Teachers: what percentage of your students give you presents?

[Daxx]

How wonderful the class MADE something for you! That is likely more meaningful anyway, right?

ABSOLUTELY!!!!! Oh, I adore my blanket! I was so touched that the kids all had input w/it -- they each got to tie up some of the ties. That they made this means more to me than I can ever manage in words. I love that the class made something for me ... definitely more meaningful. Plus, this is something that I'll always have! I have several things that are home-made and they're always my favorites. I have a bookmark that is actually a panoramic photo of my students standing outside of the school in a line. They all look so darling. They each "autographed" the back of the panorama photo and the homeroom mom laminated the photo, added a tassel and made a great bookmark. It's my favorite bookmark of all time!

Our five elementary school principals together decided gifts are NOT permitted to be given to teachers. A memo to that effect is sent home in addition to an article in the newsletter.

Before you freak out, let me explain.

So, the principals encourage the room moms to help the kids create something together for the teachers. And they also decided only cards or something very small that fits into an envelope should be given, like a loving picture colored, a note of appreciation written by both the student and parent or small ornament.

I think that is a fantastic idea!!!!! Things given from the heart and hands are always far more special and meaningful! Last year, at Kdg. graduation, my homeroom mom came into my class and "took over" for a bit. She took a group photo, printed it off my computer and then had the students gather around a thick matte. She had the kids draw, color and sign their names on the matte. She added the photo to the matte, framed it and gave it to me at graduation. It's a darling reminder of my students and a very creative idea! Last year, for "end of year" gifts, many of the teachers received homemade items that the homeroom moms helped the kids with. One homeroom mom found a rocking chair at a garage sale,, sanded it down, painted it white and let the class decorate it w/paint. It turned out so darling and was a great gift for that teacher. Another hr mom had kids draw on squares of white fabric (w/fabric paints and markers) which she put together in a quilt for the teacher. So many fantastic, creative things to do w/the class. And, when it comes from the whole class, it's far more special since they took part in it! I think it's wonderful that your school has incorporated this policy!

 

[angelam]

I teach first grade in a middle class area. This year I received gifts from 22 of my 23 students. Usually the number of gifts I receive is slightly lower than that. I never expect gifts, and tell my kids that the best present is just having the opportunity to teach them and have them in my school family.

-Angie

 

[mafibisha]

But at the same time, some of the other children who couldn't afford to bring a present, would make excuses why they didn't, saying "Oh, i forgot mine at home" or "i dropped in on the way and it broke" or something equally as untrue to save face. It was often very sad and the teachers would get very teary eyed seeing their students hurt feelings. I observed that several times as a room mom. I've also seen teachers talking about that very situation, with tears welling up in their eyes. Just think about it.....

Wow, I never thought of that aspect. How can a teacher possibly stand that, it would break my heart!!!! I like the idea of cards only. Gift giving has gotten out of hand, too competitive between parents instead of a true token of gratitude from the kids!

This year I received gifts from 22 of my 23 students.

Aw, thats sad, I can't imagine what that one kid felt being the only one not giving a gift, he or she had to feel bad

Wow, you DISers always make me think about things in new ways that I often haven't considered. And this is something I will pursue in our school. I'm from a family of educators and yet I don't recall this being discussed.

 

[Chris2597]

I would say the teachers received gifts from 80-90% of the children when my kids were in Elem school. The class typically gave a group gift for Christmas and Teacher Appreciation Day....We also gave a small gift from our child/ren....The teachers were always so appreciative.. We also gave a token gift to the nurse, pe and music teacher, school secretary....
However, it got totally out of control one year and the principal had to place $$ limits on teacher gifts....One classroom gave the teacher a very expensive rocker for her classroom....another teacher was given a cruise for 2 for Christmas by one family....Of course that cant do anything but propel rumors of favoritism...not to mention the problems it created among the teachers.
The gift giving came to a screaching halt once my children entered Middle school....I cant explain the reasoning.

 

[disykat]

When I taught (It's been 14 years!) I got presents from about 25% of the kids. It appears to be about the same percentage at my kid's school currently.

 

[daisyduck123]

I'm not sure how many of my students gave me gifts because my Room MOM had all students sign the card. She took up a collection which most kids must have donated to.

I got a huge Christmas basket with:
3 gift cards...totaling $190.00 to the mall, spa, & Michael's
also in the basket was another $100.00 worth of gifts.

This was in addition to individual gifts some kids brought in.
My Room Mom & entire class is awesome!

 

[Sandcass]

i work at a day care center that there are kids from 6 weeks old to 5 years old..i would say that 75-80 percent of the families give the teachers gifts

I do daycare at home and all of my families are very generous. I've gotten 5 gift certificates for different places, for $50 each. I've also gotten way too many edible gifts (coffee, chocolate, brownies, cookies,etc)

At our schools I would say that 99% of the students give a gift. We live in a pretty nice area, where most people can afford to be generous. I never give a candle, mug, ornament, or bath stuff. I know teachers get so much of that. And I NEVER give something with an apple that says "Best Teacher". I know teachers who have been working for 15 + years and they have SOOO much of that stuff. I always give a gift card.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL THE TEACHERS OUT THERE! Hope you have a good winter break.... you deserve it!

 

[vettechick99]

Of my 19 1st graders, I got gifts from 3. These kids come from poor families, so I was not expecting many. I appreciate being thought of, but I am not offended to not receive a gift. They have many more pressing needs.

Same here. All but one of my kids (I have 8) are from poverty, so I wasn't expecting anything. I'm lucky to get signed notes back from the parents!

I did get a mug from the middle-class kid and he was so excited that I liked it. I also got a container of sweets from a girl I don't know, but apparently I see her on car duty every morning. I was very touched by that!

Soooooo, one out of eight is 13%.

 

[skiwee1]

There are 17 kids in DD's first grade class. At the Christmas party at school yesterday every kid had a gift on their desk for the teacher. I grew up in MD and always remember either giving a gift to the teacher ourselves or pitching in with other classmates for a gift. We also just pitched in $10 each for a baby gift of the teacher too!

 

[ADisneygirl]

I don't have a regular classroom of my own (I teach a pull out reading program) so I didn't receive any gifts either.

Some of my friends said they received gifts from maybe 10 - 15 kids out of 26 or so in a room. You could probably say half the kids got them something. They got a lot of gift cards, mugs and flavored coffees this year.

 

[rockin_rep]

I would say the teachers received gifts from 80-90% of the children when my kids were in Elem school. The class typically gave a group gift for Christmas and Teacher Appreciation Day....We also gave a small gift from our child/ren....The teachers were always so appreciative.. We also gave a token gift to the nurse, pe and music teacher, school secretary....
However, it got totally out of control one year and the principal had to place $$ limits on teacher gifts....One classroom gave the teacher a very expensive rocker for her classroom....another teacher was given a cruise for 2 for Christmas by one family....Of course that cant do anything but propel rumors of favoritism...not to mention the problems it created among the teachers.
The gift giving came to a screaching halt once my children entered Middle school....I cant explain the reasoning.

Wow, sounds like you live in my community!

At our five elementary schools, teachers also received excessive gifts, like Tiffany's bracelets, crystal vases, cd players and electronics etc. It really got out of hand.

I will never forget the face of a little guy who stammered that he'd forgotten his teacher gift....they live in one of the little winterized former beach cottages and simply couldn't afford more than the basics... Both the teacher and i cried....

I was thrilled when our 5 school principals joined together and reigned in the community.

 

[Teacher03]

I teach 3rd grade, and every child but one gave me a gift. However, he brought in delicious brownies to share with the class. My families are all thoughtful and helpful throughout the year.

 

[Patio]

I am a kindergarten teacher's aide. I got gifts from 14 of our 16 students. The teacher and I wouldn't open the gifts in school, so noone feels bad for not giving a gift, but, rather we told the kids that wanted us to open their gifts that we'd rather put them under our tree and open on Christmas morning. I did write them all thank you's and personalized them to place in their folders when school resumes.

 

[gothmommie]

100% contributed toward a gift card for the 1st grade teacher and her aides. I'm sure some also bought individual gifts on top of that but I thought that was a bit much. (and frankly feels more like a bribe than anything else as these gifts usually come from the parents of the brattier kids).

I already give my time, supplies, etc. to the school, the teacher and the class. I feel that's more than enough.

 

[lulubelle]

When DD was little, we always gave her teacher a gift cert. (now they have "cards") for a book store. One of my friends is a teacher and said that it is a very appreciated gift. All teachers love to read and buy books for themselves as well as students. DD would make a homemade card to go with to make it personal and special I think it is important to do what we can for all the great teachers out there!

 

[Miller1412]

Geez! I thought I was spoiled by my class this year 'cause I got I a load of gift certificates, but then I go and read about cruises, electronics and Tiffany bracelets!

I am really fortunate to have such nice and thoughtful families. This year 100% of my kids gave me gifts, and so many gift certificates. Those are my favorites!!