This year, Teacher Appreciation Week takes place from May 6-10. This week reminds us of how important educators are and how hard they work. Now’s the time to thank and show appreciation for our teachers and all that they do to care for and develop children.
Teachers have taken on additional tasks and responsibilities in recent years. They have exceeded expectations when it comes to caring for children and preparing them for the future. For Teacher Appreciation Week, it’s especially important to find ways to thank teachers for their hard work and dedication.
In this post, we’ll outline different ways and ideas to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week in 2024.
What is Teacher Appreciation Week?
Teacher Appreciation Week is a week-long celebration of teachers and educators for their hard work in educating and caring for children. Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated during the first week of May each year. This year, Teacher Appreciation Week will be May 6-10, 2024.
How to Plan for Teacher Appreciation Week
Outline a plan and budget for Teacher Appreciation Week to prepare for the week. There are many ways to celebrate with little to no budget if circumstances don’t allow for it. Remember, you can always reach out to parents and families to help fund gifts, activities, and events throughout the week.
Once you have your budget, you can start deciding how to celebrate! Look into having a theme, hosting lunches, having the children create an appreciation craft, etc. Keep reading for more ideas to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week.
Ideas to Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week
1. Themed Days
Create themed days at your center to celebrate the week! Each day you can host different activities, decorate classrooms, and encourage staff and children to dress up.
2. Online Fundraisers
Ask your families for small donations to fund activities or gifts throughout the week. You can also use a popular fundraising site like GoFundMe to allow families and friends of your center to donate in support of your teachers. The money you raise can go towards celebrations for the week and gifts for teachers. You can also contact local businesses to ask for gift card donations or coupons to share with your teachers.
3. Free Food
A simple and easy way to thank teachers for all that they do is to offer free lunch or snacks throughout the week. Depending on your budget, you could offer free lunch daily, host a one-time event, or have parents sign up to bring in different dishes.
4. Flowers or Plants
Surprise your educators with bouquets or small plants to show your appreciation. You can give each teacher a single flower with a little note attached to it for a personalized touch.
5. Parent Donations
Parents are always looking for ways to give back to their children’s teachers. Ask them to donate gifts or gift cards to show teachers they appreciate their hard work.
6. Goodie Bags
Show thanks to your teachers with goodie bags! Fill them with candy, mugs, a gift card for coffee, etc. Include a note thanking them for everything they do for your center.
7. Freebies
Many companies offer great deals and freebies for Teacher Appreciation Week. Click here to see some of the great offerings.
8. Teacher Appreciation Crafts
Get the children involved in Teacher Appreciation Week with arts and crafts for their teachers. Have them write thank you cards, draw pictures, or decorate the classroom.
9. Decorations
Decorate your center with themed decor for the week! If you’re not doing themed days, decorate your center with crafts made by the kids and a thank you board with your teachers’ pictures and special memories.
10. Spread the Word!
Make sure your parents, families, and staff members are aware of Teacher Appreciation Week. Send out a newsletter, post on social media, and create a sign for your center to help get the word out. The more people involved in Teacher Appreciation Week means a better celebration at your center!
Kangarootime brings childcare together with all the tools schools need to succeed. Our software platform and AI-powered resources help create a future where Educators thrive, children experience exceptional care and development, Directors and Owners understand their school and business better than ever, and families are more engaged in their child’s early developmental journey. Learn more at kangarootime.com
