Back To School Gifts For Teachers

This little red schoolhouse pencil holder is made with air dry clay and lots of love! They make perfect homemade Back To School Gifts For Teachers. Disclosure: This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Office Depot, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #inspirestudents http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Before the start of this school year, I was invited to bring my son on a tour of his new classroom. I was thrilled that his teachers opened up their doors during the summer to help with the back to school jitters. Some children return to school with ease, while others can be nervous and scared. As I packed up my reluctant “soon to be a first grader”, we headed off to the school filled with a combination of curiosity and excitement.

When we arrived, the entry of the school was being decorated with students’ artwork. All of the teachers were busily decorating their classrooms as creatively as possible. As I walked my son to his class I was amazed by how much hard work the teachers put in to decorating for the students. As we spotted his classroom, I held his hand and encouraged him to say hello to his new teachers.

My son’s eyes lit up when he saw his new classroom. His teachers had decorated the desks with name tags and crayon caddies. The bookcases were filled with books, puzzles, games and puppets. The walls were covered with cheery number charts and alphabet posters. For my son, the most amazing part was that they had not one, but two classroom pets! A corn snake and a hamster. He was in total awe that there were animals in his school!

As I introduced myself to his teachers and complimented them on their amazing classroom, I watched my son from the corner of my eye. On his face was a look of absolute wonder. He walked around the classroom touching the books and puppets. He even introduced himself to the class snake. After we finished our tour, we both left the school happy and excited for the new school year.

Leaving his classroom that day, I couldn’t help but think about how many of those supplies came straight from his teacher’s paychecks. I know most schools are unable to supply the amazing extras that his classroom contained. His teachers went above and beyond in turning their classroom into an inspiring and interactive learning environment. As a thank you for their hard work, I made this little red school house pen and marker caddy. I filled it with items I purchased at Office Max that I knew his teachers could use in the classroom.

If you have the means to do so, ask your child’s teachers how you can also help. Most teachers are always appreciative of any donation you can make to the classroom. Tissues, baby wipes, bleach wipes and paper towels are items that teachers use on a daily basis. Ask them if they need any supplies for the children, as any item you can contribute will show your child’s teacher that you appreciate the effort they put forth in their classroom. If you are unable to send items in, words are just as valuable. Tell them how much your child loves their class. Let them know you are thankful for their hard work and dedication!

Teachers really do have the ability to #inspirestudents each and every day. If you would like to purchase similar items for your child’s teacher you can save $5 off your purchase of $20 or more on Select Newell Rubbermaid Brands (PaperMate, Expo Neon Window Markers, Sharpie, Uni-Ball, & Mr. Sketch). Check out your local Office Depot or Office Max for savings while supplies last!

LITTLE RED SCHOOL HOUSE TEACHER GIFT

Materials:

• Crayola air dry clay
• Cardboard bread crumb container
• Red tempera paint
• Spray on Matte Finish

Directions:

Step 1: Peel label off cardboard container. Draw the shape of a school house on the front. Draw a line around the remainder of the container for the sides.

Step 2: Using a sharp craft scissor or exacto knife cut out the shape of the school house and windows.

Step 3: Mold the air dry clay onto the card board form. Allow to dry.

Step 4: Paint red – I used around 6 coats. If you have cracking (which I did) fill the cracks in with paint and allow to dry. Then cover with additional coats of paint as needed.

Step 5: Fill with pens, pencils and markers.

Happy crafting!

Daniele

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