This month’s Chalk Talk with Coach Mom newsletter we heard from teachers: how parents can help their children succeed, how we can best help them, and their favorite ways to be shown appreciation.
Gift cards came in as the #1 gift idea, and many teachers commented that small acts of thoughtfulness sometimes were as meaningful as anything. How can we know specifically what means the most to each teacher? Just ask!
Following are some questions I bet your child’s teacher would be more than happy to answer:
- When is your birthday? Anniversary?
- What is your favorite color?
- List 3 favorite restaurants.
- Favorite movie theatre?
- List 3 favorite snacks.
- Favorite drink?
- Are you a coffee drinker? Favorite kind?
- Do you have any pets? (Name/type)
- What are your hobbies and interests?
- Favorite fast food meals?
- Favorite meals for your family?
After the teachers fill in their answers, photocopy the sheets so that everyone in each class has the chance to get to know the teachers. Then as you study the answers, make your plan…
- Organize a “surprise the teacher with a treat” (a favorite snack, drink, or lunch) twice a month for the school year.
- Organize a gift card tree for the teacher’s birthday and ask students to bring $5 gift cards. Punch holes in them (strategically) and tie them with ribbons on a plant or branch “planted” in a pot.
- Organize the class to provide meals for the teacher’s family on nights requiring a late stay, such as open house or meet-the-teacher nights.
- Have all the children bring encouraging notes on the same day and tape them to the door.
- Go together with other families to give the teacher gift cards to favorite restaurants.
- For her birthday, bring a place setting from home and set up the teacher’s special lunch in the teacher’s lounge. (Do it on “half-birthdays” if your teacher has a summer birthday.)
And if you have time to spread “a little more love”…
Write notes to former teachers thanking them for their impact on your child’s life, recalling a special memory in their class, and updating them on the latest news about your child.