My oldest is in 7th grade now, Grasshopper and Sensei, and this was a gift each 5th grade kid received. Each child wrote one sentence to each of their classmates on why they appreciate that person. Their teacher typed it up and printed it on beautiful paper.
It reminds me of what she was like in 5th grade and who she is now. It’s a special keepsake that she keeps pinned to her bulletin board in her room.
I was also thinking that this would make a lovely gift for anyone:
- colleague departing at work
- birthday gift (for my mom who is about to turn 90!). Must think of way to do this will all party guests!
- for any grade as a graduation gift from preschool to high school
- a classroom gift to a teacher
- a gift to a coach
I appreciate you because …
You are a funny, nice and caring person.
You are a great artist.
You have been a great friend to me since Kindergarten and you always know how to pick me up when I’m down.
You are a great friend and are very forgiving.
You are a great artist and awesome at soccer.
In art class, we were always having a fantastic time together.
You took the time to make sure that my name was spelled correctly in the talent show phamplet.
For being funny and kind to people.
For knowing what your dreams are and working towards them.
You are a funny, generous person.
You express your opinions and feelings to everyone.
You always helped me in Social Studies.
You love to laugh and are good in groups.
You are really good at typing to type the program for the variety show.
You offer help when others don’t notice.
You are really focused on the task at hand.
You made a great program for the talent show.
For chasing me.
You can get the job done in Project Adventure in gym.
For being so generous letting me borrow some books you thought I would like.
How would you use an I Appreciate You list? Please share your ideas for I Appreciate You Gift Ideas! Thank you!
BEST #OWNVOICES CHILDREN’S BOOKS: My Favorite Diversity Books for Kids Ages 1-12 is a book that I created to highlight books written by authors who share the same marginalized identity as the characters in their books.
What a great idea for 5th graders-right on the cusp of all sorts of crazy changes. Okay: Mia, I appreciate you because you are full of book-smarts, you’re extremely supportive, and you take boxing lessons. 🙂
Thanks so much Jeanette,
I’m telling you: these words of appreciation really do mean a lot to me. I don’t think we do this enough as humans.
I appreciate you Jeanette because you are so extremely funny and witty. Your mind is crazy creative and you have absolutely the best ideas for art projects for kids on the planet. You know how to see the bright side of any situation. And you are a great mother.
Aw, heck. Are you trying to make me get all teary-eyed in Starbucks? XO
Hi Jeanette,
Oh, today is such a sentimental day for me. My middle child just graduated from 5th grade. Hopefully you have sunglasses to hide the misty eyes … that’s what I had to do today! But, honestly, I do really appreciate you! And I appreciate your thoughts of me as well. Thank you!
My daughter had a teacher in 7th grade I think where she did the same thing. Its an unbelievable gift for children to have the whole class’s positive affirmations about you. I recently heard a story about a fellow that died and when the family was in morning a few old students (grown men) showed up to comfort them. They each had in their wallet that list that this wonderful teacher had done with their class so many years ago.
Hi Faigie,
Wow! I can see how that list of peer affirmations would be very comforting and a great keepsake. I treasure my daughter’s because it describes her so perfectly.
Great idea! We all need appreciation. So many people put all their efforts into being negative. If only they took all that energy to be positive and appreciative!
Hi Barbara,
What a nice idea! Use the same energy to be positive and appreciative! It sounds so simple, doesn’t it. I wonder if we can do this daily as a Act of Kindness. I love that idea and it’s not difficult to execute daily.
I love love love this idea! For you, Mia,
I appreciate your generous heart and spirit, your curious, sharp mind, your caring ways and your ability to out talk me – pretty unheard of that last one!
Hi Nancy B.,
You are funny! I appreciate your willingness to really listen to everyone, that confidences stay in your vault of silence, and your generosity to support every single person you know plus everyone they know.
What a great thoughtful gift!
Hi MaryAnne,
I really do treasure it. My middle daughter received one this year as a graduating 5th grader. It’s nice to get positive feedback from your peers.
You must be so proud of your daughter getting that list!
Love this activity!
I appreciate Mia because she always writes about things that interest me and because she encourages me : )
Hi Ann,
It is such a special gift to all the kids. I do love this idea. I am going to copy this for my mom’s 90th birthday party coming up. I’m in charge of the invitations so I am thinking of including this question in the RSVP form.