Student Teacher Gift Basket

"Every child deserves a champion - 

an adult who will never give up on them, 

who understands the power of connection 

and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be." 

- Rita Pierson

Student Teacher Gift Basket

I have been teaching for 12 years, and I am constantly questioning my ability as an educator, reevaluating my lessons, and asking for feedback from anyone who will give it.  Due to my lack of confidence, I was really surprised when I was told by the district that I had been recommended and selected to take on a student teacher for the Spring Semester. 

I must be honest, my first reaction was one of fear, and I obsessed in my mind several questions:

1. Am I good enough?

2. Will he/she learn from me?

3. Will he/she respect me as an educator?

4. What about my students and my connections with them? 

After I ran through those in my mind, and of course made the inevitable phone call for a pep talk and advice from the parents, I decided if the district trusts me and thinks I am worthy, then I should go for it.

I am very glad I did.

It was one of those experiences where you help someone, but in the end you feel you have been changed for the better.  My student teacher was a lovely young woman, so full of optimism, ideas, and eagerness for the future.  She won over all our hearts, and I know made impacts on the students' lives.  

As her student teaching venture came to an end, I wanted to give her something meaningful.  So, I decided to put together a gift basket (love those).  I used a very popular saying as my muse that although is a tradition for weddings, I thought it was a perfect way to give her luck and encouragement for her upcoming journey as an educator.

Something Borrowed:

"Who Me? Surprisingly Doable Ways You Can Make a Difference for Kids"*** perpetual desk calendar.  This was a gift that was given to me my first year of teaching that gave me inspiration.  A teacher's desk isn't complete without a motivating flip desk calendar.

Something Blue:

A new journal so she can record stories, vent, and just share her thoughts and emotions.  I received one after my student teaching, and it is always so entertaining to go back and read through my first year.

Something Old:

A new copy of the old, but loved novel, The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton.  This was actually a gift from one of my students to her.  They were all in shock when she told us she had never read the story.  My class read it in the Fall, and honestly it has a 99% LOVE rate by even my most reluctant readers.  

Something New:

The Classroom Management Book by Harry and Rosemary Wong.  They are both educational resource geniuses.  Their books and techniques helped me survive my first year of teaching. I highly recommend any of their books for new teachers.

I put it all together in a personalized basket tied with a big burlap bow.  I found the basket at Michaels and a chalkboard piece that I hot glued onto it.  Finally, I included a handmade booklet tied with ribbon with inspirational teacher quotes and messages from all the kids.

For those of you with student teachers or those who know someone who is beginning this career, I hope I have given you some inspiration for gift ideas.

*** Although it was given to me back in 2002, I looked this up to see if I could link it for anyone who wanted to purchase one.  What do you know ... quite a few are selling on ebay!