Top 10 Ways to Show Gratitude for Your Teacher
by Cheryl Allen
We all appreciate the teachers in our lives, but how do we share that gratitude when we may not know much about them beyond the classroom? Here are ten ideas:
1. Say thank you, and be specific about it: in person or by taking the time to write a note from you or helping your child write one.
2. Tell the administrators what you see and appreciate. The positive information does not get shared as often as concerns, so share your positive observations.
3. Offer to buy or do something specific for the classroom. “I hear you are looking for more plants for the garden, could my child and I get some for you?”
4. Provide a gift card related to what you notice in the classroom. Are fabulous art projects coming home? Get a gift card to the local art supply store.
5. Bring coffee and muffins or lunch to the teachers.
6. Give movie tickets, so your teacher has a chance to relax.
7. Give a gift card to a local bookstore (most teachers love to read).
8. Discover a restaurant they like. A gift certificate for a dinner out is always appreciated.
10. Present a gift card for a local grocery store. It can reduce a little stress during high-spending times.
Gift-Giving Ideas
Gifts should be a joy to give and receive, yet sometimes they can cause us stress. In Montessori, we consider how any item will help the child build themselves into the adult they are meant to be. To invite Montessori into your home and family, consider toys that encourage the child to think creatively and independently; toys that will last longer than the box; and realize that fewer toys that meet these criteria may be more engaging than an over-abundance of toys. We are sharing some ideas for all budgets, mostly from smaller sites, which work for a variety of ages and interests to get you started.
Here are some examples of some Montessori-inspired gifts. The Montessori Foundation is in no way affiliated with any of these companies or products. We just like them. If you are interested in a product, the QR-code or the tiny-URLs will help you find it. You will probably find other companies that offer the same product at more or less cost. You may also find some products that are sold out, you know, because of Covid and shipping delays. Sigh!
A magnifier to examine nature


Great watercolor paper


Build your own night light

Image is Sound-Activated tinyurl.com/5br2uxz4

Explore with watercolors.


Puzzle out the work of gears.


Toddler step stool

Work together in the kitchen. tinyurl.com/473ubkpr

Learn to tie-dye

A variety of patterns to learn. tinyurl.com/j4y5mw5m

See the roots grow

Create a catapult


Color with rock-shaped crayons


Found It! Hunt for items in nature


Read about inventors

A quarterly magazine. tinyurl.com/6hynfuxb

Sensory Playdough and Sand Kits

A great screen free distraction. tinyurl.com/335fwra4

Measure days with a calendar


Storymatic Kids

Nurture creativity. tinyurl.com/vjjmu5ea

Keep treasures after building a safe


Virtually “Adopt” a creature in need
World Wildlife Fund

Play the spoons.

A fun find for newbies and professional musicians alike. tinyurl.com/mf2z4x8s

Cook from around the world.

globalgrub.com/products/diy-ravioli-kit

Wobble around


Montessori for Every Family: A practical parenting guide
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Top 10 Things Your Montessori Guide Hopes You Remember
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The Fundamental Needs of Human Beings
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Math Without Workbooks
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Webinar: Keeping Your Child’s Mind Engaged during Summer
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Webinar: OCCI (Order, Concentration, Coordination, and Independence) in the Elementary Years
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