Posts tagged "Teacher"

Teacher Appreciation Day

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Teacher Appreciation Day is May 3rd.  What are some of the different ways others have celebrated your dedication to teaching?  There are a variety of ways that students, parents, and community members show their appreciation for teachers.  Some of the ways include hosting a luncheon, buying special gifts, and donating classroom supplies.  As a teacher, it is extremely important to feel like your job is important and that you are making a difference.

I’m sure that you can remember the teachers that have made a difference in your life.  It is amazing how many teachers each person encounters in one lifetime.  From your beginning days of preschool to your college days and beyond, you are no doubt continuing to work with teachers almost daily.  Do you remember how you have showed your appreciation to your dedicated teachers in the past?  Some of the most meaningful gestures of appreciation in my teaching career have been both simple and heart felt.  I have had students create stepping stones, mugs, and picture frames.  I have also had families buy me gift certificates for my favorite coffee shops, restaurants, and book stores.  Some more memorable gifts include beautiful note cards, a pen and pencil set, and a quote of a day.  Classroom teaching supplies that I use everyday such as fun post-it notes, highlighters, and children’s books also top my list of the best Teacher Appreciation gifts that I have received.

Still don’t know what to get a dedicated teacher in your life?  You actually don’t need to buy anything.  Even if you just express your gratitude by writing a note or volunteering in their classroom, you are thanking them for their hard work.

Remember teachers are everywhere!  When you go to church, teachers are teaching Sunday school classes, at day cares, camps, schools, and libraries teachers are making a difference in the lives of children.  Stop and do something to appreciate them today!

Spring Break for Teachers

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Spring break is here.  It is a time to rest, refocus, and gear up for the remainder of the year.  You may take the time to rejuvenate and not do a single thing for your classroom, or you may spend some time planning.  Spring break is a great turning point in the year.  This year, I am spending my break going through my resources guides and materials.  When I began my teaching career, I felt the need to purchase many items for my classroom.  I still use many of these guides; however, I find that they are not grouped in the most organized way, and I tend to forget about them.  This year I am going to review my lesson plans and make note of which books I refer to most often.  I am going to write a summary of the book on a color-coded index card depending on the subject ares, and then tape it onto the book.  Since I use these books daily, this will go smoothly.  Next, I plan to skim the resources that I have not used for awhile.  When I am skimming, I will write how I can use the book in the next several months and what curriculum area or standards the activities meet.  After I organize the books according to subject area, I will make an inventory list.  I also plan to give the books that I no longer use to other teachers.  This will be the hardest part for me because I want to hold on to everything.

Hopefully, you will rest or find a project to work on over the break.  Pick something that you normally would not have time to do and get started.  However, if you just want to enjoy your break, do that.  You have worked hard all year and deserve a break!