Teachers - Would this annoy you?

[glenthebattleostrich]

Hi,

DD is in Year 1 and one of the curriculum areas this year is Australia. We have relatives visiting other relatives out there over Christmas and wondered if it would be a good idea to ask them to bring some things back for the children to look at? Perhaps some money or pictures. What would you think of a parent who did this? I don't want to come across as pushy or overbearing but at the same time I am aware that a lot of staff buy resources out of their own money.

They will also be covering volcanos and I have a build your own volcano set, would it be worth offering that to the class too?

Great idea IMO. We did this on occasion (and once DSS who had been a volunteer at the Olympics went to give a talk etc) and it was always much appreciated.

I'd be really grateful. What a lovely thought.

Give your stuff, don't expect to get it back, enjoy. They'll love it.

Sounds a lovely idea, we are really grateful for anything offered.

Lovely idea ... Photographs of landmarks are always useful.

I would love you forever! Not overbearing at all just really helpful.

Great idea. Anything like coins, postcards of Aboriginal art, a newspaper, and most definitely photos of Christmas in a hot climate. That will blow their minds!

Fantastic, I'll send an email to school.

I'm happy to donate the stuff, really not worried about getting it back. I'm a childminder so know what little people can be like!!!

So if I ask for the list in Finola1steps post, anything else?

Ask the school but maybe some examples of the different food/treats for the children to taste
Twisties
Tim tams
lamingtons

They could have a little Aussie tasting snack time.

Pictures of people playing Aussie rules rather than soccer.

Maybe a little soft toy koala and/or kangaroo?

I would be over the moon if a parent did that. How nice of you! But as another message said - don't expect to get any of it back in one piece!

I'd be thrilled. If a pupil brings in things from home I do insist that it's looked after and treated with respect.

Ask for photos of people's houses / schools / shopping centres etc. Things that can be directly compared with the local area.

I think it's lovely when children and parents bring things in that are related to our topics.

Yes, lovely idea, even better if you're happy to lend them for the term so they can be used for a display . I would avoid anything fragile/expensive, just in case.

Food is great - tim tams, some of the snack chips, chocolates. Caramello Koalas are pretty easy to transport and kids love them.

Anything sport related is also good, such as from aussie rules footy.

Definitely a full set of coins (and notes if you can stretch to that). Also some stamps.

Ask them to buy you a couple of newspapers next Tuesday and Wednesday, the day of and the day after the Melbourne Cup. It's something which is very Australian and the newspaper will have plenty of footage. The class could even do a 'Sweeps' and show footage of the race for a bit of fun.

Oh, and make sure they bring Haighs chocolate.

Not for the class of course, that's just for you ;)