A Fun Summer Countdown for STAFF

The last ten days of school, I always do a fun "Mystery Balloon Summer Countdown" with my students. So when thinking up gifts for my teaching staff, I thought, why not do a fun 10-day summer countdown for them too?

So I did! I surprised them with a gift every day for the last ten days of school! 

Here are the ten gifts, all less than $2 each (most less than $1), so you can do a 10-day summer countdown with your staff too!

Every day during the last ten days of school, you will give your staff one of the gifts. Here are some suggestions of how I presented the gifts each day to my staff.

Day 1 - Xtra Gum

Day 2 - Lifesavers

Day 3 - Rolos

Day 4 - Tea

Day 5 - Donuts

Day 6 - Mints

Day 7 - Clips of some sort. I found these at Walmart.

Day 8 - 100 Grand Candybar

Day 9 - Candles

Day 10 (Last Day of School) - Lotion

My aides really loved having a surprise waiting for them each day and it costed me just around $10 for each aide. Grab the labels for FREE here and do a fun summer countdown with your staff!

Even if you're not doing an end of year summer countdown, SAVE these gift tags for later! They're  perfect for individual gift giving too any time of the year!

Pin it to save it here!

 

Happy Summer Countdown! Hang in there...the end is near!

   

4 Paraprofessional Gift Ideas That Won't Break the Bank

Paraprofessional Day is next week on April 4th! What will you be doing to recognize your paras? Here are four simple gift ideas that won't break the bank and you can put them together in just minutes!

1. Print these FREE Subway labels here. Attach a $5 - $10 Subway gift card and you're good to go! This set includes several versions to choose from.

2. You are all that and a bag of chips! Surprise them with their favorite chips. Print your FREE label here and attach it with a cute, mini clothespin.

3. This is great and affordable if you're recognizing more than 1-2 paras at your school! Grab a pack of Flair Pens (SAMS is the cheapest) and attach one to each of these FREE labels.

4. Print these adorable labels for FREE here, slip them into clear party favor bags, and add their favorite treats! Fold over and staple!   

Pin it to save these ideas for next year!!

End of Year Gifts for Paras

It may be too soon for some of you to be thinking about the end of the year already, but it's never to soon to recognize those special people that make your class go'round! Your paras! 

These individuals play such a huge role within schools, yet probably receive the least recognition. They care about kids just as much as you. Many of them spend their own money for classroom treats and give their own time for after school events. Many of them go home each evening with thoughts of a kid stuck in their head, just like you...thinking of ways they can reach a student. Many of them SHOULD have become teachers themselves! 

Here are some simple and inexpensive gift ideas to help you send your paras off on summer break feeling appreciated!

Who has a "countdown to summer" tradition they do with their students every year?? How about doing a summer countdown with your paras! Last year I did a 10-day summer countdown for my paras and they loved it!

 Every day for the last 10 days of school, I surprised them with a little gift of appreciation.

Day 10

Day 9

Day 8

Day 7

Day 6

Day 5

Day 4

Day 3

Day 2

Day 1
Summer Break!

Most of these can also be used any time of year to recognize your paras if you choose to do it that way! Get these free labels here.

This is another simple and quick idea and everyone can always use a new tumbler. Find one in their favorite color or one that shows their personality. You can also fill them with goodies or put their names on them with vinyl.

These are gallon size, glass mason jar pitchers. Inside is a beach towel, magazine, lip balm, sunscreen, shades, and snapple (or whatever they like) singles.

Here is a close up of the label and you can grab them for free here. This set also includes a student label too to use on Starburst!

If you're not super crafty or don't have the time or patience to put together these gifts, end the year by treating your paras to lunch with these easy to do Subway cards. The photo shows "Happy Paraprofessional Day," but there is also a "Thanks for all you do" and a "What a great year" included. Grab them free here. Just print, cut, and add a $5-10 gift card!

Take a look at my Teacher Gift Ideas Pinterest Board for even more ideas!

Let Your Aides Take the Lead!

From time to time, my aides will show me an idea they found for a craft, science experiment, or class recipe. I usually just say, "Oh I love it!" Or "What a great idea!" But I never do anything with it. Let me add that I have the BEST paras EVER!!!! 

Then, last month one of them showed me a couple pictures of some Christmas crafts she had found that she thought the kids would love. I was super busy and probably didn't show much interest. I felt bad about it later and decided to take a look and then I saw the pictures in the trash can. I went home that evening feeling really bad about it! 

I thought about how much I, myself, love doing crafts and planning fun activities for my students. How fun it is to stalk pinterest and the Internet for fun ideas....and how especially fun this is during the holidays! 

And I thought, they obviously love it too!!! Of course, it's fun! 

I came in the next morning and asked them if they would be interested in each taking a day to be responsible for a Christmas craft the following week. They would plan it, purchase the materials, and carry it out with the students. They were no doubt super excited and answered yes without hesitation! 

And I must say they both came up with some fabulous ideas and I could tell they both had so much fun!!! :) And so did the kids of course, and I really enjoyed being able to just sit back and enjoy!

Para #1 did a little science with the kids. You all know how crazy we are for science!
Their sparkling water and cotton candy science ended with a fruity raspberry drink!  

She also made friendship tea with the kids from scratch....and they got to make a batch for a family gift as well!

Para #2 did this!

They glued peppermints to their initial and then ribbon was added to make a Christmas ornament.

I have already designated them a day next week to plan a winter craft. I'm so happy I did this! They love it, it's fun for them, and now I only have to plan 3 activities instead of 5!!!

I can't wait to see what they come up with next week!! :)

Give it a try with your paras!

....And be sure to scroll down to the next post to check out my giveaway that ends tonight at midnight PST! 

Thanks a Bunch,