5/30/12

Of all we've learned here remember this the best, don't hurt each other and clean up your mess....


It came without ribbons! It came without tags! It came without packages, boxes or bags! You KNOW what I’m talking about – the end of the school year!

I’ve had several requests from friends out there for suggestions for end of the year teacher gifts, and since I’ve been teacher for lots of years (23 or more…cough, cough) I just might be an expert in this area.

First, I want to make it clear that teachers DO NOT expect gifts. I really, really mean that. We appreciate your support all year long with homework, snacks, field trip chaperoning, etc., and we all feel that we receive “gifts” all year long. I am not just blowing smoke here.


However, if you ARE looking for either teacher gifts, or student teacher gifts, here are my TOP TEN!!! 
1. A subscription to Mailbox Magazine - You can find this magazine at www.theeducationcenter.com or something like that. It is the GREATEST resource for teachers. It has ideas generated from teachers on ALL areas in the curriculum, and it’s got one for kindergarten, first grade, etc. It. Is. The. Best. Thing. Ever. (And they did NOT pay me to say that.
2. A book to the school library in your teacher’s name. Too cool to even elaborate on.
3. A plant for the school garden. (If they have one!)
4. Is there a craft store in your area? A gift card to a Michael’s or something like that is great. We always need items for projects- and this way the kids benefit as well!
5. Amazon.com is an incredible thing. I received several last year and bought some great new books for my classroom! Since I’ve been teaching a while I tend to use my oldies but goodies. Having the gift certificate allowed me to shop online and find some great new books!
6. Barnes and Nobles. Enough said.
7. There are cool scissors at craft stores that cut in a variety of shapes- not just straight lines! Teachers love these- but might not use their classroom money for them. They also come in a cool carousel. They are great when the kids make cards, have free time or in writer’s workshop.
8. If you are buying for a new teacher, here are some MUST HAVE BOOKS: Morning Meeting; The First Six Weeks of School; Classroom Spaces that Work; Off to a Great Start. All of these resources are from Responsive Classroom and can be found at Barnes and Nobles, or at www.responsiveclassroom.org .
9. If you want to buy a humorous book for ANY teacher, buy Thirty Two Third Graders and One Class Bunny by Philip Done. It is HYSTERICAL. I read it over and over and over. I laugh every time. 
10.A really cool whistle. Or bell. Or sound maker.
11. A gift card to STARBUCKS. (Okay, maybe that’s just me.)
12. Games for the classroom (age appropriate, or course.) We use games throughout the year, and of course pieces go missing, boxes get broken, etc. Teachers will probably NOT throw stuff out, and will keep using it, unless forced to use a NEW ONE if it’s given to them. (hint hint.)


Crap, is that more than ten? You people KNOW I can’t count. Hope it helps! Otherwise, give her a bottle of wine. Teacher DO enjoy that….  (And check out these sunglasses with bling.  ADORE them...)




(Yeah, it's a re-post - but I'm busy with ALL the end of the year madness.  And yes, I am smiling.  Always, always smiling.)



8 comments:

Brian Miller said...

hope the year ends well for you VM

Anonymous said...

The countdown applies to all of us!

Hope your challenges are easily met and lead to more enjoyment than you expected.
faithful follower

Anonymous said...

Also hoping your year ends well - thanks for sharing with us.
lisa G in CT

Lyn Goff said...

Just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you. The end of the year is always filled with conflicting emotions... I'm sure this is an especially hard one.

Jodi Pharo said...

the magazine sounds wonderful. i hope i can remember that next year....

Gigi said...

All absolutely amazing ideas.....where was this list when I had a kid in grade school?!

SkylersDad said...

Thanks for sharing your adventures with us. I hope your summer is awesome!

Unknown said...

qzz0720
air max 90
michael kors outlet
armani exchange
palladium boots
fitflops outlet
air max 90
coach factory outlet
fred perry polo shirts
adidas outlet
true religion jeans