Starting Prechool- Gift for Teacher?

We did not bring a gift for first day of preschool but we did bring a gift for Christmas, Valentines day, Graduation.

Hi A.,

A rose sounds like a wonderful gift for the teacher. A soft pastel color would probably be suitable.

-M

Dear A.,
No offense, but in my opinion, taking a gift for what basically equals an orientation, is a little much.
Even giving the teacher the old proverbial apple would be a bit much to explain to a pre-schooler.
It's pre-school, not a gift exchange program. Let him go and have fun and get acclimated. Afterwards, ask the teacher if there is anything you can do to help or donate and see what she says.

while it would be nice, it is not expected to bring the teachers a gift when your child starts preschool. we gave gifts for the christmas/winter holidays and at the year's end.

A gift during the holiday season and possibly the end of the year is plenty.

Nice thought but no gift is neeeded for the teacher when your son starts school. Save the gifts for holidays & as a thank you at the end of the year.

Ask the school/teacher if the classroom has a wish list. Bring something on the wish list. These items are usually things like kleenex, bandaids, art supplies or other things the teacher needs and can use in the classroom but might not have at the moment due to her budget.

You know, starting preschool can be traumatic for some kids, that might be a really simple way to get your child involved in the process... going together to pick out a simple single flower with a nice ribbon, a rose or a carn or even a tulip and handing it to a new teacher... with a simple "this is for you" might ease that. That's a great idea! I'd go for a single flower over a bunch, tho, because it would be easier for the child to give the teacher, a big bunch of flowers is kinda hard for a toddler to carry! Good luck!!!! :) I notice that a lot of people below said not necessary, but if your child is any way shy or quiet and maybe not really excited about starting preschool, it's just one more way to help them transition. I think it's a great idea!

A.,

Gift not necesary at this time.

Blessings....

as a preschool teacher, I love getting gifts from children. Make sure it is something from the child. If it is the first meeting then hold off. When a child makes me a picture during class and says "I made this for you" it melts my heart. I know I am doing my job then! Allow him to get to know the enviornment and the teacher. If he likes her he will figure out what to give her. And yes supplies are ALWAYS needed.

Totally inappropriate

We usually give fruit, organic of course! I got the biggest smile from a beautiful Red Apple on the first day of school. I was a bit surprised that such a small gesture was so greatly appreciated.

As a teacher I would appriciate something for the classroom. Baby wipes, kleenx, box of crackers - ask if she has a wish list for parent donations. That way the gift supports the classroom and your childs education.

When my twins were going to start preschool last Feb at 2 yrs 8 mos old, they too were given the opportunity to come in for a couple of hours to get "acclamated" per se, which they did right away, but I think this is common practice so that the parents & teachers can get a glimpse of how the child/children will be & definatley doesn't warrant a gift. Gifts for holidays & other special days like a teacher appreciate day, yes, but for this, I'd say no.

I don't think it is usual for a child to give a gift to a new teacher.

Wait until he actually has a relationship with her and have him make her something for the end of the school year.

T.

Why give a gift? Not appropriate. Why would you give a gift to someone you are meeting for the first time and someone who is a teacher? I understand during the holiday's but just because he is starting school sounds kind of wierd.

Hi A.

"gifting" is not necessary... it's not the holidays or anything like that, not to mention, I think the teacher might be put on the spot and ask yourself, why are you considering a gift to begin with is the tuition that you are paying not enough??? Thing is, we have to remember that this is the teacher's job.. would you bring a gift to a new employer of yours?? that employer might consider it odd and inappropriate.. So forget the gift. now come Christmas or whatever holiday your child's school might celebrate, then I would consider a small gift, but only then.. for now, let the teacher(s) do their jobs. Perhaps down the road if you are feeling generous, then ask the teacher can you donate something or volunteer your time.

A gift is totally unneccesary on the first day, or intro day. If you want to donate something to the class, that would be greatly appreciated. Wait until a wish list comes out. If your child is hesitant or has a shy nature, have him make a card or a picture to give to the teacher. My daughter was pretty shy when she was younger so whenever we'd get together with other kids in a play setting we'd bring something to share. It broke the ice and made her feel more comfortable. It gave her the excuse to talk with all the kids instead of hiding behind me. Likewise a card or a picture may help brake the ice for your son.

An apple would be nice. So the teacher sees it as a cute kid thing, not a parent sucking up thing. (not that you are, just that she might wonder)

When my son started preschool last September he drew a picture (by himself) for his new teacher which he gave her on the meet your teacher day.

Gifts for teachers are appropiate and welcomed, at least I like them and I am a teacher.

I think gifting like this is inappropriate and unnecessary. The teachers celebrate Teacher's Day and welcome gifts then.

Please take a teacher's advice!

The best gift you can give a teacher is volunteering your time or supplies for the classroom. Simply ask the teacher if there is anything you could purchase for the class or buy a gift card to an office store, Target, or Lakeshore Learning Store. Please opt out of buying a mug, candy, stuffed animals, lotions.... you don't know how many of these items I donate, it's very thoughtful, just a bit overdone.

Hi A.,

I actually think it's inappropriate to take a gift the 1st day.

You might actually (and unintentionally)give your son an "idea" of how he's supposed to feel about his new preschool. You want his response to his 1st day to be genuine. This is the only way you can be certain that he likes it, and not that he's supposed to like it :o)

Congratulations, what a big day for you both :O)

~N.

A.,

Save the gift giving for holidays and other special times.

Molly