Such a cool gift!

Can I just say how much I appreciate my school's parents?  Even though there have been many years where they were not able to help directly in the classroom, I have always felt supported and valued in my school.  Friday was no exception!  This year, I asked that parents donate to DonorsChoose.org rather than buy a gift for me.  I am very blessed and don't need much in the way of material things :)  However, my classroom is always in need of items to enhance my students' learning.  So many parents gave and I can't wait to see my kiddos' faces when the boxes arrive after the holidays.  


However, there are always some parents who force me to accept a gift that is just for me (tossing all thoughts of altruism out the window!).  I got a few precious and meaningful items from my sweeties who just insisted on spoiling me.  Here is one of my favorites, which I fully intend to steal the idea and give to my sons' teachers at the end of the year!

Dark chocolate bars with dark chocolate kisses in the vase!

 In case I lose track of time and get to busy....

 Have a very Merry Christmas!

Last minute craft idea!

So what do you do with 6 bottles of craft sand and a HUGE box of baby food jars?  Make a snowman of course!  In an effort to use the supplies already in my room and recycle a friend's baby food jars, I came up with this little cutie.

 

The students filled the jars with the sand all the way up to the rim.  They could be as creative as they liked.  (A parent did help monitor the sand.)  I had the students paint the jar lids white and a parent hot glued on the head.  The students applied the eyes and the nose (pipe cleaner), as well as drew the mouth with a Sharpie.  The scarves are just regular ribbon (on sale for the holidays!).  I did think about arms, but realized that they would: A) break in transport and B) have to be done by a parent with hot glue.  I wanted the child to be able to do at least 90% of the project.  My kiddos decorated gift bags and will bringing it home to their families tonight.