During Teacher Appreciation Week in May, show your child’s educator he or she is appreciated and also teach your child the importance of showing gratitude and appreciation to people who care about them.
The end of the school year is clearly in sight, with summer just around the corner. I can’t wait! But…before we pack away the marble notebooks and markers, and before the beach replaces the classroom for a few months, it’s time to thank our teachers for the committed effort they have made throughout this school year.
Teachers not only educate our kids, but they also play an important role in supporting the emotional and social growth of each child they teach. The perfect opportunity to show gratitude to your child’s teacher is during Teacher Appreciation Week, which falls on the week of May 6 this year.
The truth is that Teacher Appreciation Week is not just a time for parents to thank teachers but also an opportunity to teach your child to be appreciative. The typical child will rarely, if ever, think about the importance of having a caring and enthusiastic teacher (unless he experiences a less than stellar teacher). It is, therefore, your job to help your child learn to show gratitude to her teachers.
Developing the ability to value others and also to have empathy are important skills that don’t necessarily come naturally to children—they need to be taught—and this is a perfect opportunity. Furthermore, when your child learns to appreciate good teachers, it also helps her begin to value education as an important part of her life. You will be grateful for this appreciation when your child gets to high school.
So, how do you nurture your child’s appreciation for his teachers? The following four ideas should jump start you:
1. Be creative
Help your child create a handmade gift for her teacher. Handmade is better than purchased because it requires thought and effort. Your help can be a little or a lot, depending upon your child’s age and level of motivation.
2. Put pen to paper
Suggest that your child write a thank you note to his teacher. Suggest specific ways to say thanks. For example: “Thank you for helping me learn cursive writing”; “Thanks for taking us on that awesome field trip last week”; “I’m so proud that I can do long division now, thanks for teaching me!”.
3. Spread the love
Don’t stop with the classroom teacher! Your child can say a big thank you to the PE, science, computer, music, resource room, and other teachers. And, remind her to also thank the teachers who work outside of school—the sports coach, piano teacher, tutor, and gymnastics instructor.
4. Be a role model
Your child will be much more likely to show appreciation for his teachers when he sees you doing so first. A simple acknowledgement of recognition is all that is really needed. Everyone needs to know they are appreciated. Teachers, who play a critical role in your child’s growth and development, deserve it more than anyone.
