Good morning class. Students usually groan in response. Typical scenario in not all, but most classroom settings, everyday. I'm guilty of being aware of my teacher's presence when he or she walks into the classroom, but I just choose not to acknowledge his or her presence. Fine, maybe I am one of those few naughty students.
But that doesn't mean I do not have teachers whom have contributed to my growth and success as a human being - At the very least of my life's achievements, I heed their advice, which I always pretend I don't give a damn, made it to a local university and graduated with decent grades. Thank you teachers, teachers who truly care about our well-beings, about how education does make a difference in our lives.
Now that it's the school holidays, teachers can have a short breather before the whole shebang - paperwork, teaching, marking and whatever else - repeat itself again. It's post Teachers' Day celebrations, although preferably, you should show your appreciation for your teachers' hard work and efforts in educating you other than on Teachers' Day itself. Just bloody say 'Thank You' every now and then lah.
Well fact of the matter is some of the nicer and richer folks choose to buy presents for their favorite teachers - and you can definitely see how popular a teacher is on Teacher' Day. Maybe the gift stores are getting lazy with gift ideas for teachers, or students just feel teachers qualify for the boring sort of presents. God knows why...
If you find yourself receiving the presents in this list, well, good for you, because your students either firmly believe you need these stuff, or perhaps they just need some work on the creativity department.
- Mugs - Enough mugs to start your own coffee shop in the teachers' room? Maybe your kids feel you just need the extra caffeine boost that one mug just doesn't suffice. Or the mug collection is intended for smash therapy.
- Pens - Specifically, red pens. Accumulating weapons of mass destruction where people's hearts have been crushed, and dreams dashed. Yeah more red pens folks! Let's get some blood spilled, figuratively, all over your homework and exam scripts! Or it could just be a practical reminder to all teachers, "Happy Teachers' Day! Now get on with your marking!"
- Markers - An extremely practical but affectionate affirmation that the kid just wants you to scribble more on the board. Teach dammit!
- Soft Toys - If you have an entire collection of Forever Friends bears or Angry Birds, just be consoled that your kids genuinely want you to seek comfort in this lifeless gentle plushies. The outlet where you can vent all your frustrations on and receive zero backlashes. Yes and these soft toys do not come cheap.
- Photo Frame - If it comes with a photo of you and your student, it's a ploy. Your student probably thinks it's a great way to appease your raged marking monster when you land on his homework or exam scripts. But come on, you're so not going to have the photo frame in front of you when you're spending sacred alone time with the papers. You can't be prejudiced, you're a professional. Bad move kiddo, that's akin to bribery.
- Book Marks - As a teacher, you are expected to double the knowledge intake as compared to the non-educators. Your wealth of knowledge, what and how much you decide to impart to your students will make a difference to every generation. Read on our dear teachers, for books are your best friends. Respect.
- Key Chains - Er. Don't lose your keys teachers.
- Pen Holder - To hold your entire collection of identical red pens.
- Tote Bags - Teachers love tote bags. Lots of tote bags so they can lug home the stacks of homework, test or exam scripts. Waterproof tote bags are most appreciated.
- Paperweights - To keep desks towering with stacks of papers neat and tidy. Can also be used for smash therapy.
Of course we have conveniently left out flowers. And other objects that we can't make out what they are used for.
But we love the cards. Every card that tells our teachers they are number one, the best teacher they have ever had, their favorite teacher ever.
