ML Interest Tag: teacher

21 Easy Homemade Mother’s Day Card Ideas Every Kid Can Make

by Allison Sutcliffe

If you want to make Mother’s Day 2024 extra memorable, you can’t go wrong with a homemade card. Since we know moms go gaga for all things heartfelt and handmade, we’ve rounded up the easiest, cutest Mother’s Day card ideas that kids can whip up themselves. They’ll pair perfectly with your Mother’s Day gifts! These are our favorite ideas that are sure to make Mom smile.

Looking for other ways to celebrate mom? Check out our favorite Mother’s Day Crafts you can make with your baby or toddler, last-minute Mother’s Day gift ideas, and easy brunch ideas for Mother’s Day.

Watercolor Shapes Mother’s Day Card

This one requires the use of scissors, so if your kids aren’t old enough, let them do all the painting and you do the cutting. Simple and sweet!

Tissue Paper Heart Mother’s Day Card

Is there anything more classic than a construction paper craft for Mother’s Day? They’re easy, sweet and take little time. We love that this is one of the easiest Mother’s Day card ideas for kids.

Personalized Picture Mother’s Day Card

This adorable idea is so personal! You can snap your kiddo blowing kisses or doing another cute pose, then let them decorate construction paper to their heart’s content.

Fun, Folding Mother's Day Card Ideas

an accordion card is a cute mother's day card idea
Sarah Hearts

When you have too much love for a standard card, bust out this awesome accordion idea from Sarah Hearts! As far as arts and crafts for kids go, this project is perfect—don't forget to customize it with Mom's favorite photos!

Coloring Page Mother's Day Card Idea

coloring page mother's day card idea
Sarah Renae Clark

Attention, little artists! Start collecting those crayons and get ready to color: these printable cards from Sarah Renae Clark are an easy and creative canvas to show Mom some love.

Cut Out Mother's Day Card

typography mother's day card ideas
Lovely Indeed

We love how these typography cards from Lovely Indeed spotlight Mom's superstar qualities. Whether she's a Mom Boss or makes a killer PB&J, these cards call out those qualities that make Mom so amazing.

Mother's Day Hedgehog Card

a picture of a hedgehog card, one of the cutest Mother's Day card ideas
Fireflies and Mudpies

This cute Mother's Day card is bright and cheerful and with the template from Fireflies and Mudpies, it's an easy craft for kids to do at home. It gives kids creative freedom to color as they see fit, and they can even glue the flowers on by themselves. 

Mother's Day Fold-Up Flower Card

Hello Wonderful

This Mother's Day card idea is a sweet surprise! You'll need to download the free flower envelope for tracing, but the rest only requires markers. Get the details from Hello Wonderful. 

Spa Day Mother's Day Card Ideas

Studio DIY

If anyone deserves to treat herself, it's Mom. That's why these cards from Studio DIY couldn't be more perfect—especially if you pair them with an at-home spa day.

Mother's Day Poem

writing a poem is a great mother's day card idea
Lil’ Luna

Give Mom a one-of-a-kind gift with this printable poem card from Lil’ Luna. Put your kiddo’s handprint on the front, then have them sign the inside—easy peasy.

Related: 15 Unique Gifts for Mother’s Day That She’ll Love

Dried Flowers for a Topiary Card

using dried flowers as a Mother's Day card idea
Make and Takes

This is one of the most unique Mother's Day card ideas we've seen! Grab some dried flowers and put together this sweet card from Make and Takes. Finish it off with white glue and a little drawing.

A Pretty Printable Card

printable mother's day card ideas
Weekend Craft

If you’re not the crafty type, go for this printable from Weekend Craft. It’s as easy as getting some cardstock, cutting it down to size, and adding a personal note inside.

Handmade Mother's Day Map Card

The Artful Parent

We heart this rainbow painting project aspiring artists can make for mom on her special day. The Artful Parent is where you’ll find out how to create this card that’s meant to be treasured.

String Heart Mother's Day Card

String heart mother's day card idea
Hello Wonderful

You don’t have to be a crafting genius to stitch together these lovable cards for mom. It’s a perfect preschooler activity. String, card stock, and helping hands are what it takes to wind up this Mother’s Day project without breaking a sweat. Get the details at Hello Wonderful.

Giant Mother's Day Card

a giant mother's day card idea
The Merry Thought

Finally, a card that's big enough to match your little one’s love for Mom. Find out how to assemble this larger-than-life, undeniably stylish option at The Merry Thought. It's perfect for a Mother's Day picture! 

Mother's Day Bookmark

Mother's Day bookmark
Make and Takes

Even if mom's not a bookworm, she can still find a special place for this photo collage in disguise. Use a photo booth fave, or crop some silly selfies to take center stage on the front, then follow the tutorial at Make and Takes so your card will make its mark!

Veggie Print Mother's Day Card

Mum in the Madhouse

Let your veggies pull double duty this Mother’s Day with a creative rose print card designed by Jen from Mum in the Madhouse. Whether your mini-me pairs this beauty with a sweet-smelling bouquet to match, or pens flowery best-mom-ever sentiments inside, it’s an easy option mom is sure to love.

Cute Turtle Card for Mom

coffee filter turtle mother's day card
Sugar Aunts via Coffee Cups and Crayons

With just a few items you probably already have in your pantry, you can create this turtle-themed card, one of our favorite Mother's Day card ideas to make mom smile. The tutorial from Sugar Aunts via Coffee Cups and Crayons will help you get it done.

Related: To the Mother of a Child with a Disability This Mother’s Day

Surprise DIY Bouquet

paper flower bouquet Mother's Day card
Fireflies and Mudpies

This adorable flower bouquet by Melissa from Fireflies and Mudpies is not only easy to make, but it also has the sweetest printed message on the inside of the vase. 

Bouquet of Hearts Card

Make and Takes

Break out the construction paper and ribbon to craft this colorful card from Make and Takes. We love the cool 3D effect of this one!

 

A (Hand)made Card

a handprint bouquet is a cute Mother's Day card idea
The Trendy Treehouse

No matter how many kiddos are part of your crew (one, two, three, or more) this classic paint and press will come in handy. Have each kiddo make his or her own card or combine handprints of different sizes and colors into one beautiful bouquet. Get the deets at The Trendy Treehouse.

with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton and Aimee Della Bitta

 

 

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15 Compliments Every Teacher Needs (& Wants!) to Hear

by Leah R. Singer

“You are what our family needs”

If there’s ever a group of people who deserve to be called unsung heroes, it has to be teachers. These individuals nurture and care for our kids every day, all while helping them learn the skills to be productive in school and life. May 2-6 is Teacher Appreciation Week, so you may wonder how to say thank you to your kiddo’s teacher. Here are 15 compliments for teachers your family can give out every day.

1. Thank you. Sometimes those two simple words are good enough.

2. You care about your students. Judi Holst, a Language Arts teacher at Rocky Heights Middle School in Colorado, said the best compliment she received from a student was that she genuinely cares for her students’ lives and all the things that involve being in middle school.

3. My kid wants to learn more about XYZ. Nothing excites a teacher more than hearing that a student wants to learn. Have your kiddo verbalize that desire for knowledge. It will make the teacher’s day.

4. My kiddo came home and tried to teach me what they learned in your class. George Bartuska, an Engineering/Aerospace teacher at Central Florida Aerospace Academy of Kathleen High School in Florida, said the best compliment he received was from a parent who shared with him not only how much their kid enjoyed his classes, but also how they’ve come home and explained some of the activities or classroom discussions.

5. My kiddo is always excited to come to class. If a teacher knows students are excited to be in school, they realize they’re doing a good job.

6. You are what our family needs. Lynn Thedell, a preschool teacher in San Diego, was told by a parent that her class was exactly what their family needed when they were having a difficult time with their kiddo.

compliments for teachers mean a lot to educators.
iStock

 

7. We appreciate you. You can always say “thank you.” But telling a teacher you appreciate them expresses a different level of gratitude.

8. You helped my kiddo understand this differently. Teaching is not only helping kids understand new concepts, but it’s also helping them reexamine how they think. That recognition is sometimes even more powerful, which is why this is one of our favorite compliments for teachers.

9. Thank you for connecting with my kiddo. According to the National Education Association, the best teachers care about the relational aspect of teaching, along with imparting knowledge. Let them know you recognize the effort they’re making.

10. Thank you for respecting my child as a person. This may seem like a simple idea, but you may be surprised how many kids don’t feel like their teacher has respect for the people they are.

11. You’re a great sub. Shannon Giles, a substitute teacher in Indiana, said receiving that compliment meant the world to her. If you have a favorite substitute, don’t forget to tell them you appreciate them and think they’re awesome too.

12. You make learning fun. Not everyone likes school. If your kiddo is having fun during the day, your teacher is doing something right.

13. Your dedication doesn’t go unnoticed. It’s never been harder to be a teacher in America. Those who teach do it because they truly love to educate. Make sure your teacher knows you understand.

14. You helped my child when I couldn’t. It could be that they got them through a tricky unit. It could be that they were able to help your child see the future. It could be they helped deal with a school bully. As parents, we can’t be there for everything, and it’s important to let other adults know when they’ve helped you out.

15. My kid still talks about your class. Even though teachers may see hundreds of kids throughout their careers, you better believe there’s a place in their hearts for all of them. To know they have a place in your kid’s core memory is a wonderful compliment for teachers.

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How I’m Raising My Daughter to Be Anything but a Mean Girl

By Lilly Holland

Mean girls aren’t born; they’re created

When I was in middle school, the popularity board of directors chose me as their new target. They created an online poll and sent it around to everyone in our school. The poll was titled, “Who’s Uglier: Lilly Holland or Sarah Johnson’s Leg Hair?”

Poor Sarah Johnson, who was endlessly mocked because she wasn’t allowed to shave her legs. As I sobbed into my mom’s lap, she stroked my hair and assured me that the girls who created that poll were mean girls, and mean girls are not people you want to be friends with, now or ever. Of course, she ended up being right. One of the girls continued being malicious right through college. I’m sure to this day she’s still a mean girl.

Mean girls aren’t born; they’re created. They’re empowered by other kids and their parents, often inadvertently. As a teacher, I watched this happen in my classroom every year. There was always a mean girl. The girl who put others down to make herself feel better because she lacked confidence and control in her life. She had her band of loyal followers and would gain power every time she did something unkind. Every year there was a different version of the same girl. And every year, the old adage would ring true: the apple never falls far from the tree.

Nine times out of ten, the mean girl had a mean-girl mom. The mean-girl mom disguised it better than her second-grade daughter, but it was still obvious from her interactions with others. The power structure doesn’t really change from elementary school, it just becomes more complex.

Today at our library, I saw exactly how mean girls are made. My daughter, who is 18 months old, was enamored by the two five-year-olds that were playing with LEGO bricks. The two girls and their mothers were the only other people in the library. My daughter inched closer and closer until she was within reach of the girls. Not yet able to really communicate, she gave her own kind of greeting. Beaming, she reached out to give one of the girls a pat on the arm.

The girl pushed my daughter’s hand away, stomped over to her mom, and loudly complained right in front of me, “There’s a baby over there, and I do not like it!” If my child had said that, I would have been mortified. This mother rolled her eyes and suggested her daughter ignore “the baby.” My baby, whose mother was sitting ten feet away from this dynamic duo.

I gave the mom the benefit of the doubt. Maybe she was embarrassed and didn’t know how to handle it. Clearly, the girls were not going to give my daughter the time of day. Knowing how tough it can be for older kids to play with younger kids, I took Penny’s hand and led her to play in another area. The little girl came back, unprovoked, and said, “You can’t stand up like we can,” jabbing her finger in the air, “because you are a baby.”

The mother was nowhere to be found, so in my best teacher voice I said, “You know, kiddo, you were exactly the same age and size not too long ago.” She ran away.

We play a huge role in our children’s lives. The mother was probably tired of hearing her daughter’s complaints. Since she was enjoying having a conversation with her friend, she told her daughter to ignore the baby who was “bothering” her. What about explaining to her that little kids look up to big kids? Or asking her how the baby was “bothering” her and then trying to figure out a solution?

Every decision we make sends a message to our children. That little girl learned that it’s okay to act unkindly towards another child just because she’s younger. If Penny had come up to me and complained about a smaller child annoying her, I would have explained to her that in our family we are friendly to everyone and that she should be especially friendly to younger kids who admire her.

When I walked into the play area initially, I sat by the two moms because they were the only other adults in the library. I thought it was odd that neither acknowledged me. Of course, I didn’t expect to be brought into a private conversation, but a simple hello would have been nice. It was inconvenient for those moms to say hi to another mom, just like it was inconvenient for one of their daughters to be kind to another child. It was inconvenient for the mom to take advantage of a simple teachable moment.

I’d like to think this was an isolated incident. I know through many interactions with children that this is not the norm. Most kids see babies toddling around the library, remark how cute they are, and bring them into their game—at least temporarily. Obviously, we can’t—and shouldn’t— monitor everything our children say and do. However, it seemed this child has already learned, whether through inconvenience or blissful ignorance, that it’s okay to be unkind to someone else.

I wish I had had the courage to speak with the mother myself and try to figure out why she responded this way. Instead, I’m writing about it now. Hopefully, someone can learn from it, no matter which mother you are in this story.

I'm a former New Yorker turned suburbanite. I'm incredibly lucky to be a professional writer and stay-at-home mom to Penny: my sassy, mischievous toddler. When I'm not pulling play-doh out of Penny's mouth, I write about parenting and my former career as a teacher in an elite NYC private school.

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How to Talk to Your Kids about School Lockdown Drills without Scaring Them

By April Sutphen

It’s a conversation no parent wants to have, but if you have to, here’s what you can tell your child

As unfortunate as it might be, lockdown drills have become a regular occurrence at most public schools across the country, in some places as commonplace now as fire drills. And though they can be scary for young children, they’re necessary. They help to prepare and educate children about the proper and safe way to act in case of an emergency.

The first time our local elementary school did a lockdown drill when my son was in kindergarten, he came home a little shaken up. It’s not easy to explain to your child why lockdown drills are necessary or what exactly they’re protecting them against without inciting fear. But there are some strategies available for speaking to your children about the importance and purpose of lockdown drills. Here are just a few.

1. Stay Calm

Children often react first to an adult’s reaction, then to whatever situation is causing the reaction. For example, if your child falls and scrapes their knee. Their initial reaction might be to cry when they see the blood or because it hurts. But the severity of their reaction will have a lot to do with how you, as the parent, react. If you start panicking, your child will panic too because they’ll think there’s reason to: “If mommy is getting upset there must be something really wrong!”

This theory holds true for discussing lockdown drills. If you approach the subject with a calm and even tone, your child will not be initially alarmed. They’re more apt to calmly sit and listen to what you have to say. Acting in a paranoid or fearful way will only instill unnecessary fear in your child.

2. Be Open to Questions

You want your child to feel comfortable asking you questions, about anything in life, but especially about something they’re concerned or curious about. Try not to meet their questions with resistance or negativity. Be open to whatever is going on in their minds. The more knowledge and understanding of the situation they have, the more comfortable they may become with the practice.

3. Use Comparisons

It’s sometimes easier for children to understand a new concept when they have a familiar reference to compare it to. The most common and logical comparison to a lockdown drill is a fire drill. Most children are familiar with fire drills before they even enter public school. Many daycare and childcare centers are required to perform routine fire drills. You might even have a fire plan in place for your home.

Explain to your child that a lockdown drill is very similar to a fire drill. It’s something the schools use just in case of an emergency and for practice because practice makes perfect! You can even compare practicing drills to wearing a helmet or seat belt. You do these things to be safe, just in case there’s an accident or your child falls off their bike. These things may never happen, but if they do, you’re protected.

The more relaxed and less serious you remain while discussing lockdown drills, the more relaxed your child will be. Emphasize that lockdown drills aren’t just for the students but for teachers as well and that they’re designed to keep everyone safe.

4. Helping Them Understand the Threat

But as we know, lockdown drills are in place for a very serious reason. It’s perfectly fine to ease your young child’s mind by making “light” of the situation and explaining that it’s simply for practice. But your inquisitive child will likely ask what a lockdown drill is keeping them safe from.

They already view teachers and other adults as authority figures. Explain to your child that sometimes, adults and teachers see a potential threat or something unsafe that children don’t see. This threat may be nothing, but until the adults can determine that, a lockdown drill is a good way to keep them safe.

Your child’s next question might be, “Well, what kind of unsafe stuff?” My son is 7 and I try to be as honest with him as possible, without striking fear. He knows that people make poor choices at times—from his friends in class to adults. When discussing what threats lockdown drills are addressing, explain that it’s the school’s job to keep the children safe from any adults around that might be making poor choices. There’s really no need to explain further what those choices are.

I often tell my son, “Sometimes people just do things that we don’t understand. Things that we would never do.” If your child is a little bit older you can go as far as to say, “Sometimes people get angry and confused and end up hurting people.” You know your child best, so offer as much or as little explanation as you think is appropriate or necessary.

5. Encourage Your Child to Be a Helper

Most kids love nothing more than being a helper, especially to adults! Making children part of what’s going on is a great way to involve them in their own safety practice, such as lockdown drills.

The teachers at my son’s school wear whistles on their school lanyards. During a lockdown drill, the teacher is supposed to pop their head out the classroom door into the hallway and blow their whistle three times. This alerts anyone in the hallway or neighboring classrooms that a lockdown is in place, in case they aren’t already aware. The teacher then locks the classroom door and the children take their positions. It’s my son’s job to remind his teacher to blow the whistle. Other students have other “jobs” like reminding her to pull down the shades or helping their friends find their special hiding spots.

By involving children in the lockdown process, you’re empowering them with a sense of responsibility and involvement. This can help to ease their worry. It also gives them something to focus on, distracting them from any fear they might be experiencing.

Try asking your child about the lockdown drill process. “So, what do you do first?” or “What happens next?” Become excited and involved in what’s happening. Your child will feel important and may view the drill as a necessary “job” they have, not as a scary experience.

6. Always be Available

It’s important to always be available for your child to ask questions, voice their concerns and simply listen to what they have to say. The first few lockdown drills your child experiences might be scary for them, but over time, they should become more comfortable with the process. If you need further information or help explaining lockdown drills with your child, speaking to your school’s principal or the district superintendent can offer additional help and resources about your specific school district’s procedures.

I am a 32 year old mother of a son and wife to an officer. I am honest about both the love and struggle of parenting. I enjoy being active and writing is my passion, second only to my family.

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36 Hilarious (& Clean) Kids’ Jokes about School

by Amber Guetebier

These back-to-school school jokes are clean enough for the classroom

Back-to-school season means saying goodbye to summer and getting ready for the next adventure, which typically includes a lot of gear like cool kids’ backpacks and new playground-ready shoes. But don’t forget to pack some funny school jokes in your kids’ back pockets, too! Our collection is filled with hilarious but cute kids’ jokes about school that will bring on belly laughs. Looking for even more giggles? Check out these extra squeaky clean jokes, printable lunchbox jokes, and math jokes. Get ready to LOL.

School Jokes about School Supplies

1. What does your computer do for lunch?

Has a byte!

2. Why do math books always look so sad?

They are full of problems.

3. Where do pencils go on vacation?

Pencil-vania.

4. What does a book do in the winter?

Puts on a jacket.

5. What did the paper say to the pencil?

Write on!

6. What did one pencil say to the other on the first day of school?

Looking sharp!

7. Knock, knock!

Who’s there?

Pencil. 

Pencil who?

Never mind, this is pointless. 

8. Why do calculators make great friends?

You can always count on them!

9. Where did the pencil go for vacation?

To Pennsylvania.

10. What dinosaur had the best vocabulary?  

The thesaurus.

11. Who is the leader of the school supplies? 

The ruler.

12. Did you know all books in the school library are the same color?

They’re all red.

Related: 30+ Math Jokes for Kids That Add Up to Laughs

School Jokes about Teachers

teacher and students laughing at school jokes on the playground
iStock

 

13. What did the student say to the teacher after they missed the first day of school? 

No, ma’am. I didn’t miss it at all.

14. Why did the kid eat their homework?

Because their teacher said it was a piece of cake.

15. Why did the teacher wear sunglasses to school?

Because their students were so bright.

16. Where do math teachers like to go on vacation?

Times Square!

17. Why did the teacher jump into the pool?

They wanted to test the water.

18. What would happen if the dean lost their job?

They would lose his “ideanity.”

—Joshua Y.

19. What are 10 things a teacher can always count on? 

Their fingers.

20. What does an English teacher like to eat for breakfast? 

Synonym rolls.

Related: 12 Printable Lunchbox Jokes to Brighten Your Student’s Day

Kids’ Jokes about School

little boy laughing at school jokes for kids
iStock

 

21. Why isn’t there a clock in the library?

Because it tocks too much.

22. What did the buffalo say at drop off?

Bison.

23. How does a scientist freshen their breath?

With experi-mints!

24. Why did the kid bring a ladder to school?

Because they wanted to go to high school.

25. What do elves learn in school?

The elf-abet.

26. What should you grow in a school garden?

Human beans!

27. Why do magicians always do so well at school?

They can handle trick questions.

28. Where do surfers go to school?

Boarding school.

29. What is the smartest insect?

A spelling bee.

30. Why can’t pirates learn the alphabet?

Because they keep getting lost at C.

31. Why did the girl do her homework on an airplane?

To achieve a higher education.

32. Why didn’t the fish go on vacation?

Because they were always in school.

33. Why did the kid cross the playground?

To get to the other slide.

34. What did the spider make online?

A website!

35. What is worse than finding a worm in your apple?

Finding half a worm.

36. What school requires you to drop out in order to graduate?

Sky diving school.

37. What contest do skunks win at school?

The smelling bee!

38. Why is 2+2=5 like your left foot?

It’s not right.

39. What does a snake learn in school?

Hisssss-tory.

Related: 40+ Hilarious Knock Knock Jokes for Kids

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12 Ways to Thank Educators for Teacher Appreciation Week

by Oz Spies

They deal with fourth-grade math so you don’t have to

They keep our kids all day and teach them all the things we might not remember (and probably lack the patience to explain). Yes, we’re talking about educators, and it’s time to say “Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!”  If you’re looking for creative ways to spoil your kids’ teachers, we’ve got great ideas that range from gifts you can get at the grocery store to e-gifts delivered right to their inboxes, so get ready to thank your favorite teacher today.

Grab a Last-Minute Gift from the Grocery Store

woman shopping for a happy teacher appreciation week gift at the grocery story
iStock

We get it, we can't all give our favorite teachers a Pinterest-worthy gift basket. Lucky for us, there are plenty of great gift ideas waiting for you at the grocery store. From gift cards to candles and even a good beach read, say happy Teacher Appreciation Week with one of our favorite items here. 

Organize a Photo Shoot

Hello Wonderful

A picture is worth a thousand words of thanks—especially when your kids hold photo props featuring customized messages of appreciation. Head over to Hello Wonderful for the free word bubble printables, made even more adorable with the Elephant and Piggie props, and then customize them for your favorite teachers. Set up a photo shoot inside, and send those pics to your kids' teachers. Bonus: you can erase the boards and have your kids write messages for their core teacher, art teacher, and PE teachers, too!

Give Them a Gift from the Group

say happy teacher appreciation week with a group gift from group together
Group Together

Sometimes it's fun to get the whole class or a group of kids involved with a big teacher appreciation gift. But, the hassle of collecting money, making sure everyone is included on the gift tag, and getting the gift to the classroom can be overwhelming. Group Together allows you to collect money from others, have them sign a digital card, and then you choose from dozens of gift card options like Amazon, Target, The Container Store, Wayfair, and more. Your teacher will receive the card and gift all in one. Talk about efficiency! 

Buy Them Dinner at a Local Restaurant

a woman eating Indian food
Outcast India via Unsplash

A gift card to a local restaurant shows your teacher you care and supports small businesses, too. Ask your teacher what their craving these days, and email a gift card for sushi, burgers, or samosas their way. It'll give your child's teacher a night off from cooking and show your appreciation.

Have Your Child Say Why They Love Their Teacher

cute printable to tell someone happy teacher appreciation week
Paper Heart Family

Send your teacher a little love by filling out this free teacher thank-you printable. Simply print it out, and help your child answer each prompt, then scan and email it directly to your kiddo's favorite educator. If you're up for it, you can also share this template with the other parents in the class, so that your child's teacher receives a book full of love. Visit Paper Heart Family to get your free printable.

Related: 15 Compliments Every Teacher Needs (& Wants!) to Hear

Send Them the Fixings for Movie Night

movie night supplies are a fun way to say happy teacher appreciation week
iStock

Let your favorite teacher enjoy a relaxing night off and catch a movie at home. Send them a Netflix gift card, which they can use to add more months to an existing account or to subscribe. If you'd like to add a few snacks to go along with their favorite movie, send popcorn to her doorstep.

Have Groceries Delivered

Whole Foods Market

Keep your teacher's pantry full with an electronic gift card for groceries. Whole Foods will email or text a gift card to your favorite teacher as soon as you order it. Groceries are a tangible gift they'll appreciate, and your show of gratitude will keep your teacher fed, and ready to tackle whatever challenges teaching throws at them.

Send a Plant

sending a plant is a nice way to say happy teacher appreciation week
Bloomscape

Instead of flowers, use a company like Bloomscape to pick and have a new green plant sent to your kids' teachers. Whether they leave it at home or bring it to class, it's a lasting way to say thank you. 

Related: 50+ Awesome Discounts & Deals Just for Teachers & Educators
Make a Goodie Basket

Most teachers have all the cute mugs that they need—but they can always use more snacks, coffee, or wine. You can put together your own teacher appreciation basket customized to your teacher’s favorites like the ones seen above from @angelarichhome.

Write a Letter

Sunny Ink Paper Co

Old-fashioned letters are a great way for kids and teachers to stay connected. Have your kiddo write something and send it with a gift card and a supply of stationary like this adorable set.

Add to Their Library

teacher reading to students
iStock

Teachers always need more books for their classrooms—and their bedside tables. As a show of appreciation for your favorite teacher's hard work, send them a gift card to your local bookstore or Barnes and Noble. Or, ask your teacher for a list of books they need and order a copy from Bookshop, which lets you shop online and supports indie bookstores, too! 

Send a Thoughtful Thank-You Note

a thank you note is a simple way to celebrate teacher appreciation week
Oz Spies

Your child can write a thank-you card themselves, or you can put your thoughts down on the page and let your child's amazing teacher know what a difference they've made. You can even share a copy of this note with your teacher's principal, who might not know about all of the great things you see. Don't forget to write "Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!" 

 

 

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75+ Ways to Be Kinder, Starting Now

by Amber Guetebier

Acts of kindness can be small gestures or big efforts, and they’re all important

Kids are naturally compassionate, so why not take a few minutes today (and every day) to foster that inherent kindness? From simple gestures like giving up your seat on the bus to giving your kids’ teacher a “just because” gift, we’ve found over 75 simple acts of kindness that’ll allow you and the kids to pay it forward.

1. Offer to pick up groceries for an at-risk or elderly neighbor.

2. Compliment a stranger.

3. Collect your child’s old books that they no longer read and donate them to a children’s center, shelter, or local library.

4. Pay the bridge toll of the person behind you.

5. Bring flowers to a coworker or friend.

6. Carry someone’s groceries to their car for them.

7. Send a friend a positive text.

8. Ask a stranger how they are feeling today, and actually listen to the answer.

9.  Bake cookies and deliver them to the local fire or police station.

10. Leave a big tip for a server or delivery person.

11. Make sandwiches and distribute them to the homeless in your neighborhood.

12. Help a senior cross the street.

13. Give up your seat on the bus.

14. Deliver a meal or a potted plant to a random neighbor.

15. Make a kindness calendar with the kids!

kids crafting
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Related: All the Ways Kindness Can Change Who a Kid Becomes

16. Donate dog or cat food to the local animal shelter (call to ask them what brands they need). Many shelters want and need old blankets and towels as well.

17. Send a postcard to someone you love, even if they live nearby (or in the same house!).

18. Make a donation of a birthday box to a local food shelter: include items like cake mixes, frosting, candles, balloons, and party hats.

19. If it’s a hot day, hand out cold bottles of water.

20. If it’s raining, share your umbrella for a few blocks.

21. Make kindness cards from drawings and paintings of kids’ art. Drop a few by the nearest senior center and ask if they can use them for anyone who needs a bit of cheer.

22. Pick up trash off the street.

23. Call an old friend or relative.

24. Thank a teacher.

25. Host a bake sale to end child hunger.

26. Spring for coffee and donuts for your co-workers.

27. Head to the park with some chalk and write sweet messages to the world.

28. Make a thank you card for the postal worker who delivers your mail.

29. Give thanks for everyday things, not just big acts or gifts. “Thank you for making me laugh today,” or “Thank you for helping me figure out that math problem,” or even simply, “Thank you for loving me.”

30. Smile at 10 people.

smiling is an act of kindness
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Related: Why Celebrating Differences & Teaching Kindness Hand-in-Hand Is So Important

31. Slip a note complimenting someone’s parking on the windshield of their car.

32. Distribute random hugs.

33. Buy a cup of coffee for the person behind you in line at the coffee shop.

34. Make a friendship bracelet and give it to a new friend.  

35. Compliment someone sitting near you.

36. Share your toys.

37. Leave your change in a vending machine after you buy something.

38. Paint a picture for a neighbor you don’t know that well.

39. Play with someone new on the playground today.

40. Call a friend or relative, and tell a joke.

41. Leave a positive note on a bulletin board.

42. Read a book with a child.

43. Rake leaves, shovel snow, or do a little yardwork/weeding for your neighbor.

44. Take out your neighbor’s trash for them.

45. Start a Little Free Library.

building a free little library is an act of kindness
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Related: 13 Fred Rogers Quotes about Kindness That We Need Now More Than Ever

46. Walk a neighbor’s dog.

47. Put a post-it note with a positive message like, “Today will be awesome” on a random door.

48. Offer to run an errand for someone.

49. Hide a few toys or Matchbox cars in the sand at the playground.

50. Leave a sweet note in your spouse or partner’s wallet.

51. Leave a dish of fresh water out for neighborhood dogs in front of your house or business.

52. Use sidewalk chalk to say hello to a neighbor.

53. Give your child’s teacher $5 toward classroom expenses or help to pay for a field trip.

54. Write a letter to the first person that pops into your mind (and don’t forget to send it!)

55. Help another kid with his homework.

56. Buy a spare umbrella and find someone who needs it.

57. Get some silly glasses and wear them until you make someone laugh.

58. Do something to make your hometown more awesome.

59. Let a stranger go ahead of you in line.

60. Look in the mirror and give yourself a compliment.

happy mom
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Related: How to Paint Rocks for Kindness & Where to Share Them

61. Consider the flash mob.

62. Do something nice for yourself.

63. Hold the door open for someone.

64. Add extra time to your meter for the next person.

65. Gather up gently used clothing and donate via ThredUp using their Donation Clean Out Kit.

66. Starting today, thank someone once a week for a year. You can send a thank-you via mail, email, text, phone, or in person. Make a little list of thank-yous and revisit them in 52 weeks.

67. Sit with someone new at lunch.

68. Ask a kid you don’t usually play with to play with you at recess.

69. Find a story or post you like, and let the writer know it meant something to you.

70. Be patient while waiting in line.

71. Leave a glowing review for a business or employee who helped you or your kids.

72. Give someone the benefit of the doubt.

73. Be a courteous and kind driver.

74. Be kind to urban animals and wildlife: do not chase pigeons or throw coins in a fountain where fish live.

75. Leave a note of kindness in the pocket of a coat in a clothing store, like “You look great in this!” or “You are more important than you could ever know.”

76. Order a new book from our list of diverse books for kids, and have it sent to a friend.

77. Send a friend or relative a sweet surprise from Sugarwish.

78. Wave hi to someone you don’t know!

79. Ask a friend if they need any help: could you walk their dog or drop off a book to read?

Want more? Check out the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation’s idea page.

—with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton

 

 

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