Teacher Appreciation Week: How Students Can Say Thank You to Their Teachers
byJulie Hersum
4 min to read
Whether they teach virtually or in-person, teachers and Learning Coaches frequently go beyond lesson plans to play a critical role in shaping young minds. They also provide motivation, guidance, and unwavering support, often making a lasting impact on students' lives.
When Is Teacher Appreciation Week?
Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated annually during the first full week of May, and it is the perfect time for students to express heartfelt gratitude for their schoolteachers.
Research shows that children who practice gratitude are more optimistic, perform better in school, and build stronger social relationships.
Encouraging your student to express appreciation can also help foster emotional intelligence and instill a lifelong habit of recognizing and valuing others' contributions.
Teacher Appreciation Week Ideas
Wondering what to get for Teacher Appreciation Week? Here are some unique and engaging ways to help your student show appreciation:
Create a Teacher Word Cloud
A word cloud visually represents a collection of words, highlighting the most frequently used ones. Your student can brainstorm words that describe their teacher. Is their teacher supportive, inspiring, and patient? Use a free word cloud generator to create a unique tribute.
Nominate Your Teacher for an Award
Many national, state, and local teaching awards accept student and parent nominations. If your student has an exceptional teacher, consider nominating them for an award. If a nomination isn’t possible, writing a note explaining why the teacher deserves recognition can still make their day.
Record a Thank-You Video
A short thank-you video is another endearing way to personalize gratitude. Your student might record a message sharing the reasons they appreciate their teacher. If they enjoy video editing, they might want to get creative with effects or clips from fun class moments they remember.
Write a Personalized Thank-You Note
Teaching children how to write a thank-you note is a skill that will serve them for life, and templates are a great way to help them get started.
With or without templates, here are some simple instructions to help your student craft their special note:
- Brainstorm why they appreciate their teacher. Have them jot down qualities that make the teacher special, such as kindness or creativity.
- Personalize the message. Can your student think of a particular instance when their teacher revealed a certain insight or even just made them laugh?
- Choose or have them create their own nice stationery. A thoughtful design can help bring the message home.
- Include a greeting and closing. Start with "Dear [Teacher’s Name]," and sign off with "Sincerely, [Student’s Name]."
Send a Thank-You E-Card
A digital thank-you card is an accessible way for students to show their appreciation, and it can also be a creative one.
The key to writing a meaningful message is being specific. Consider having your student recall a time when their teacher made a difference in their life, whether it was helping with a tricky math problem or offering words of encouragement.
The Power of Gratitude
Encouraging your student to write a thank-you note is a simple but powerful way to foster gratitude and appreciation.
Teachers and Learning Coaches work tirelessly to support students and help them succeed. From designing engaging lessons to providing encouragement, their dedication shapes the future of young learners. Taking time to recognize their efforts helps reinforce the value of their work.
Help your student start planning their thank-you message now. Whether it’s an e-card, a word cloud, a nomination, a video, or a handwritten note, showing appreciation for teachers helps build a culture of gratitude. Your involvement supports your child’s education and helps teach life lessons they’ll carry forward.
Let’s make this Teacher Appreciation Week one to remember!
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