Before you buy another teacher mug, ask your child what their teacher did this year that made school a little better.
Did he/she help them feel comfortable reading aloud? Did he/she notice they were having a rough morning? The answer might give you a better 'gift' idea than anything in a store aisle.
Dr. David Timpanaro, a child and family specialist and founder of Step Up Family Services, was recently quoted in a Yahoo Creators article about how families can help teachers feel valued. We caught up with Dr. Timpanaro and asked him what appreciation looks like in practice.
Here are four ways to put Dr. Timpanaro's advice to work before winter break and throughout the school year.
“Say thank you,” Timpanaro says. Teachers often hear from families when something goes wrong. A short note about something that went right can stand out. Think of one change you’ve noticed at home. Your child might start homework without a reminder, bounce back after a disappointing grade or finally feel comfortable asking for help. Try writing, “Jordan used to get frustrated and give up on math homework. Now he shows me how he figured out the answer. Thank you for helping him stick with it.”
Ask your child to finish the sentence “Thank you for helping me with …” and see what comes up. A younger child might draw a picture of a favorite classroom moment. An older child might write a few lines about a book the teacher recommended or a project they were proud to finish. Leave room for their own words. The detail they remember may surprise you.
If you’d like to give something your teacher can unwrap, check your school’s gift policy first. Where gifts are allowed, a small gift card to a nearby coffee shop or bookstore is an easy option. If your teacher keeps a classroom wish list, you could pick an item they’ve already requested. Either way, tuck in the note so the teacher knows what prompted the gift.
Timpanaro says it’s especially touching when children come back to say hello after they’ve moved on. If your child still talks about a former teacher, help them send a quick update. “I joined the school newspaper this year. I still remember how you helped me with my first story” tells a teacher exactly what stayed with them.
