Ask Me Help Desk

Gifts

Okay, so I'm working at an elementary school for a summer camp program, and I'm an instructor/counselor. This is my 1st time actually working with kids (and I just turned 20 during this job this summer). This has been a fun job and I feel like I bonded with a few. If I were to get one or a couple of them some little gifts or sum'n small, would that be like acceptable, or..
(Cuz how I feel, is that you never know when you'll ever see someone again, you know?)

I'm inclined to say no, because it would be selective. You have no idea how something like that can go all wrong. One child tells another who is hurt and who tells his parent and the parent complains to the school. When you are saying goodbyes, just give an extra big hug and whisper a little comment about how very very special they are to you and you hope you see them again. Take pictures, and make sure at least one of them includes all the kids.

Quote:

Originally Posted by joypulv

I'm inclined to say no, because it would be selective. You have no idea how something like that can go all wrong. One child tells another who is hurt and who tells his parent and the parent complains to the school. When you are saying goodbyes, just give an extra big hug and whisper a little comment about how very very special they are to you and you hope you see them again. Take pictures, and make sure at least one of them includes all the kids.

So it wouldn't be very wise to do that, eh... little kids like to show off sh*t, lol.

As well as the picture thing, which is an idea that sounds cool, anything else?

As the daughter of a teacher, it is a bad idea to give a gift to a few students if you aren't going to give one to all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_9

As the daughter of a teacher, it is a bad idea to give a gift to a few students if you aren't going to give one to all.

Aaaah.. if only, if only... sucks that I can't reward the good ones either! Aarrgh! >:/

*sigh* I guess I won't trip though. Maybe I should bring something big to our picnic on the last day. Seems a little better/wiser, I guess, eh? :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by An Oscillator

Maybe I should bring something big to our picnic on the last day.

Now THAT's a good idea! You don't want to be accused of being a "teacher" who has "pets." Not a good reputation to have.

How about cupcakes with each name spelled out on each cupcake? Or on a sheet cake?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wondergirl

How about cupcakes with each name spelled out on each cupcake? or on a sheet cake?

That's a good idea, but the OP should be sure that it is okay to bring homemade treats. Many school districts these days don't allow homemade.

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_9

That's a good idea, but the OP should be sure that it is okay to bring homemade treats. Many school districts these days don't allow homemade.

Oh, yeah. Forgot about that. In the old days, we all used to be able to poison each other. Bakery cake decorated with names? (Not sure how many names... )

Balloons with names on? (environmental problem?) Is there anything acceptable these days?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wondergirl

Is there anything acceptable these days?

I'm beginning to wonder.

My school district doesn't allow homemade treats. Poison? I don't know, could it be the increase in peanut allergies and the risk of homemade treats coming into contact with anything "nutty?"

Balloons would be expensive, but you CAN get a ton of things, toys etc. at any dollar store!

Get them something they will remember you by. The dollar store sells t-shirts. You can bring permanent markers and have everyone autograph them. Make sure to get them for everyone. Glad you enjoyed your time. Do you want to become a teacher?

Quote:

Originally Posted by teacherjenn4

Get them something they will remember you by. The dollar store sells t-shirts. You can bring permanent markers and have everyone autograph them. Make sure to get them for everyone. Glad you enjoyed your time. Do you want to become a teacher?

One of the teachers (out of a staff of 6, she's the eldest of us all [round 50, I think.. hope I'm right.. she wouldn't like that if I guessed older... lol]) says I should. She stated that I'm such a good help, I'm the only one she'd "put stock in for", & that I'm a high quality worker, etc.
A LOTTA people say I'm good with kids, even though my current major is dreadfully "Biological Sciences", but I'd like to change now, I think...

And as for these other wonderful ideas:

- sheet cake and/or cupcakes: as I've read from our little reminder that was given out last year, we, as a staff (along with the parents), were told to bring stuff to eat, so I can ask my co-peeps & see.. this cupcake idea piquéd my curiosity.. lol

- autograph t-shirt: tried that.. I still kind of want to do it, but my boss accidentally ruined my shirt..

Quote:

Originally Posted by An Oscillator

One of the teachers (out of a staff of 6, she's the eldest of us all [round 50, I think..hope I'm right..she wouldn't like that if I guessed older...lol]) says I should. She stated that I'm such a good help, I'm the only one she'd "put stock in for", & that I'm a high quality worker, etc.
A LOTTA people say I'm good with kids, even tho my current major is dreadfully "Biological Sciences", but I'd like to change now, I think...

Well, you can always be a Science teacher. We need great teachers! Much luck on your decision!

Quote:

Originally Posted by teacherjenn4

Well, you can always be a Science teacher. We need great teachers! Much luck on your decision!

Only time will tell where my fate lies.. but anyway, thank u!!

And the mini toys from the dollar store (which is QUITE conveniently located a few blocks away from the school) is also.a great idea... gotta weigh some stuff out... thanks a TON, ladies!!

Hopefully I remember to update you about the aftermath.. which I'm prayin shall be one to remember.. :)

God Bless!