AEP Online
Featured Columns
Blaschke on Fed. Funding
A+ Advice for Parents
    Archives
Archives
    Education
    Legislation
    Technology
    Market Trends
    Misc. Topics
About

A+ Advice for Parents

Special gifts during rough economic times
By Leanna Landsmann

Q: Some of our parents have just lost their jobs, and we PTO moms want a no-gifts-for-teachers policy this Christmas so there's no burden, but the principal says it's too late. She suggests organizing something everybody can participate in, whether they contribute money or not, so nobody feels bad. It needs to be simple because we don't have much time. Any suggestions?

A: Your principal is on to something good. Gifts bans are appealing, especially as families struggle to put food on the table, but they still won't prevent a determined mom from depositing a lavish gift on Mrs. Jones's desk in front of the whole class, embarrassing Mrs. Jones in the process. "In theory, no-gifts policies are great. In practice, they can stifle holiday spirit. A better idea is to channel the desire to give into a communal opportunity to teach children a broader definition of giving. This brings families together, too," says retired Texas principal LaVerna Vinson.

Consider these ideas, for a class or whole school:

• Create a holiday tribute book or Web site for the teacher. Invite families to submit writings (letter, story, poem, song, recipe), photos and drawings of favorite memories. "Many teachers say their most cherished gifts are an appreciative note. By pulling these into a paper or online album, you give a teacher a chance to reflect and share her success with others," says Vinson.
• Invite parents to donate time or money to local charities in teachers' names. Design "In Your Honor" certificates that families can fill out and decorate. For example, "The Rogers Family volunteers to work three hours at the St. Mary's Open Pantry during Christmas break in Miss Pruty's honor." Collect in an envelope or gift bag decorated by the class.
• Give the teacher supplies she would otherwise have to collect or purchase. Decorate a big box and wrap items festively. Parents who can afford it could join to purchase a gift card to a book store, teacher store or local coffee shop. Have children sign a group card so no one donor is singled out. Present as a class.
• If parents of classmates are serving in the Armed Forces, direct the whole-class effort to them. Ask local veterans to serve as resource persons to help the class send letters, drawings and items of appreciation.
• Integrate the class effort into a school or district outreach program. "Many districts provide baskets and toys anonymously for families in need," says Vinson. Even children putting a few pennies in an envelope will feel a part of an effort to help those less fortunate. "This works well when younger students work with high-schoolers in service clubs to create, pack, decorate and distribute the boxes." Invite local service clubs and media to join in to triple your impact.

Vinson says these activities do more than address the 'what to get the teacher' problem. "They promote the message that Christmas is about more than shopping."

Ellen Sabin author of "The Giving Book: Open the Door to a Lifetime of Giving" (Watering Can, 2004), agrees. She says they help kids discover the joy of giving and their power to make a difference. "Giving is addictive. It gets in your blood. It makes you realize that you and your actions matter." Those insights are pretty good gifts for anyone on your list this year.

Do you have a question about your child's education? E-mail it to Leanna@aplusadvice.com. Leanna Landsmann is an education writer who began her career as a classroom teacher. She has served on education commissions, visited classrooms in 49 states to observe best practices, and founded Principal for a Day in New York City.

Copyright 2008, United Feature Syndicate, Inc.

A-PLUS ADVICE FOR PARENTS 12-1-08

Submission inquiries? Contact Stacey Pusey at 856-241-7772.

© 2011 The Association of Educational Publishers
300 Martin Luther King Blvd., Ste. 200 • Wilmington, DE 19801
P: 302-295-8350 • F: 302-778-1110 • Email: mail@AEPweb.org
 
Satellite Offices:
Two Bala Plaza, Suite 300 • Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
C/O Knowledge Alliance • 1 St Matthews Court NW • Washington, DC 20036