Teacher Appreciation Week

I didn't realize it was Teacher Appreciation Week until Tuesday when I got a flyer for a free smoothie in my mailbox. Of course, I never made it to the smoothie place.

My kiddos didn't realize it was Teacher Appreciation Week until this afternoon (Friday) with 10 minutes to go in the day. The principal came on to read who won the auction prizes for the teachers. I did not win. My kiddos were truly sad. I told them it was ok and we did THEIR ticket drawing for the week...frowns turned to smiles; I was quickly forgotten.

In PE today, my kids wrote on red apples what they liked about me. They thought they were doing it because the PE teacher was out. Here are a few (ok, more than a few):

"I like you because you are pretty!"

"I like you Because you are nice and you give us cookies."

"Ms. Richardson you are The Best Theareher ever and Beitlful."

"I like Ms. R because she is fun and pretty and she help me learn. Things."

"Your The Best I ever Met Ms R"

"I like you because you like apples & I do to."

"I lick mis. richerdsen becse she is the yugest techer and best techer I ervr had"

They may not even know what 'appreciate' means. I know some can't even pronounce it. But, hey, they all think I'm young and pretty. I hope they're saying that 20 years from now!

The best part of Teacher Appreciation Week was getting home before 4. And, catching 37 solid minutes of Oprah on the TV. That may be the only time I chill until after Relay and SOLs. It was solid!

Moral of the Story: Appreciation is not shown by gifts or a week of honoring. Appreciation is shown through daily acts of kindness, encouraging words, and walking the walk. And, I wouldn't have it any other way!

P.S.~My kiddos 'refuse to lose' the 'Walk All Over Your Teacher' contest for Relay For Life. We're battling a 5th grade class. Who will prevail? The winning class gets to dress their teacher as a Prom Queen or King.