Photo by Hadar Maor

by Hadar Maor, Monthly Columnist

With another school year around the corner, I’m sure there are many things on your mind! Setting up the perfect bulletin boards, making new name tags, sharpening hundreds of pencils! And on top of all of that, making sure that your students feel welcome in their new classroom. What’s a more exciting way to welcome your students than with a personalized gift? Here is a fun little goodie bag that you can make for your students not only as a fun gift, but as a way to build camaraderie and set standards for your classroom.

Here’s what you’ll need:

*A clear bag

*An eraser

*A pencil

*A page of stickers

*A puzzle piece

*A bookmark

*Smarties candy

*LifeSaver candy

*Laffy Taffy candy

*Starburst candy

Put the fun little treats into a clear plastic bag and attach a special note. Each item represents an important piece of the classroom.

The eraser is to remind you
that it is ok to make mistakes.
We’ll work & learn together,
No matter what it takes.

The pencil represents all the
work that we will do.
It may seem a little tough at first
But we’ll have tons of fun too!

The stickers mean we’ll stick together
and work hard as a team.

The puzzle piece shows how we fit
together, working towards a common theme.

The bookmark is to show you
You always have a place.
If you ever feel a little lost
We’ll help you find your space.

The Smarties are to remind you
how smart I think you are.
Work hard & do your very best
Remember to aim far.

The Lifesaver is to show you that

even if things get rough along the way,
Your friends & I are here to lend a hand each and every day.

 The Laffy Taffy is to keep you laughing
as with hard work comes a lot of fun.
Remember to always keep smiling
and in the end we’ll all have won.

 The Starburst is to show you
that in my eyes you are a STAR.
Do your best, try your hardest
& stay just the way you are!

If your school has a no candy policy, you can always add other office items from around the classroom. For example, a rubber band can represent being flexible and stretching yourself to do things you didn’t think you were able to do. Look around your classroom and see what else you can find!

And have a wonderful first day back at school!

About the Author

Hadar Maor, author of the education blog Miss Kindergarten, has known that she’s wanted to be a teacher since she was in second grade. She loves organizing, crafting, DIY projects, baking, the beach, bargain shopping and sharing her passion of teaching and blogging with others. Find her on Facebook!