We did not really have a discussion of the sad events in Connecticut at my school this past week.  Luckily my students came in on Monday morning in a twitter about Sunday's exciting Atlanta Falcons game rather than discussing any other current events. 

And although we did not talk about what had occurred, I knew my students knew.  They did not need to ask why we now had a new uniformed police officer patrolling inside and outside the school building.  They wanted more hugs, and I was eager to give them.  They mentioned Connecticut or a shooting, and all I could say was it was very sad, but we are safe.  I also kind of knew that my kind and sweet class wanted to do more.

So on Wednesday morning, during my morning lollygag time where I check Faceboook while I get ready for school, I was so grateful to see a message amidst the prayers and pictures about a little something that we could do.  I did quick research to verify and found out about Snowflakes for Sandy Hook.

Snowflakes for Sandy Hook is a project being put together by the Connecticut PTSA.  Since students will be returning a new school and not to Sandy Hook Elementary in January, they wanted create a happier atmosphere for these student who have been through so much by creating a Winter Wonderland at their new school.  And they need snowflakes...oodles and oodles of paper snowflakes.

Since Wednesday was our last day before our Winter Break, I knew this would be a perfect activity for my students to complete.  I also knew others at my school would want to help as well, so I spread the word.

I set out a 24 inch by 18 inch by 10 inch box outside my classroom door to collect the snowflakes.  Snowflakes came from all over the school...kindergarten through fifth grade and even our office staff had created beautiful snowflakes.  By the end of the day, the box was overflowing!  After some quick rearranging, I was able to get the box shut but not before adding a short message of love and prayer from our school.

If you want to help, there is still plenty of time to make and send your snowflakes.  Please go to the Connecticut PTSA website for more information and other ideas of how you can help.

 

 

I love giving gifts!  The joy of finding just the right gift for the people on my list has got to be my favorite part of this time of year.  So let me share with you about my two big gift-ing opportunities...

I enjoy giving my students treats!  And Christmas time is no exception!  Thank goodness for Scholastic Book Clubs and bonus points...I was able to find two activity books...a Kakooma puzzle book and a Mad Libs book.  Then I had enough bonus points left (don't worry I earned all the bonus points buying books myself...not parent orders!) to also get each child a free book pick gift certificate!

Then I also ordered my students personalized pencils from For Teachers Only.  These are a fantasic deal...99 cents for a set of three personalized pencils!  My students with less traditional names that have difficulty finding their name on pre-printed items LOVE these!

As you can see, I wrap each child's gifts.  Presentation is a big part of gift giving for me...and what child doesn't enjoy tearing into wrapping paper!  My sweet peas were so grateful for their gifts, and I got lots of big "thank you" hugs!

 

 

I also recently had my grade level gift exchange.  The tradition in 4th grade at my school for many years has been a Favorite Things exchange.  The idea has spread to other grade levels at my school too.  

 

Here is how it works...You know Oprah's Favorite Things???  Well, pretty much the same concept!  Except no one is giving away new cars!  Each teacher brings a $5-$10 item that they enjoy.  Last year, I gave a Tervis Tumbler with our school mascot on it.  The year before I gave personalized note cards from my favorite stationary site, A Touch of Whimsy.  The year before an ornament decorated with the recipient's first initial and polka dots.

 

This year I had an awful time trying to decide on what my Favorite Thing would be!  Luckily my mom gave me some inspiration...and luckily I had enough time to get it all together and ready!

 

So after school, we met up at Olive Garden for dinner.  After a very yummy meal, we each presented our favorite things...

• an adorable scarf with tiny pompoms in our school colors
• gift cards to Starbucks (great minds think a like!)
• inspirational saying note cards and EOS Lip Balm (now my new fav!)
• adorable Christmas plates from Crate and Barrell
• a straw tumbler with our initials
• a big bottle of Bath and Body Work hand sanitizer (We just recently survived a flu epidemic...only hit 4th grade!)
• a warm, fleece Christmas blanket
• and from me...

a big magnetic calendar.

I designed the "4th Grade Teachers Rock!" graphic and uploaded it to VistaPrint as a poster calendar.  Then I had it printed on magnetic paper.  They turned out really cute!  And my grade level buddies loved them!

 

Share with me your school gift giving ideas!   Do you give your students a Christmas gift?  Do you have an exchange on your grade level?

I didn't hear of the happenings in Connecticut yesterday until well after my students were gone for the day.  My heart has ached since as I watch the coverage and see the postings on Facebook...the families of all affected are in my prayers as they grieve and try to find a way to heal from this tragedy.

I have never been so eager for a Monday to come, so I can hug each of my precious students.