I love to do crafts and have cute handouts and activities for church (and school, and friends, and - well you get the idea). I don't consider myself creative, but often use the help of others' talents. I decided to share what I'm doing for others just like me. It may be a link to where I found something or it might even be something *I* created. Right now I work as a paraprofessional at my kids' elementary - in special ed (autism). I started creating items for my 3rd graders this year and can't wait to share them with you. I am the 1st counselor in YW (first time in YW is this past year). I also have ideas for cub scouts and sunbeams posted, my previous callings.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Over 15 Teacher Appreciation Ideas and Printables



If you have read my blog before you know that I believe teacher are underpaid and under thanked.  Through the last few years I have tried to come up with some thank yous for our teachers.  Most of my ideas are fairly inexpensive.  I want to thank all my children's teachers, including their specialists.  Now that I have two in middle school that is at least 21 teachers.  It does add up, but I believe they deserve a little thanks too.  Actually I haven't been good about thanking the middle school extras (like the librarian) and I often forget their counselors and the nurse.  I do what I can.  
Here are some things (and links) to things I have done in the past and each item has a free printable you can download.  Please become a follower before you download.


I like to give one gift every day.  Here is some things I did last year:


This is one of my favorites, and I'm thinking I may do it again.  You can attach it to a box of brownies or a plate of brownies, but I'm thinking about attaching it to a mug of mix that you put in the microwave (just have to find it on pinterest again).  Then it is a serving for one and they get a cute mug!

This is one of my most pinned, most popular posts. 



This is an easy, expensive and cute gift.  Easy to do for lots of teachers, specialists, and staff.  You can also dress it up with a flower pot and garden gloves.  You can even go a step closer with a trowel and other gardening supplies.
 Word Play on "mint" coming soon {I guess I forgot to post it last year}.


This is tied in with a bulletin board idea and a box of recipes the kids wrote about their teacher.

 A Poem explaining the colors of M&M's and a bulletin board idea.




Or

Attach to pens, pencils, chalk, expo markers, etc.

Can be made for as a birthday present or for as a teacher appreciation gift.

Attach the bag to a pair of sunglasses.

Or try one of my monthly gifts I did last year (I didn't quite make it each month).
I've hit a home run being in your class
Your a hit above the rest
You have hit every situation we have pitched right out of the park
 I'm glad to pitch-in for some fun

If you used these for teacher appreciation instead of a small gift you could attach it to baseball tickets or merchandise.






No Picture - Attach to football item.

I hope that you can find an idea or two that will be able to use.  Please remember that if you choose to download, please become a follower first (on the right).  I'm happy to share my creations with my followers.  If you would like to leave a comment too that would totally make my day!


Linking to parties listed above on the Link Party tab including:


Sunday, April 14, 2013

Happy Day

Today is a Happy Day.  I just reached 100 followers, and I was featured on Somewhat Simple, not once but twice.  I also have had over 228,000 hits.  I truly wish I had more time to dedicate to this blog, but one day I will get everything I want up here.  Thanks for sticking around with me.  I will continue to share as much with you as I can. 
Go check out Somewhat Simple and see my feature and those of others.  I was featured in her Water Activities for kids and Playroom storage.  I'm working on finishing up the Lego Party and then I hope to finish more storage ideas with you.  Don't forget to check out all my Teacher Appreciation ideas since Teacher appreciation week will be here soon.