Frugal Family: Teacher Appreciation Week

National Teacher Appreciation Week is from Monday, May 2 until Friday May 6, and while there are so many important educators in our kids’ lives, and so few dollars in the bank account these days, there is no reason to get discouraged.

Gifts that are creative and personal to the individual do not have to cost a great deal and are always worth much more than a pricey (generic) store bought gift.

With that in mind, here are a few inexpensive ways to show our teachers just how much we appreciate all their hard work. 

• A Hand-Written Thank You Note…In today’s electronic age, anything hand written is rare. As a teacher and an administrator, I always appreciated (and saved) thank you notes I received from families.  The ones that especially warmed my hearts were the ones that spoke specifically about my relationship with their child.  So take a moment and write a thank you note or better yet have your child write it.  Don’t forget to mention something that they have personally done to create a successful school experience for your child.
• Teacher Report Card…have your child think of “subjects” that his or her teacher excels in and create a report card that mimics the ones that the students receive.
• Letters…Have your child write a letter to their current teacher (and previous ones if possible) about their favorite memory of them.  For children who cannot write, they can draw a picture of their favorite memory.
• Volunteer...Schedule some time to volunteer in the classroom next week to give the teacher a break.  An extra pair of hands in a classroom of 20 can seem heavenly to a teacher.
• Decorate the Classroom Door…Cover the door with butcher paper and create a mural based on appreciation.  Such as, quotes from prior students with a headline of, “You’ve made a difference” or “See how far they have gone.”
  • This can also be done for the Teacher’s Lounge Door so that notes of praise can be put up for the entire staff.
• Personalized Framed Photo…Using an existing photo, have your child or the entire class sign/decorate the matting of an inexpensive frame.
• Make a Donation…If you think that the teacher has everything that they need or want, donate books to the school library (or any other cause for that matter) in their name.
• Create a “Prep-Time Survival Kit”…with things like microwave popcorn, gum, bottled water or their favorite soda.
• Classroom Supplies…though this may not seem like a gift for them, most teachers spend about $300-$500 per year out of pocket for essential supplies. 
  • Include the whole class by requesting a “supply wish list” from the teacher and ask the entire class to contribute to a supply basket.
• A Personalized Plant…using your child’s fingerprints to create bees & ladybugs or their full handprint, decorate a terracotta pot.  Finish by filling it with a beautiful, easy to maintain, plant!
  • If possible, have the entire class include their prints to make the gift extra special.  Don’t forget to paint the year for the teacher’s future reference.
• Hand Made Stationary…Purchase blank cards and have your child decorate the front with rubber stamped greetings.  Such as, Thank You, Thinking of You and Get Well Soon.  That way the teacher always has cards at her disposal that she will be proud to share.  Be sure to notate Created By___, on___, for the best teacher Mr./Mrs.___ on the back of the card.
  • You can further this gift by including postage stamps, writing utensils, return address labels in a reusable plastic container.
• An Apple for the Teacher…though the apple themed gift should often be avoided, the classic gift of the fruit itself is classic and symbolic. 
  • To share your appreciation with more than one teacher, bring in a basic full of various kinds for the teacher lounge.  (No need to buy one, use an extra one from home.  We all have at least one!)
• A little bit of everything…you can always create an overall appreciation basket filled with items and corresponding quotes.  For example-
  • Packet of Forget me Not seeds-I will never forget a great teacher like you.
  • A highlighter-You are the highlight of my school day!
  • Smarties-Thank you for making me such a “smartie”.
  • Extra gum-Thank you for always going the extra mile.

However you choose to express your gratitude is not important.  The importance lies in the expression itself.  Our teachers deserve to be appreciated throughout the entire year and this national celebration provides us with a great reminder of how much they do to educate future generations!

Some of the ideas listed above have been adapted from the following websites:

http://www.life123.com/holidays/gifts/teacher-gifts/teacher-appreciation-gifts-2.shtml

http://www.ehow.com/list_6324683_inexpensive-teacher-appreciation-gifts.html

http://www.ehow.com/info_7836993_inexpensive-gifts-elementary-school-kids.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_4916230_teacher-during-teacher-appreciation-week.html

http://www.ehow.com/list_6508962_teacher-appreciation-decoration-ideas.html