Last Day of Kindergarten book cover
When my daughter was in grade school we always ended the school year by picking out a special book for her teacher. Each hardcover book was selected to convey a special interest of my daughter's and she would paste a class photo of herself with a note to her teacher inside. It was a cost-effective, sweet way of remembering special teachers and helping them remember her. Most teachers love to add to their in-class libraries and quality, hard-cover books are a great way to do that while reminding the teacher of his/her past students.
Here are 5 suggestions for end-of-year gift giving for Preschool through 3rd Grade teachers.
The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett
This gentle book is a reminder to children that it's ok to make mistakes and messing up is a normal part of life. If you have a child who won't color outside of the lines (like I did!) this book is a sweet reminder that being perfect isn't the goal.
I Double Dare You! by Dana Lehman
This pretty book teaches children about taking responsibility for their actions and not putting themselves in danger. Peer pressure is such a big issue for children and this beautifully illustrated book teaches a valuable lesson while entertaining.
http://www.amazon.com/DOUBLE-Dare-Choice-Awards-Recipient/dp/0979268656/ref=cm_lmf_tit_9
Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney
Do you have a child who didn't want to leave your side for school? Every classroom has a few of them and this book reminds children that even if they do miss their moms, they will be seeing them shortly and preschool is a fun, safe place. This book is for younger children–preschool and early Kindergarten.
http://www.amazon.com/Llama-Misses-Mama-Anna-Dewdney/dp/0670061980/ref=cm_lmf_tit_31
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
Chester Racoon doesn't want to go to school, he wants to stay home with his mother. Chester's mother does what so many moms do when a child is apprehensive about leaving leaving home: she kisses his hand and tells him to open it if he misses her and needs comfort. A sweet reminder for the child who needs it that parents aren't far away.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Kissing-Hand-Audrey-Penn/dp/1933718072/ref=cm_lmf_tit_13
The Last Day of Kindergarten by Nancy Loewen
If your child is sad about the school year ending, this is the book for you. As the children in Mrs. Popinski's class are busy with their last day of school activities, one little girl reflects on the school year with sadness. Mrs. Popinski helps the entire class look forward to summer and the first grade in a gentle and sweet way so everyone can move forward happily. If you choose this book, try to give your gift a few days earlier–it's a wonderful book for tour child's teacher to read aloud on the last day of the school year.