My son just started Preschool in September. He has 2 teachers and for Christmas I got them each gift cards and a Christmas card to put them in. Tomorrow is his class Christmas party and then he has no more classes until January. I have never had to do this before, so I had a few questions.
Should I give them to the teachers personally at the party, or put them in my son's backpack? The party starts an hour after class starts and his teachers go through the kids backpacks when they get to class, so they would definitely see it if I put it in there. Do teachers usually like to open their gifts in front of you? I also don't know what to write on the inside of the Christmas cards since there are two teachers I don't want to write the same exact thing to the both of them. Then, how do I sign it? Just my son's name or my husband and I as well? I might be thinking too much into this, but this is all new to me! Thanks!
Another option would be to leave them at the front desk/office and have them put into their mailboxes. I usually sign mine from "The XXX Family".
Every parent does it differently. You can wait for the party and have your son hand it to each teacher himself, stick it in the backpack, or whatever you're most comfortable with. Anything works, as long as they get it.
I always sign my name and my husband's with a note of appreciation. I have my daughter write her name and draw a little picture inside too. When I was teaching preschool, I never opened gifts in front of everyone. Not everyone gives a gift, plus there's so much to do that day before break, there's just not time! Unless I could tell that a child really wanted me to open his/her gift, I would do it with the child standing there but not in front of someone else.
Hope that helps!
I would hand the cards to them, after the party, when you pick your son up. There's less of a chance of them getting lost in the hustle & bustle of party set up, kids coming in, getting the day started, etc.
Just keep the note simple. "To Susie, Just wanted to thank you for everything you do. I hope you have a great holiday. Love/From, Jimmy & family.
When you arrive I would go with your son to have him hand it to the teacher. I would have it be from all of you. Then he gets to give a gift which is nice for little kids. Or if that timing does not work I would go with your son to give the gift to the teachers some time at the party - whenever seems to be a good time.
Lol! You are definitly thinking way to much about this :) Do what ever you are comfortable with. I use to be a preschool teacher and most parents in my class would directly hand my assistant and I the gift, but it wasn't strange to me if I found one in the childs backpack either. Personally, I found it more touching when the parent or even the child would directly hand it to me. As far as the card is concerned, you could sign: "The Smith Family" or "Johnny and his family" or "Johnny" or whatever you think. There's really no rule. I often loved when the child did a little artwork inside the card to show that he "signed" it him/herself. Happy Holidays!!!
Give them to the Teachers, yourself.
That is always, the best.
Personally.
Teachers, will open their gifts, as they wish. Most my kids' Teachers do not open it right there. They take home their gifts to open at Christmas with their own family.
I NEVER expect, the Teacher to open their gift right there in front of me. They are busy at school. They can't do that for every single family.
Its nice they have a gift to take home, and a present to open at Christmas, too.
Write something nice and that you appreciate them etc.
Not a generic 2 liner.
Make it personal.
Don't write the same thing for both, but write both with equal sentiments.
Sign it how you wish.
I usually say Merry Christmas, Big hugs, the "Smith Family."
Really you can sign the cards from your child or from the family. They know it's really from you on behalf of your child, so it really doesn't matter. My son's preschool teachers did not open anything at preschool. I woudl think it's too difficult to try and do that with everything that's going on and with the focused attention preschoolers require.
I had my son had his teachers their cards one time. Another time a put them on the table next to other cards & gifts. One year I left them at home, so he gave them to the teachers after class or maybe I did. Any of those options will be just fine! And they will definitely appreciate your gift.
We are in the same boat - I am the party coordinator and we are bringing in stuff for their party on Thursday. The other mother who is helping me and I have made up treat bags for all the kids and two additonal ones for the teachers. This will be from us as volunteers (they get their favorite candy, a gift card to a local restaurant) and I'm bringing them their favorite coffee to sip on during the party.
I will put the wrapped gifts from my daughter in her backpack with a card so that they will see it before I get to the party that day. I will have my daughter sign the card and then sign from us as well. As far as what to write - I'm not sure about this yet!
I am a Preschool Teacher's Aide. I commend you for putting so much thought into your gift. Each parent is different. Some leave it in the backpack, some have their kids carry in the gift to personally hand to the teachers at the beginning of the class, some parents bring in the gift at party time. There is no right or wrong way. As far as signing the card, I have had them signed several different ways. Some parents sign from child and family, some do and others do not write personal notes, some just have the child sign. My favorite is when the child signs the card - though it is helpful if the parent signs too in case we cannot read the child's handwriting yet. :-) I'm sure whatever you do, the teachers will be appreciative! Merry Christmas.
Either is fine. Most teachers, myself included, open when the students are not there. That way there is no pressure on any other child to bring a gift or a chance that a family will feel bad because some one else got them something bigger or better.
