I recently asked my daughter, “Who do you want to thank for helping you at school?” I was expecting her to mention maybe two or three people. But her list was long, over a dozen names! They included her teacher, educational assistants, enrichment teachers, health room attendants, morning drop-off staff, after-school care leaders, and more. It truly takes a village!
Our schools are filled with dedicated professionals who work hard to educate, nurture, and help our keiki grow academically and emotionally. From teachers to counselors to the staff who keep the school running, there are countless people who make a difference every day.
As the school year comes to a close, here’s a simple, but meaningful craft that gives keiki a chance to be creative and say thank you to the educators who supported and inspired them all year long. Taking the time to express gratitude is beneficial in two ways: It brightens the recipients’ day and can have a positive effect on the person expressing it. In fact, research by the Center for Resilient Children found that gratitude can help children focus on the positive, feel more connected to others, and develop a lifelong habit of kindness, which is useful in the classroom and beyond.
The craft is a joy jar, or a decorated jar filled with notes that share kind words, memories, or reasons a student is thankful for their teacher. The recipient can read a message whenever they need a pick-me-up. Whether it’s a teacher, counselor, or another trusted adult, this simple activity gives keiki a meaningful way to recognize the people who help them learn and thrive.
TEACHER APPRECIATION JOY JAR
The nice thing about this craft is its flexibility. For the jar, you can use an inexpensive container from the store or recycle a spaghetti sauce jar or coffee tin. It can be decorated and filled with the gift tag and messages we provide, or your keiki can start from scratch. Whatever your child makes is sure to be treasured by the joy jar’s recipient.
Supplies
- Paper for gift tag and messages
- Gift tag template (optional)
- Markers or crayons
- Scissors
- Glue or ribbon (optional)
- Hole punch (optional)
- Jar of choice
Instructions
If you’re using our gift tag template, print the gift tag in color (page 1) or in black and white (page 2) for your keiki to color.
Print out message template in color (page 3) or black and white (page 4), and have your child write the reasons why they’re grateful. If they need ideas, see sample messages (page 5).
Fold messages and add to jar. Close jar and you’re done!
The joy of giving
Why buy a card when you (or your keiki) can make one? Here are some ideas for homemade cards that are easy to make and meaningful, too!
fry guy card
Giving someone a box of paper fries may seem like a strange gift, but they’re sure to love this printable and customizable card. It’s cute, zero calories, and it won’t clog arteries!
magic card
Dazzle your loved ones with this mind-boggling card that somehow goes from black and white to color! Once you learn the trick, you can create your own designs. In the meantime, we have cute templates you can use.
unleash your creativi-tea teapot
Originally intended as a thoughtful Mother’s Day gift, this peekaboo teapot is a quick, easy, and meaningful craft that’s fun for keiki to make. They can use a photo, write a heartfelt message, and have a tea-rrific time creating this memorable card.
