Teacher’s Appreciation Week is being celebrated across the United States May 8th-May 12th, and began thanks to the efforts of Eleanor Roosevelt, who said to Congress in 1953:
“The teachers are, of course, among the most important people in our nation. Day in and day out they are at work preparing the future citizens of the U.S. . . . I have always felt that we did not give an honorable enough place in our communities to the teachers. Next to parents they are the most important people in our communities . . “
Amidst the daily routines of caring for and nurturing young children, during the tears and meltdowns, during the lightbulb moments when a child acquires a new skill or new understanding, during weekends of downtime when a teacher’s mind is still busy creating new lessons and innovating on old lessons, or on evenings when they contemplate new ways to further feed a child’s insatiable curiosity and energy . . . it is lifegiving to hear these words: you are more important than you know – thank you for everything you do.
If you’re searching for ways to appreciate your child’s teacher, here are some ideas! Many teachers prefer not to receive non-consumable goods, as these add up over the years of teaching and are often duplicated! Also, be sure to ask your school administrator if teachers have a “wish list” or “favorite things” list that you can use to guide you!
- Gift cards for personal use: Visa cards, Target, restaurant or entertainment, spa, salon, coffee, bakeries, etc.
- Gift cards for classroom “wish list” items: Etsy, Montessori Services, Amazon, craft stores are especially popular with Montessori teachers!
- Subscription boxes (based on the teacher’s interests)
- Meal service gift cards and subscriptions
- Favorite treats (consumable items are preferred over things that take up space, preferably individually packed and nut-free), Edible Arrangements, coffee and more!
- Provide a lunch or breakfast for your child’s teachers (talk to your school office to plan and communicate)
- Flowers and plants are thoughtful gifts as well (just be sure to use the safe plant list to make your choice, as teachers often love to share the plants with the children)
- A handwritten card or drawing from your child
- A shout out on social media with a video from you and your child!
- Have your child complete a questionnaire about their teacher! Or, do a video interview with your child and share it with your child’s teacher
- Take time to get a photo of your child and teacher together, and share it with your child’s teacher! Often, teachers are too busy to get these moments together with their students!
- Get involved! Volunteer to organize or clean your child’s teacher’s classroom, bring in items for the “food and flower” work, read books to the children, or to help with the classroom garden! Teachers often need lots of help printing and laminating materials as well!
- Learn! Ask your child’s teacher for their favorite parenting books (or books on Montessori education), and read them and implement them at home!
“It takes a big heart to help shape little minds. Teaching is the greatest act of optimism.” – Colleen Wilcox
We are so thankful for the incredible team of educators and caregivers
that make up the Sonnet family, and we celebrate them!
Thank you for all you do, the unseen and the seen,
to make the world a better place, one child at a time!
