[LunaMom]

DD's first year of school (K in public school) is coming to a close, and I have been so, so sad at the idea of saying goodbye to the world's most wonderful kindergarten teacher. I'm a teacher (or I used to be) myself, and I was sure I wouldn't like any teacher she had, but this woman is phenomenal.

Well, I have two questions - the first is simple - any ideas on a really special, unique gift for her, possibly something that DD can make? I have a great photo of DD with the teacher and was wondering how I could incorporate that.

Second, I just found out that this teacher is MOVING UP TO FIRST GRADE next year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now, I have a feeling the administration probably won't give her too many of the same students next year, but I imagine she'll have SOME - I'd love for DD to have her again. Is that a bad idea? Will it make it harder for her to adjust later, in 2nd grade, to a new teacher? And if not, should I just come right out and ask her what she thinks? I know teachers do have some influence over this sort of thing. She does adore my daughter and has told me so many times. Hmmmmm...

 

[Kirsten]

Isn't it great to get a teacher that is SO wonderful!

My dd1's teacher for the last two years (second and third grade) is the world's BEST - absolutely without a doubt.

Do you know all the other moms in the class? You could have each mom write a letter to the teacher thanking her for the great year, telling their child's favorite parts of kindergarten (you can each ask the kids - they come up with some great quotes!), or funny stories their kids came home with from school, and a picture of their kid (with the teacher is great if they have it). Then you put them all in a book/album and present to teacher on the last day!

Or, last year for end of year gift for dd1's incredible teacher, I did an ABC album - it was a 5 x 7 size and each page had a letter sticker in the upper corner with hand-written words around the page of things they did or had in the classroom, names of classmates, favorite books, songs that were sung in class, etc. with a photo/photos of things that started with that letter. So on the J page there might be a photo of Jane (classmate), on the S page a picture of someone at Sharing, etc. This was easy for me as I volunteer in the classroom a lot and take a ton of pictures for my own kids' albums, and always get double prints.

If you don't have time to do something like that, maybe a gift cert to your favorite restaurant?

Oh, and yes, I'd definitely let your teacher know that you'd like to have her again next year. Often they have some say. Doesn't hurt to ask!

 

[StephanieK]

I was a teacher, and I definitely would voice your request to the teacher, but especially to the administration. At our school, those who requested a particular teacher usually got that teacher the following year.

Developmentally, it is very appropriate for students to move with the teacher. The school might already be planning to move the teacher's whole class with her. It makes for a more productive school year, because everyone knows each other, expectations etc., so it's like having six weeks longer to learn.

Yes, it will be hard to leave next year, but it would be this year as well. Having a great bond with her teacher could also help your dd create that relationship again with another great teacher.

Stephanie