1. Take Over
Photo source: Flickr Give your child’s teacher a little break by coming in to read to the class. You may choose to read your favorite book (or your child’s) and do a follow-up activity. Or, make arrangements ahead of time with the teacher to read something connected to the classroom curriculum. Not only will this give your child’s teacher a much needed break, it will also help you appreciate them so much more.
2. Send in a Note
Photo source: Flickr A heartfelt thank you note goes a long way in expressing your gratitude for your child’s teacher. Make it personal by including something specific the teacher has gone out of their way to do for your child, such as helping them make friends or offering extra reading help.
3. Involve Your Kids
Photo source: Flickr Get your child involved in writing their teacher a thank-you note. Ask your child what things their teacher does that are really special and have them write those things down. Make the note even more special by adding a few hand-drawn pictures from your child.
4. Make a DIY Gift
Photo source: Shari’s Berries Anyone can send in a gift card, but an extra-special DIY gift really shows your teacher how much you care. Try to think of things that your child’s teacher will really get some use out of, and that won’t just sit on a shelf collecting dust. Do they like to garden? Give them a cute package including a packet of seeds
5. Involve the Classroom
Photo source: Flickr A group effort always makes a big impact. Check in with the class parents and try to set up a day where each of the children brings in something special for the teacher, such as a flower or handmade note. Or, have the parents take turns to bring them a special treat, such as their favorite coffee in the morning or delivering their favorite lunch.
6. Mobilize the PTA
Photo source: Flickr If your school has a PTA or other parent organization, use their help to organize a special breakfast or lunch for all of the teachers and staff. Ask parents as well as local businesses to donate goods and services to keep costs down.
7. Donate Classroom Supplies
Photo source: Flickr Most teachers pay for their own classroom supplies out of pocket, such as chalk, paper, stickers, and books. Donate your own supplies or organize a donation drive with other class parents. Or give your child’s teacher a gift card to help them purchase all the little extras needed in the classrooms.
8. Plant a Tree
Photo source: Flickr Ask the school board to see if you can plant a tree or flowers in honor of your child’s teacher on school grounds. Then, gather the class parents and all of the students to hold a special honorary tree planting.
9. Connect With Old Students
Photo source: Flickr Teachers want to know that what they do makes a difference in their students’ lives. Reach out to old students of your child’s teacher and ask them to come in and talk to their old teacher about the impact they made on their their lives even once they left the classroom.
10. Get Your Child’s Opinions
Photo source: Flickr Talk to your child about ways they can show their appreciation for their teacher. Kids can come up with some of the best and most creative ideas for Teacher Appreciation Week because they know their teachers best. Looking for more? These 6 sweet gestures for teacher are a meaningful way to show how much you care. Featured photo source: Flickr
