six super ways to say "thanks, teacher!"

Each morning this week my children have loudly announced exactly how many school days are left. They are excited about end of the year activities, but are mostly awaiting that glorious last day of school. The only bit of sadness this time of year is having to say good-bye to well-loved teachers. Great teachers play a big role in our children's lives and it may be hard to to know how to say thanks. We asked a few teachers what they thought and found six super ways.

1. JUST WRITE A NOTE!Teachers said they receive many different thank you gifts from students and parents but many times the best ones are just a little personal note of appreciation for specific things they have done.

2. THANK YOU SCRAPBOOK

Take a picture of each child and then give them a chance to write a note. This is a fun activity for the kids and when put into a book becomes a cherished memory for the teacher.

3. FLOWERS

Whether hand picked from the garden or sent from your favorite florist, flowers make a great statement all on their own (just ask any husband).

4. TAKE A BREAK FUN

Kids may be a little surprised to know that teachers are excited for summer vacation too. After a long school year send them a gift card for dinner, movie, ice cream or some other "take a break" fun .

5. THE STUFF WE USE

Teachers need and use a lot of different items in a classroom. Say thanks and help them out a little by sending things like note cards, fun pens, stickers, books, art supplies, soap, lotion, tissues, office supplies, Clorox wipes, storage containers, sporting goods or small gift cards for any of these things.

6. SOMETHING PERSONAL

This year my daughter had an amazing first-year teacher who is excited about teaching and doing fun activities. She had fun learning from his wacky science experiments, his Friday football and everything in between. She picked a green football to say "Thanks, I had a ball in your class!" to Mr. Greene.

packing your bags

PACKING YOUR BAGS







Summer is coming and with it comes the excitement and fun of family vacations. But even the best of parents get a little queasy at the thought of packing for a whole family. This task was greatly simplified at our house when we stumbled onto this one little idea.

By creating a packing list and hanging one in each child's closet, children can learn how to pack their own clothes, they feel more involved in the upcoming trip and last but definitely not least a list cuts down on the number of forgotten items. What seems like a scavenger hunt list to kids, can save rushed parents precious time. Younger kids can pull out all the items needed and have a parent do a quick okay check, before packing their stuff in their bag. As they grow older they will get better at packing on their own. If the list is hung in a plastic sheet protector, kids can use a dry erase marker to mark off items as they pack them. Below is a list a items that could be included on a packing list.





basic:
shirts
pants/ shorts
belt
underclothing
socks
walking shoes
flip-flops/ sandals
sweatshirt/ sweater
pajamas

others if needed:
jacket
hat
slippers
sunglasses
pillow
water bottle



activity bag:
electronic devices
books
snacks
activities

personal: (may be packed in a family bag)
toothbrush/toothpaste/ floss
hairbrush/comb
body wash/ face cleansers
hair products and accessories
sunscreen
lotion
lip balm


special occasions:

water activities:
swimming suit
cover-up clothing
water shoes
sunscreen
towel

snow activities:
coat
snow pants
hat
gloves
boots
scarf

dress-up activities:
shirt and skirt or pants/ jacket
extras like tie, slip, hair bow, jewelry, etc.
dress shoes
dress socks



Other tips that may help.
Buy a different color bag for each child or buy the same color for the whole family and then tie a different color ribbon on each bag.
To save clutter and confusion make a rule that "everything you take must fit it your bag."