How to Treat Your Child’s Teacher Well This Holiday Season
If you think 2020 was challenging for you, imagine the struggles your child’s teacher encountered. In the spring, they had to redo their lesson plans and learn to teach online — even if they had no experience doing so. This fall, they had to prepare for both contingencies.
This December, why not show the adult responsible for molding your youth’s mind some extra TLC? Here are eight ideas for how to treat your child’s teacher well this holiday season that are sure to delight them.
1. Restock Their Supplies
Your teacher’s stash of school supplies always runs thin by this time of year. Plus, given the pandemic, they probably had to reach into their pocketbooks to buy more than pencils this year. More than one youth indubitably sports a mask that their instructor bought with pocket cash.
Help to replenish their supplies. To make this gift the most useful, reach out to your child’s teacher and ask them what they need. You can also gather a group of parents to contribute toward a more massive care package.
2. Volunteer
If you ever tried to keep track of hundreds of students across a multi-acre Renaissance Faire, guess what? The task isn’t easy. Teachers can always use all the help they can get with volunteers, but this year, participants might not step up as readily.
Districts always need as many adults as possible to chaperone field trips and provide an extra pair of watchful eyes. If you run a high risk of infection, don’t feel compelled to jump in despite your reservations.
However, if you already had and recovered from the novel coronavirus, consider stepping up to the plate. The volunteer pool is thinner than ever, and teachers desperately need your help.
3.Get Your Child to Live Class
Even though many kids are now accustomed to their homeschool routines, virtual teachers still struggle to encourage class participation. Getting your little darling to class on time eases that burden significantly.
Keep to a routine — doing so benefits your child’s circadian rhythms and makes bedtime less of a battle. It can also help them to excel academically. They don’t have to waste time thinking of when they should attend class when its already a habit — they can devote 100% of their gray matter to their lessons.
4. Attend Extracurriculars
2020 has been a challenging year for extracurricular events. Many schools have canceled fall sports due to COVID-19, and other clubs might not see much participation or support. However, children need such activities more than ever to regain a sense of normalcy.
Make an effort to attend extracurricular events and get your children involved. Encourage them to take part in activities like yearbook clubs. If your school does host any sporting activities, show up in the stands if you feel safe doing so. Schools often encourage staff to attend, but many teachers are every bit as overwhelmed as newly homeschool parents.
5. Add to Their Online Database
Even if your district returned to the traditional classroom, your child’s teacher knows that they must be ready to return to the virtual world at any moment. When they do, they need resources they can access quickly.
Add to their idea pool by sharing with them the resources that you find. Did you and your family recently enjoy a virtual museum tour or science center visit? Let your child’s teacher know by shooting them an email.
6. Advocate
Teachers today need all the help that they can get. Many continue to struggle with low pay, and now they have to worry about the risk of infection along with keeping a roof over their heads.
Become an advocate for the teacher that you love. Reach out to your state and national representatives and ask them to support education by devoting tax money toward schools and teachers. Demand that all personnel has the protective equipment they need to keep themselves and their learners safe.
7. Treat Them to Lunch
In a traditional school setting, teachers often lack time to eat lunch. They may have children eating in their classrooms this year, even if they didn’t volunteer to do so. Even if the little ones returned to the cafeteria, the wait for the break room microwave can leave minutes to eat.
Consider treating the staff at your child’s school to a catered lunch if you have the means. Make sure to include items to meet various dietary restrictions so that everyone has an equal opportunity to take part in the goodness.
8. Give a Little Spa Love
Who couldn’t use a day of pampering at the spa? Teachers probably look forward to the return of things like manicures and pedicures as much as anyone.
Fortunately, many facilities now offer gift certificates that don’t readily expire. Although your recipient might not use your gift for another few months, best believe they will praise your name the moment that they can book an appointment.
Treat Your Child’s Teacher Well This Holiday Season With These 8 Tips
The one who gets up every day to instruct your little one could use some extra TLC this year. Treat them well this holiday season with the eight tips above.
