Sunday, June 8, 2014

End of Year Teacher Gift

 
For my son’s Kindergarten teacher this year I planned a group gift from all the kids in the classroom. They will be giving her an apron and a cookbook.

Not just any apron…

The apron has a handprint from each of the kids in the class. I had a white canvas apron and some fabric paint. As the homeroom Mom, I knew in advance of a conference that our teacher had planned to attend. I talked with the sub and the dean of students to plan a time to come into the classroom.

Along with the apron and fabric paint, I took in some wet wipes, paper towels, several paper plates, a paint pen and a check list of student names.

My helper (aka my son) called back one kid at a time. Each child was able to choose the color they wanted, then I spread a little paint out on a plate, squished their hand into the paint and then onto the apron. While my son checked their name off the list a used the paint pen to write the name under their handprint. Then we were on to the next kid.

I timed it so I could do this project in the back of the classroom while the kids were having their snack time. I went in, set up, got all the handprints and cleaned up in just under 30 minutes.

And not just any cookbook…

I sent an e-mail out to the parents of each kid and asked them to please send me a recipe. I printed out each recipe including the child’s name at the top of the page. I put all the recipes together and found this great tutorial for bookbinding. She had great step by step instructions and a picture with numbers and arrows that made it so simple to follow. And the finished product looks so good.


 
 
I used brown cardstock for the cover and wrapped the front cover with scrapbook paper to make it pretty.

 
I made a template to mark off holes for the pages and then I used waxed linen cord to do the binding.
I also included this recipe for the teacher.
 
Recipe for the Best Kindergarten Teacher
(This will yield one very successful class)
 
You will need:
Handful of curiosity
1 Cup of Honesty
2 Cups of Teamwork
1 Cup of Effort
2 Cups of Kindness
1 lb. of Excitement for Learning
1 lb. of Passion for Teaching
A Pinch of Fun and a Sprinkle of Creativity
 
Combine all ingredients with a gentle hand and a loving heart.
 
Thank you for all the helping hands you have given us.
Enjoy your summer!!!
 

I think she’s love the gift and remember the kids when she’s looking up one of the yummy recipes.