Thanks for Giving

Are you looking for a way to show appreciation for the staff members at your school?  Do you want your students to recognize the people who do so much for them during the day?  Or how about showing your thanks to the unsung heroes at your school such as the crossing guard or lunch workers? If so, look no further!

I started showing some love for the staff members at my school quite a few years ago.  We start by brainstorming a list of all the workers at our school.  Next, each child chooses one of the staff members and writes them a secret special note telling them why they are thankful for that person.  Then comes the super-top-secret-mission...enlist the help of a parent volunteer and have each child take a picture with their chosen staff member.  I always have my students say, "We are doing a special project in social studies about the people who help us at school.  Can Mrs. ___ take our picture together?"  After printing the pictures, have the students use scrapbook paper as a background for their secret note and add the picture to the top.

Next, have your students write an invitation asking for their presence at a special presentation in their honor.  Include the date and time you would like them to come (the presentation usually takes about 2-3 minutes so you can schedule them every 10 minutes or so).  Be sure to have an option on the invitation that allows them to choose a different time if the times you provided don't work with their schedule.

Finally it's time for the big day...presenting them with their writing piece!!  I usually lay a piece of red fabric on the ground to act as a red carpet and line the 2 sides of it with star lights I found at the Dollar Tree or some glittery stars found at your local craft store during the holidays.  When they enter the classroom and walk down the red carpet, have their special student waiting for them at the end.  At this time, have them read their writing piece about them and be prepared for some tears!!  Have the student give them their writing piece and cue the class to say, "Thanks for giving!" before sending them on their way.  What a wonderful way to celebrate those who do so much at your school!!

If you're interested in this file, you can check it out here on Teachers Pay Teachers.  The first 2 people who leave a comment sharing who they would like to say, "Thanks for giving!" to and why will receive the file for free.  Be sure to leave your email when you comment.