Let me be clear, presents at the end of the year are GREAT. At the school I teach at, teachers are traditionally given presents on the second last day of the year when we have our class parties.
But do you know what? It really isn't about the gift. It is knowing that you acknowledge the role we have played in your child's life throughout the year. A note thanking the teacher would truly be treasured.
2020 has been a year riddled with challenges, as teachers were tasked with trying to teach children outside of the classroom. Many schools, such as ours, started preparing immediately for online learning when the President announced Lockdown. We literally had a day of training to figure out Google Classroom. Yes, A DAY! We sent the kids home, not knowing what lay ahead of us. It was daunting, terrifying, yet also exciting and inspiring as we grew in our knowledge of the resources available on the interwebs and shared ideas with colleagues.
Wow, then the real challenge came when the children returned to school. I have nightmares about sanitizing furniture at night. Every single day we have to sanitize every inch of the classroom, only to do it again the following day. Screening, asking the same old five questions to all 120 children EVERY single day. Arriving at the crack of dawn to do said screening. Added break duties to ensure social distancing. Stuck record mode saying: Put your mask on.
It has been a surreal year! There have been a few positives in all of this darkness. Never have I been so in tune with each child. I intimately know each child's areas of weakness and strength, due to smaller classes. I am able to sit with children individually and explain concepts to them that I would never usually have had the time to do so. I have never been so on top of my admin (including marking) ever because there are no added pressures related to extra-murals.
Just a note of thanks is hugely appreciated, but if you'd like to spoil your child's teacher with a little something something, here are some ideas - suggestions for a teacher by a teacher.
Here are a few of my favourite things:
1) Consider a shirt from She Shirt
They recently released this new teacher T-shirt which is extremely flattering.
T-shirt. (See my T-shirt in picture)
2) Have a look at the beautiful teacher-themed jewellery from Tora Grace
The Samsara bracelets can be personalised.
I am wearing a Samsara bracelet stack.
3) A voucher from Sorbet is always welcome after a busy year of being on our feet and marking thousands of books!
4) Let's not beat around the bush here... Find out what your child's teacher's favourite poison is. A bottle of wine is more than welcome to enjoy during the upcoming holidays!
5) What about a personalised tote bag? As teachers, we are always carrying something around! Whether it is marking or our sports' clothes, a bag would be so appreciated! Love & Sparkles has this beautiful jute eco tote shopper which is laminated - ensuring it can hold heavy books! Tote bag - R149
6) Looking for the perfect gift combination but struggling to find the time to put it together? I have recently just discovered the 'wonderfulness' of Timing and Revive. They sent over a box for me to review and I am SMITTEN. You can buy a gift box or the items individually.
7. Stamps save time when marking! Check out these designs from Woven For You By MC from just R180. I have used my stamp so much I have had to re-ink it haha! Can highly recommend it.
New teacher sign board has also just been released which is gorgeous!
8) Do you know what teachers love? STICKERS! There are beautiful reward stickers (I may be a leeeeetle bit biased) available from Just Wright. Some are customizable and prices start from just R30. Sure to make marking a dream!
9) We live for our diaries! Every single appointment, meeting and sport's fixture is recorded in my diary so I don't forget anything important. Typo has some lovely diaries for 2020 which are very affordable.
10) Now, this one is going to sound ridiculous, but put yourself in our shoes. No aircon. 30 hot little bodies in a small classroom during the baking South African summer. You know what sounds like a dream come true? A desk fan. Have a look at Take-a-lot - many sales on at the moment!
If in doubt, I know a voucher for Woolies is ALWAYS appreciated!