With the end of the year fast approaching, here are some great 'teacher appreciation' crafts provided by Susan Caplan at Suite 101 that are sure to be a big hit!
Poetry Book
This may not be an exciting craft for every child, but for those who enjoy writing, it can be a great outlet for creative energies! Have your child write four or five different poems about their teacher, their favorite lessons, their favorite part about school, etc. Help them decide which type of poem (e.g. acrostic, haiku, cinquain, diamante, etc.) will best fit the subject matter. Once written, have your child carefully pen the verses onto a piece of card stock and use Crayola markers, stamps, stickers, and other arts & craft supplies to decorate the paper. Alternatively, use word processing software and clip art to print and embellish the text. When each page has been designed to your child's liking, there are several ways in which it can be turned into a book:
- Take the printed sheets to your local Kinko's or Office Max and get it bound into a simple book.
- Fold 8 1/2 x 11" piece of paper in half, cover with a piece of colored card stock or construction paper and staple down the center to form a pocket-sized booklet.
- Use a hole punch along the edge of the 8 1/2 x 11" pieces and string a piece of ribbon or yarn through the holes for a looser, homemade binding.
Another thoughtful way to show teacher appreciation is by gifting a group card. You can easily gather contributions from all the students in the class and create a personalized card for the teacher. If you're looking for an easy, hassle-free way to organize group gifts, consider using GroupTogether's Teacher Cards. It’s a fantastic platform that allows families to contribute to a gift and share messages, all while making the process quick and simple. Your teacher will appreciate the thoughtful gesture and the time you saved by using this service.
For other ideas be sure to check out the rest of Caplan's article at Suite 101!
