Appreciating Teachers While Distance Learning

 Were your kids thrown into distance learning overnight? COVID-19 and social distancing really flipped our idea of school upside down. And I now have a new-found appreciation for teachers! I mean, I’ve always respected the role my kids’ teachers play in their lives. They’re with our kids for at least 6 hours every week day. They pour themselves into teaching everything they need to know in the classroom, and help to shape them into decent human beings. With this pandemic and having to take ultimate responsibility for my kids’ learning, I respect, love, adore, and appreciate our teachers even THAT much more!

I’m still working outside the house 4 days a week while my hubby is home with our 5 kids. Four of them are in school. He tries his best to keep them on task. But at the end of the day when I’m dog tired after work, I have to tie up loose ends. Sometimes I even end up teaching a full lesson or two. My third-grader by far has the most work than any of the kids. And she’s also the one doesn’t LOVE school. Top that off with the fact that she’s my one kid that’ll try her hardest to convince you that you’re wrong, even though you’re telling her the right answer.

So, my evenings aren’t always fun.

I now fully understand what he awesome teacher has gone through all year. Her teacher understands her personality and gets her to learn no matter what. She checks in with us regularly. She helps us keep our daughter on top of her assignments. But also gives us a lot of grace as working parents. She understands when things are missed or late, since we’ve got full plates ourselves.

We also have daycare teachers regularly checking in on our toddler to make sure he’s doing ok at home. Another teacher has recorded herself reading books, so that our 2 elementary-school kids can watch the videos at home – still feeling the connection to their school.

Our teachers had to completely change the way they plan, teach, and support our kids in such a short period of time. They’ve definitely proven their flexibility and dedication this school year, with everything that’s been going on.

Even though we’re not in the classroom, here are a few ideas for showing teachers appreciation while distance learning:

Send a video message

Have your child record a personal message and e-mail it to their teacher. Your child can talk, sing, dance – whatever it takes to get the message across. You can also do an “appreciation interview”. Ask your child what he loves about his teacher, what he misses the most, and what he’s learned this year. You can join in on the message, too! In a time like this, the teachers will appreciate hearing the “thank yous” straight from the source, rather than just a written message. Plus, seeing your child’s face will be an extra bonus while we’re all apart.

Share your kids’ artwork

Your child can create something, then snap a picture and send it to your teacher digitally. Some ideas include a letter, card, drawing, play-doh sculpture or sidewalk chalk message. Be creative, and just allow your child to express himself.

Send an e-gift card

Even though we can’t give our usual physical gifts and gift cards this year, we can still shower our teacher with electronic ones! It only takes a few minutes to send a quick e-gift card. Some ideas our teachers have loved include: Amazon, Target, Walmart, Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, restaurants, and local school supply stores. Raise.com is an awesome site to get discounted e-gift cards that can be delivered via e-mail instantly.

If you’re able to physically deliver something to your teachers, you can also use this fun idea for creating Classroom Supply Baskets. And here are more tips for supporting and appreciating your teachers year-round.

I encourage you to choose one or all of these ideas for the teachers in your life. Even though we highlight our healthcare workers and others on the “front lines” during this pandemic, we can’t forget about the teachers! They’re still bringing some sense of normalcy into our homes every single day. And our kids love them for it!

So be sure to thank a teacher today and everyday!

Do you have any other ideas for appreciating teachers while distance learning? Leave them in the comments below!

If you’re a busy mom, still trying to figure this whole “school at home” thing out, here are some tips for Homeschooling and Distance Learning During COVID-19.

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