My first grade teacher. She was the BEST! First grade is a pretty fun year in general, but I don't remember anything super fantastic about it (other than I had chicken pox and they were the worst). What I do remember is how my teacher treated me- with kindness and compassion. I've had several incredible teachers in my lifetime, from actual paid teachers to mentors and friends who have impacted my growth. But I will never forget the way Mrs. Thackeray always greeted me with a smile and helped me work through difficult days with compassion rather than shame.
Did you know it is National Teacher Appreciation Week? Every year, the beginning of May is set aside to say "Thanks!" to those special people who spend 7-8 hours per day impacting impressionable brains. And boy, working in a school has taught me it couldn't come at a better time. Nearing the end of the year, teachers and students are bombarded with all the "stuff" they have yet to accomplish this school year. Every week there seems to be 50 field trips, to where, no one knows. Teachers have "had it up to here" with behaviors that have steadily eaten away at their patience throughout the school year.
What better time to remind all these exhausted teachers just how much they have accomplished this year? I'm thankful everyday for these tireless, dedicated, inspiration starters. But how often do I actually tell these wonderful people this? National Teacher Appreciation Week of course! Kelly and I decided to do something extra special this year for all our Terrific Teachers. With the Cookie Monster kiddos, we made posters saying "Thanks for helping me grow!"
How cute did these turn out?! It was great to introduce the topic to all of our groups and hear all of the different ways teachers have helped our Cookie Monster kiddos. Our third grade group of boys have definitely challenged their teachers this year in the realm of calm compassion. It was heartening to see the kind, colorful posters these "tough" boys made for their teacher, who is not always their favorite person.
Beyond helping our students show appreciation, Kelly and I decided to go a little further in expressing our thanks...by providing breakfast one day this week! I got to be creative (yay!) and show gratitude to some pretty exquisite educators.
Happy National Teacher Appreciation Week to ALL teachers, near and far! Especially to Mrs. Thackeray :)
Kristina
P.S.- Want to do something special for the teachers in your life? Check out Pinterest for some great appreciation ideas!
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