5 Ways to Show Appreciation to Educators on Teachers' Day

Teacher’s Day is around the corner, and toddlers are sure to be excited to show their gratitude and appreciation towards their educators. In South Africa, Teacher Appreciation Month is widely celebrated, and in this blog, we bring you 5 creative ways to express appreciation for the educators who are making a difference in your child’s life.

5 Ways to Show Appreciation During Teacher Appreciation Month:

1. Cute Thank You Notes 

Our educators work tirelessly to teach toddlers how to read and write, and this is a chance for them to arrange those letters into something beautiful. Just grab a piece of decorated paper or a greeting card and let your child scribble their thoughts about how they feel towards their educator. This will definitely bring a huge smile to their educator’s face, a moment to truly cherish, wouldn’t it? 

At our Bedfordview unit, for instance, the 4–5-year-old group once surprised their teacher by drawing pictures of “their favourite classroom moments.” One child drew their teacher reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar, while another scribbled, “You make me smile every day.” The teacher kept the notes pinned on her board for months.

2. Offer Home-made Snacks 

At Dibber International Preschool, our educators ensure that children are always well fed. Why not give your child the chance to treat their educator with a homemade snack this Teacher Appreciation Month? You could cook simple delights like vetkoek, koeksisters, or even pack some Nik Naks. If cooking isn’t an option, gifting chocolates, popcorn, or candies works just as well. After all, nothing warms the heart quite like food made (or given) with love!

For example, at our Bryanston unit, children brought banana muffins with a heartwarming note for their educator, Miss Zanele saying, “You make school sweet.”

3. A Bouquet of Flowers 

Everybody loves flowers, and they are one of the best ways to show appreciation towards educators. This simple yet meaningful gift on Teacher Appreciation Month will show teachers the gratitude you and your child have for them. In Dibber Pretoria, children once gathered wildflowers from their gardens and placed them in reused jam jars for their teacher. Along with reminding them that they’re doing a fantastic job, these flowers also brighten up their classroom, making it both look and smell wonderful. 

4. Provide School Supplies 

We know teachers put their heart into their work, often with limited resources and school supplies. Around this time of year, i.e. near Teacher Appreciation Month, as the term comes to an end, classrooms may be running low on essentials. You can support them by providing supplies like chalk, notepads, pens, and more. If possible, consider donating essential stationary & supplies as well. This not only shows your appreciation but also makes a real difference by contributing to their efforts.  

In Midrand, one parent donated extra packs of crayons and glue sticks during back-to-school season. The teacher later said, “It felt like a weight was lifted, I could focus more on creating fun activities rather than worrying about running out of basics.”

5. Parent Volunteers 

Teachers carry loads of responsibilities and rarely get the time to take a break. As a parent, you could volunteer to teach a class or give a short lecture related to your field. You might also offer to chaperone field trips or supervise during recess. Any extra help will surely be appreciated! At our Fairlands unit, a physiotherapist parent held a movement session with toddlers. Everybody loved a bit of hopping, streching, and balancing.

Teachers should not be appreciated and celebrated only during Teacher Appreciation Month, they deserve to be cherished every day, not just by children but by parents too. A simple thank you, a kind note, or even a smile of acknowledgment can go a long way in reminding them of the impact they make. After all, their dedication shapes not just your child’s learning, but their confidence and future too.