How to Appreciate Your Child's Teacher

I'm often asked to share ideas for good teachers gifts. Teacher Appreciation Week is only a couple of weeks away, so I thought this would be a good time to share a few!

1. Email your child's teacher and include specific reasons you appreciate her. Copy the email to the principal. All too often, principals only hear complaints, so it is a great way to let the principal know how much you value the teacher.

2. Frame a photograph of your child and the teacher. Write a note of appreciation on the back.

3. Bring her lunch from a real restaurant.

4. Attach a gift card from Barnes and Noble to a bag of chocolate.

5. Interview your child about what he loves about his teacher. Write out his responses and send it to school. Send a copy to the principal.

6. Donate a book to the classroom. Write a thoughtful inscription inside the cover.

7. Hug your child's teacher, look her in the eyes, and say "thank you for loving my child."

8. Make a basket filled with her favorite candy.

9. Take several pictures of the teacher teaching, reading, and playing with the students (on the playground, during math, in work stations, etc.) Print out the photographs and put them in an album.

10. Request a meeting with the assistant principal or principal. Name specific ways in which your family has felt loved, known, and valued as a result of your child's teacher.