Stocking Stuffers for the Kindergarten Child

 

The Four Gift Rule for Kids

 

Christmas Gift Idea for Teachers

 

Popsicle Stick Boxes - For Mother's Day, Father's Day, or Any Gift-Giving Holiday

This would span several days, but well worth the effort.

Get the full details here.

Record Yourself - as a Gift or for the Substitute

Okay. So you think your singing voice is the pits, and definitely won't win you the Grammy. But your class doesn't think so. Which is why you definitely need to look into recording yourself singing the songs you all love to sing together. That way, when you're absent from class, your vocal presence will still give your students a sense of stability.

There are several ways you can do this. Easiest way is to sing via microphone onto a cassette, and transfer it onto a CD. Or you can record it on your computer and burn a CD. (There are several software programs that will work, such as Audacity. You only need to invest in a pair of headphones with a built-in microphone.) You don't need any sort of back-up. Acapella is perfect. Just be sure to announce the title the song before you begin to sing it.

I've had substitutes tell me how much they like the idea. And the kids are less likely to get out of hand when she uses the "be good and I'll let you sing a couple of songs" bribe.

As a bonus, you can burn copies relatively cheap and give them as Christmas presents, or as End of the Year Going Away gifts!

Want to Thank a Teacher?

Teacher Appreciation Week is over, but I wanted to say that if you ever want to give your child's teacher a gift that will be gratefully accepted, here are a few ideas:

* Sharpie markers and highlighters
* drink vouchers, instant drink packages (if you know what they prefer), or at the least, $ for the vending machine
* a spiral notebook (large and small)
* pen on a rope (seriously!)
* colored index cards (if the school doesn't provide them)
* photo boxes (the ones that look like elaborately decorated shoe boxes - great for storage!)
* pencils (lots and lots of pencils)
* stickers

Things to avoid:

* food or candy
* plaques, buttons, signs, trinkets, statues, or other stuff that may add to an already crowded desk
* jewelry, necklaces, bracelets

Please remember, not all teachers have access to refrigerators or microwave ovens to keep things cold or heat things up in their rooms.