With school around the corner, finding a way to inspire kids throughout the school year is important. It is also a great way to stay connected, let them know you care, and to give them encouragement on those difficult days. Back in the day, when I was in school, text messages weren’t an option but a note in my lunch box made my day. Here are some ideas to inspire your students as they go back to school this week!
I love getting cards, and receiving a card, for no reason at all - it is the best kind of card to receive. I have a stack of cards and envelopes on my desk and do my best to send a note out a day to let someone know that I value them. A handwritten note is always personal, but in the hustle and bustle of daily life sometimes it is hard to take the time to sit down and write. I found the answer in the Lunchbox Sampler, a series of small cards that you can tuck in your child’s backpack or lunchbox that require little effort, but will have a large impact.
These cards offer words of advice, “When it comes to homework it is easier to keep up than catch up,” and words of encouragement, “Follow your dreams they know the way,” and words of praise, “I’m proud of you!” I love that they open up like an advent calendar to reveal a surprise or secret message. They also come with a little envelope so if you want to include a handwritten note you can.
Why wait until lunch to inspire your child, start the day off right with a message of praise hanging on a doorknob or on the medicine
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cabinet for your child to find.
These “Hooray for My Kids” note tags from Where Inspiration Meets Design are the ideal size and you can write a quick note on the back of the tag.
Since there are a few more days before school starts, use this time to create something together with your kids. Using magnetic chalkboard paint, paint a thermos or lunch box creating a surface for messages. Thumb through magazines and cut out pictures that inspire them and letters that can be used to create words. Attach the pictures and letters to magnetic strips with craft glue. Kids will enjoy receiving messages from you and be challenged to rework the letters to leave a message back to you to discover at the end of the day.
Another use for this paint is to create a space at home where kids can track their schedules, leave notes, or share their artistic impressions of the day.
If you have a student going away to college and you want to leave them on campus with a little inspiration, visit Wonderful Graffiti. Send in your favorite inspirational quote and they will send it back to you in a vinyl cling.
These are great because they are easy to install and will not remove the paint from the wall when they move out of their dorm room and take it down. These clings are a great visual and will definitely leave a lasting impression.
We all like to know that we are valued, and seek encouragement on bad days, and that includes kids too. Start this school year off right letting them know you are here for them and believe in their ability to grow and learn.
09.04.08 @ 11:51 am
SO SIMPLE, AND YET SO GENIUS!
09.04.08 @ 4:21 pm
I love these ideas. I draw a face on my daughter’s paper snack bag every day with a different funny expression and with a message to her. She loves it.
09.05.08 @ 9:59 am
I love my food doodlers. They are like markers for food. I draw smile faces etc.. on my daughters sandwiches.
09.05.08 @ 12:02 pm
Love Kelley’s tips for Back to School Inspiration. Will use these straight away. Thanks!
09.05.08 @ 3:34 pm
I am passing this on to my sister so she can use the ideas with my nephew, Miles, thanks.
09.05.08 @ 3:36 pm
I remember getting notes in my lunch from my mom and it made my day. Thanks for the reminder Kelley!
09.05.08 @ 3:58 pm
I worked with Kelley 10 years ago and she was just as thoughtful then. I am happy she has been so successful finding broad audiences to share her talents. Great tips, come back for more!
09.05.08 @ 4:13 pm
So glad to see a “Seattle girl” on here. Kelly is great, so it’s perfect to see two minds (Kelley’s and Rachael’s) coming together.
09.05.08 @ 5:13 pm
I love sending notes in my little one’s lunch or on the cover of her notebook. I can’t wait to find the printed ones, which I’ll also use to encourage my pre-teen. Thanks!
09.05.08 @ 7:58 pm
I love her blog- I read it daily! Glad to see you’re joining forces with RR.
09.08.08 @ 12:53 pm
LML,
Thank you for your comment on my first post. I have visited yours quite a few times, and am excited to be a part of the site along with you. I would love to see some of your funny face drawings! I think it is great that you take the time to start her day off right. Thanks again for checking in. Kelley
09.08.08 @ 1:26 pm
What a joy to see Lunch Mail featured on your blog! We continue to hear from parents and teachers who have found inspiring new ways to deliver these cards to their kids (on their pillow at bed time, under their milk glass at dinner, in their gym bag on the weekend, etc).
One insight I especially like—and you said it so well—”I love receiving a card for no reason at all—it is the best kind of card to receive.” How true. Thanks for all you do.
—Dan Zadra, Compendium Inc (creators of Lunch Mail)
09.09.08 @ 1:19 pm
Rach i am sending you a big B-day wish from my family to you . send me 4 month’s of your RachealRay Magzine to me . I want it but i cannot afford to buy it right now because my husband work is very slow right now . Love You Racheal From Your Friend Emma Wells My address is 1786 west water st. Borden ; Ind. 47106
10.08.08 @ 12:01 pm
Hi kelly,
I saw you on the Rachel ray show a few days ago, and you where doing a project where you printed a large image from the computer and put it in a mountain of frames..I have an idea for my classroom, but I don’t remember the site you when on to post the image in the proper grid…
Do you mind posting it.
Thanks