GOOD-BYES and HELLOS!

Good Byes.  At our Preschool in August it is a time for good-byes to those moving on to Kindergarten.  Always such a heartbreaker!  Some of my families have been in my care for several years!   

I like to make a sentimental gift for the children to take home on their last day.  I prepare a photocollage for children enrolled for a short time, and a photo book for children enrolled for several years.  Just sorting through all the pictures reminds me of everything that we shared together and all the fun times.  It is a "pick me up" and a great reminder of why I am a teacher!  Even though there are sometimes unpleasantries, they are greatly outweighed by everything else.

IDEAS FOR GRADUATING CHILDREN:
*Photo magnet
*Photo cube
*Photo book
*Photo collage
*Book signed with a nice note from the teacher
*Notebook signed with a nice note from the teacher
*Business cards (for the parents to feel free to give referrals in the future)

Hellos.  The start of the new school year is a time of lots and lots of Hellos!  Meeting new children and families and introductions of already enrolled students with their newly enrolled classmates can be reinvigorating for your class and your morale.  I also like to shake things up a bit in the classroom, change around some furniture, trade some toys, and add a new bulletin board display.  I like a little change in environment and it shows your families that you are prepared and ready for the new school year. 

IDEAS FOR WELCOMING RETURNING AND NEW CHILDREN:
*  Business card magnet (1 for parents' home and maybe even extra for their workplace)
*  Host an Open House for a meet and greet including all parents.  Consider milk and donuts or hot chocolate/coffee station at drop off, or fancy cheese/crackers/fresh fruit with sparking juice at pick-up time.