Give Thanks to Teachers

    It's been two weeks since my little man turned four.  He received many birthday gifts and we still haven't sent thank-you notes.  We will, we've just been dragging our feet a bit.  However, there are some thank-you notes that I've never been late sending.  Without fail, we've remembered to thank teachers at the end of the year.  Obviously, it's that time of year once more.

    Perhaps it's the fact that I've been a teacher and I know how much it means to be remembered that makes me never forget to formally thank a teacher.  It's probably more the fact that I'm very grateful for the care and instruction my children receive from their teachers. 

    In the past, I've written a thank-you and, depending on the age of my child, I've asked him or her to write his or her name or scribble near the bottom of the note.  This year, I realized it was time to get my children in on the act of actually writing the note.  Of course, at four and five year of age, they aren't really ready to actually write the note, so I did the next best thing...I wrote it for them.

    I simply sat down at the computer and wrote "Miss Jane,  Thank you so much for a wonderful year.  My favorite memories are ______________.  You're a special teacher because_______________. Have a great summer, _______________"

    After I printed out the letter, I sat down with my children and asked them what their favorite memories of school were and why their teachers are special.  I wrote their answers on the blanks.  Then, I asked my five-year-old to sign her name and wrote my son's name in highlighter for him to trace.  In no time at all, we had a few thoughtful notes.  I added in a small gift card and let my children give the gift to their teachers on the last day.  Sure, it wasn't the most original gift, but we did take a moment to think back on the year and remember how much their teachers have done for them.  Getting my children in on the act only made it more meaningful and even taught them a lesson in thankfulness.

    Will you be recognizing teachers in your children's life as the school year ends?  Do you have any other ideas to make sure a teacher knows he or she is appreciated?  If so, please share!

    Be sure to stop by Kristen's at We Are That Family for more tips that work!