It's that time of year again. Not only are kids counting down the days, hours and minutes until the last school bell rings, but they're also wrapping up another year of programs — from Sunday School, confirmation and Hebrew classes to music lessons, sports and ballet. It might also mean saying goodbye to certain people outside the home who have had a profound influence on their lives — teachers.

Here are some simple ways you and your children can thank the dedicated teachers and volunteer leaders who have provided valuable learning experiences for your kids:

— E-mail can never replace the joy of finding a personal card on your desk or in your mailbox. Fold a piece of construction paper in half to form a card. Glue a school photo or a snapshot of the teacher and your child doing an activity together on the front of the card. Have your child write a message inside to the teacher, detailing what he or she appreciated most about spending the year with the teacher. Encourage your child to be creative, perhaps putting the message in verse form. For example:

TO MRS. JOHNSON

I REALLY LIKED OUR SCIENCE FAIR,

I LIKED THE STORIES YOU WOULD SHARE,

I LIKED OUR FIELD TRIP TO THE ZOO,

BUT MOST OF ALL, I REALLY LIKED YOU!

FROM, Tara

Or, make a list of the interesting things your child learned that year. Decorate the card with paint, markers or stickers, then sign it and tuck it in a large envelope.

— Give books, bookmarks, posters, science mobiles and other learning aids such as puzzles, maps and games for the classroom.

View Comments

— Purchase gift certificates from a favorite store.

— Wrap up a box of notecards.

— Deliver a blooming plant in a flowerpot with designs or signatures painted on the outside by your child and other classmates.


Write Donna with your questions and ideas at www.donnasday.com. Donna's newly released book, "Donna Erickson's Fabulous Funstuff for Families," is now available in bookstores nationwide. © Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Syndicate

Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.