If you are a parent who spends much time on social media, you’ve likely seen the many posts about supporting teachers through their Amazon wish list. This is where teachers create a registry of items that they would love to have in their classrooms for the coming school year. Many family members, friends, and even strangers go to this list to make a purchase and support the teacher. It gets sent directly to their doorstep and is a very convenient way to show teachers appreciation and encouragement, which is well deserved.
Education is a partnership between the parents and the teacher. If you have a child in school, the best way you can support your child’s teacher is by making sure your child’s needs are met first. This doesn’t just mean checking off the supply list at the beginning of the year. It can be difficult once the year begins to keep a good routine for children. Making sure they have adequate sleep and can eat an appropriate breakfast before every school day can make a big difference in not only your child’s day but how the teacher’s day goes also. Communication is also a great way to support your child’s teacher. If your child is having a rough day, shoot a quick email so that the teacher can prepare for how that might affect the day. Your child might find a specific subject to be a challenge during the year, reach out to the teacher and communicate ways you plan to support your child at home to achieve the best success. If your family is going through something challenging, include your child’s teacher in the plan to support your child through it. They want the very best for your child and if they know something is going on, it can help on many levels.
Parent and Teacher Partnership
Ask What You Can Do to Support Teachers
Many parents and community members have a passion for teachers and truly appreciate their calling to influence the lives of the next generation. Sometimes it’s easy to forget all the ways that we can support the teachers in our local schools and many times without spending a dime. One of the easiest ways is to simply reach out to a specific teacher and ask what you can do to support them!
Teachers might have a variety of tasks that they could easily send to you such as:
- Planning a game or craft for the next party
- Cutting out items that they have had laminated
- Sending specific supplies they are running low on
- Volunteering to read to the class
- Offer to spend time after school helping to clean their classroomÂ
These are especially great ways to help without breaking the budget. If a teacher cannot find a way for you to support them, ask if there is another teacher or employee at the school that could use your time or resources.
Other ways to support…
If you can support a teacher financially, gift cards are always a great option. There are many times teachers make a run in the middle of the day to grab lunch, a snack, or something needed for the classroom project. A surprise gift card would always be welcomed. Christmas break is a great time to check in on restocking supplies! The excitement of back to school has passed, and parents may not realize that the class is running low on tissues or disinfectant wipes. Also, towards the end of the year, many classes will do testing. It can be stressful for teachers and students. This is a great time to send a special treat or drink to help the kids get through the long day. Even if your child is young enough that they don’t test, they do have to be extra quiet in the hallways, which can be challenging for everyone. Knowing a special treat is coming can encourage everyone to do their best.
Being present and supportive of teachers will not only help them physically but will also support them mentally!
