the years and hope you'll glean something from it.
Volunteer Ideas:
- make copies or collate packets
- tutor math or reading for an afternoon
- sign up to chaperon an upcoming trip
- prepare supplies for the next unit
- ask what you could help them with
Clutter Free Gift Ideas:
- Gift cards:
- to the local office or education supply store
- for car washes
- to their favorite restaurant
- for coffee {or their favorite morning beverage}
- to a local farmer's market
Try not to appreciate them with:
- teacher specific gifts (e.g. apple earrings)
- display items
- trinkets
- candles or bath & body products {unless they have specifically told you what they like}
Remember:
- you're showing appreciation for their effort, the gift should be about them.
- ask your student what they'd like to give their teacher, listen to the feedback and talk about appropriate choices
- hard work is hard work ~ sometimes a heartfelt "Thank You" can make a teacher's day.
How will you be showing appreciation to your favorite educator? Leave a comment below or head on over to the VolunteerSpot Facebook Page to let me know!
Keepin' it Tidy,
April
More Resources
Teacher Appreciation Week Planning - Great Simple Ideas
Free Ebook: Greatest Gifts for Teachers
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April is a Mental Clutter Expert | Mom of 2 boys | Wife to 1 Fireman | Horrible Cook | Loyal Friend | National Public Speaker who gives you permission to be imperfect
