something special: i appreciate you

Teachers are the bomb. I know this first hand because I substitute teach and so I try to be one. A good teacher that is. It is a lot harder than it looks. They have to know and learn so much themselves, constantly updating their personal knowledge bank to keep our youngsters at the head of the line when it comes to education. And, more importantly, they love our children.

Even the tiniest of thank you's is appreciated by these hard working men and women. This year I was intent on sticking with my goal to use what you have so I came up with something simple that would allow me to use leftover papers and chipboard from a scrapbooking project the kids worked on last year.

FIRST: Gather your supplies.  FOR THE CARD: Buy some cute cheap thank you cards or create your own. I grabbed mine out of the dollar bin at Target or Michael's. You will also need some adhesive. I like to use EK SUCCESS 3D Dots but you can use anything. I also used some cute little vintage style party bag games. I bought these at my local Dollar Tree. And you will need some magnets or magnetic tape. I picked up some Kids Craft Magnetic Tape at Wal-Mart for super cheap. I also used a sheet of school themed scrapbook paper and some Crystal Clear Bags. I love these and use them for everything!

NEXT: Grab some numbers. I used recycled chipboard pieces from an old scrapbooking kit. You can use anything with a number on it, or you could print some out on the computer. Once you have your numbers, cut some magentic tape to fit and peel and stick to the back of each number, creating a miniature magnet. Next cut your scrapbook paper to fit your clear bag and slide it in, adding the number magnet on top. Seal the bag. Now adhere the party game to the front of your thank you card. Add a sentiment inside. Mine said-" Thank you for making learning so much fun!"

AND LAST: Let your child add a personal note to the card before stuffing it with a cute magnet. To your child, a teacher is a mentor and a hero. For the most part they love these people with all of their being. Let them say it in their own words. I promise you, teachers keep this stuff forever- I DO!

This is a really easy project that the kids can help with. And the best part? Your teachers will REALLY APPRECIATE your thanks!

Already have your Teacher Appreciation Gifts planned? This makes a great end of the year thank you as well!

A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." ~ Henry Brooks Adams