Wednesday, May 25, 2011

End of year teacher gifts....

One thing that completely stresses me out at the end of the year is making sure I give my kids' teachers a gift that really shows how much we love and appreciate them. This year was so hard because I was especially in love with each and every one of these special teachers. This year has been incredible for each one of my kids and I wanted to make sure the teachers knew how much we absolutely ADORE each of them. 

I decided to use my photography to give a meaningful and personalized gift. I didn't really want to give them pictures of my kids....per-se. Silhouette pictures are a perfect way to give them a little piece of your child without screaming "HEY REMEMBER US?!?!?!?!" 

Each one of my kids' pictures were individually personalized for each of their teachers. Different quotes that mean something to that specific teacher, or a quote that we felt described how we felt about that teacher. 
My daughter's teacher has been a part of her life for 2 years now. I know Haleigh doesn't realize yet that her precious teacher will not be following her to kindergarten. We loved having Mrs. Harmon a part of this stage of Haleigh's life. Even though we are moving on...we will never forget the part she played during this stage. We printed this as a 5X7 and put it in an adorable frame we found at hobby lobby.  
Ryan has had the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing class this year. We were so blessed to be accepted into a special A.L.L. program that our school district offers. His teacher had a theme this year...
"Smiles Heroes." The whole year centered around being a hero, learning to love yourself and figure out the gifts you have to offer the world. The quote on her gift is their class motto. We are having this printed at Costco as a poster print for her to keep in her classroom. 
And finally...my oldest son had one of the most amazing teachers this year. She seriously has changed my son in ways that I never realized a teacher could. I cannot imagine being a 6th grade teacher...but you can tell that she knows, that she is where she is supposed to be. She was meant to teach these kids. I have never been so touched by a teacher's words and actions. She has truly changed the way my son sees himself. Made him a better person and gave him self esteem that I know he would have never found without her influence. We printed this one as a 5X7 as well and put it in a black frame. 

Teachers are not given enough praise and credit for their time and efforts. AND, we all know they don't make enough money for what they do. I hope my teachers know how much we appreciate them. I really feel that if we appreciate them more, it encourages them to do better. To teach our kids to be better. 

Don't forget to thank you teachers in a meaningful way as the school year ends. 

5 comments:

Harmony said...

Wow! Beautiful pictures and a fantastic idea! Thank you!

Sydney said...

incredible Kati! What a perfect, one of a kind gift! They are going to love them!

jenn said...

Those are amazing. Just perfect.

Unknown said...

I stumbled across your blog through a random google search and am glad I did! I am your newest follower and also lover of photography (and my kids!) I have a family reunion coming up ( where we all exchange gifts)and have already been thinking of cost efficient but meaningful and classy gift ideas.. you have helped me so much! I'll do poster prints. Awesome idea and thanks! Have a happy day and God bless!

Plano photographer said...

The pictures were all amazing and the words were all meaningful. I enjoyed reading them. It is a great idea and you are right that we forget our teachers as soon as we leave our schools.