End of the Year Student Gift

I can hardly believe it, but we are in the FINAL STRETCH!!!!!!  PRAISE!  Teaching has always been challenging but this year has been another story.  The level of mental (and of course physical) exhaustion I'm feeling is unlike any year prior.  I've had the most challenging class this year....with all sorts of needs.  Needless to say, I am TIRED and ready for a break.  

Today, I'll be prepping my students end of the year gifts.  Yes I know it's May 23 and we have 23.5 more days of school left (seriously, who's counting?).  However, as you know, the end of the year is BONKERS.  An ever-growing to-do list and kids who have checked out makes for an even more exhausted teacher!  

I like to keep my gifts simple, cost-effective, and thoughtful.  When I first started teaching, I thought I had to spend gobs of money on elaborate gifts for my students.  As I've developed as a teacher, I've come to realize that teaching is a gift in itself.  And let's not forget the hundreds (actually thousands) of dollars spent on the classroom and fun activities throughout the school  year!

If you've been around here for any length of time (shoutout to the OG's who have been with me since 2010!), you know I love Junie B. Jones.  I've read a chapter from her book each day, after lunch, for 20 years.  The love began during student teaching (shoutout to Minal, my cooperating teacher who introduced me to good ole' Junie!).  Needless to say, my students' end of the year gift is always a brand new Junie B. Jones book with a personalized bookmark.  I like to order the variety packs on Scholastic and let the kids pick their title. 

Does your class have a favorite series, character, or author?  I'd love to hear who that is!  Leave me a comment below and let me know!

Want to know the cost?  Well, I use Scholastic bonus points that I've accrued over the years to order the books.  A roll of thin ribbon for the bookmarks is about $3.00.  The bookmarks are in my TpT shop (linked HERE for you!).  I do use my own laminator, because I like the bookmarks to be stiff, but I can get four bookmarks on a page.   I'm only using 6 laminating sleeves.

The kids always cherish these personalized bookmarks (and of course, books, a class favorite)!!!  Don't worry, the bookmarks are editable!  Color and black and white versions included.  It's super easy to insert student names at the top and your name at the bottom.  Of course, you can always use a Sharpie and hand-write your name and kids' names in.  There is a set included for team teachers as well.  

Grab the bookmarks by clicking the cover below and get to personalizing!  I'm also linking the ribbon (3/8 inch works well) for you HERE-a bit more expensive to buy on Amazon than a craft store...(because it's April 23 and we are all mentally fried).  Enjoy!

xo

Megan