As summer vacation quickly approaches, along comes a great opportunity for children to learn one more lesson before they walk out of the halls of learning for the year…APPRECIATION. Teachers do so much behind the scenes to encourage an enthusiasm for learning. Send them off for summer with an expression of gratitude that goes 
beyond the traditional apple-themed paraphernalia.
As you’ve visited your child’s teacher this year, have you noticed a coffee mug on their desk? Or did they send a project home in a bag to a local grocery store? Give them a gift card to a coffee shop or to that favorite grocery store. Teachers take great pride in their work. A personalized bracelet will be something that they will wear with honor. Many teachers provide many of their own supplies. Get them something to make their job easier. How about a rubber stamp to make all of the paperwork they have go more efficiently?
No matter what the gift, the most important expression should come in the form of a thank-you note. Have your child write a card to say “thank you.” If they are not enthusiastic about writing, get them excited by involving the child and having them make the card (or pick one out if you don’t go the crafty route). Give children paper and pencil to write a practice note first.
Younger tykes can do a finger-painting or drawing if they are just learning to write. Keep it very simple and specific. Be sure to have your child mention something in particular that they learned, experienced, or remembered from the year.
Geometric equations, the names of all the signers of the Constitution, and the technical rules of “a before e” may slip out of memory as new lessons are learned. Showing appreciation for the people that are dedicated to their success is a life-lesson greater than where the Caspian Sea is located. Expressing gratitude is a lesson that a child will take through life with them.
Image Source: flickr.com/photos/giovannijl-s_photohut/475489083
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