5 Ways to Show Teacher Appreciation in the Pandemic

This year, now more than ever, we need to make sure to let our teachers know that they are loved and valued for the work that they’ve put in for children during these extraordinary times.

It’s odd times indeed, in this age of pandemic! In Ontario students will be finishing out the school year remotely. We know that it has been a year of extraordinary challenges for parents and teachers alike. Here are 5 great ways to show teacher appreciation for everything they’ve done during the pandemic.

1 – Adult colouring books to unwind

We’ve all had a lot of stress this year, and the best gift sometimes is a few minutes of peace. If you can get a delivery address, why not send a gift of adult colouring books and a new set of coloured pencils or markers?

Here are a couple great ones:

• Easy Coloring Book for Adults - Inspirational Quotes
• 100 Amazing Patterns
• Teacher Off Duty: Funny Motivational Teaching Quotes Coloring Book

2 – A special video message from you – or even all of you

Parents can help with this one! If you can organize everyone together for a Zoom call, record a video together where each kid says a few short sentences about how much they appreciate their teacher. Or if you want to get extra creative, you can even make an end of the year dance video!

But even if you can’t get everyone in on the call, you can always record and send your own personal video thank you, and it will be just as special.

3 – A photo collage from all the kids – and maybe the parents!

If you want to do something together as a class, but can’t manage to synchronize your time, a photo collage with messages of thanks from students (and even parents) can convey your appreciation! And it’s easy enough to do asynchronously so that everyone can participate.

UNICEF has a great collection on Instagram of some of these messages.

4 – A gift card with some thought and love behind it

What does your teacher love? Do they love to read? Do they love to collect knickknacks? With everyone at home, e-gift cards are becoming increasingly popular options as gifts! Many companies are now allowing for the purchase and email of electronic gift cards which people can use to redeem during online shopping. There are reasonably priced and easy-access options for everybody. But we encourage you to try to find e-gift cards for local businesses in your community if you can!

5 – A hand-written note or drawing

The handwritten card has been lost to time and convenience, even before the age of pandemic. But with isolation a real thing, why not take the time to resurrect this lost art and send a handwritten thank you note, card, or drawing? It is amazing how special these mementos are these days. 

A big thank you to all the educators who have gone above and beyond this year!