Over the past 12 years I have wanted my students to leave for winter vacation with something that they can use that will help them in school. This gift has been books.
When the Scholastic Book Orders from December arrive, I pass them out to the students. I tell them if you could get a book from the order that is $4 or less, what would it be? I have them write it down on a tiny slip of paper and then I go around and collect them. Many students will ask, "Why?" But I just say that I am getting ideas of good books to buy for the classroom. Little do they know that they will be each receiving the books that they have written down.
I am able to accomplish this by using bonus points (if I have enough) or using some of my own money. I find this more rewarding then buying candy canes or candy for the students instead.
I know many school districts and classrooms are starting to do away with holiday parties and gift giving, but I am thankful that I can put a smile on my students' faces, and have them leave for vacation with a book to read. Who knows, maybe that will keep them from playing video games for a couple of hours!
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I think that's a great idea, Wise Guys! Unfortunately in my classes (high school), I don't have enough bonus points for all of them to get a book, since I have about 100 or more students each year. Alas, I do the candy canes (the fruit-flavored & peppermint). I've tried laminated bookmarks and pencils in the past, but I usually find them in the hallway or trash cans after each class, so I quit doing that.
ReplyDeleteOne thing they really like, though, is for their birthday or half birthday I let them pick out a key chain. I have several different styles I buy in bulk from Oriental Trading. Since most of them turn 16 their sophomore year (and I have all the sophomores at my school), it seemed symbolic.
I know my son would love getting the book from his teacher! It's a wonderful way to send them home over break--with no excuse not to read! :)
Always a book! There are never enough in the homes of my kiddos, and I constantly replenish the ones from my library that get "forgotten" at home, never to return. How can there be a better gift?
ReplyDeleteBooks from Scholastic usually because of the bonus points AND a candy cane! haha actually my wife is great at this sort of thing so she helps me out with a little goody bag for the kids... It usually includes a pencil, book, free homework pass, and a few pieces of chocolate and candy cane...
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