Cheap Ways to Recognize Seniors
This time of year is so exciting for our seniors and a wee bit sad (in a good way) for both seniors and teachers. I like to send seniors off to the next chapter of their life with a little bit of advice as well as some recognition for their achievements. So let’s talk about some cheap ways to recognize seniors.
Most of us are lone ASL teachers which leaves us with the opportunity to have our students for four years. That is a long time to build a solid relationship with those students. When those seniors are ready to graduate and move on, we want to acknowledge their achievements. Here is a list of ideas that can work for you and your budget.
Idea #1
I like to celebrate seniors with a little goodbye party. I decorate each student’s desk with confetti and an achievement medal. Even though the “medal” is cheap plastic my seniors wear it all day. They love it because it shows someone recognized their success. I also think they wear them because it bonds them together as a small, tight-knit group. On the desk, I also place a handwritten notecard for each student. This makes this a very personalized acknowledgment. Lastly, I buy plastic champagne flutes and bring in some Martinelli sparkling cider. I make a toast to them then each senior needs to make a toast by saying something about their ASL experience as well as commenting on their future.
Idea #2
Have seniors write a letter to themselves. They can write about where they think they will be in one year, what they think their next step in life will be like, and how they are feeling at this moment. They should address an envelope with their current address and give the envelope to you. Stick them in your drawer to mail out next year at graduation. I always put them in a drawer that I look into often so I don’t forget next year at graduation to pop them into the district mail.
That is what I do for my seniors but there are many other ideas you can use.
Idea #3
This one cost a bit more money depending on the number of graduating seniors you have. In the past, I have given each graduating senior an inspiring note and an ILY pin to remember the class and of course me.
Idea #4
Create a slideshow with the students’ baby picture, adolescent picture, and senior picture. Have them write a quote and place it with their three pictures. Put to some sappy music (the kids like this). Play for the class and post on your school’s social media accounts. #adorbs
Idea#5
Do you have space for a rock garden outside of your classroom door? Have students create a rock with their name or an inspirational word along with the year they graduate on it. Paint pens make this an easy and clean way to do this in your class. If they are really talented have them paint their favorite ASL sign.
Idea #6
Dedicate a space on the wall for existing seniors to autograph on their way out the door. Call it a Senior Walk Out. This can be done on a canvas, a mounted whiteboard, or even a bedsheet. If you have a really hip school, students can actually autograph the wall.
Idea #7
This one is easier than pie…bake cupcakes and bring them to the students. They all love food and this will be super special to them. No time to bake? Pick up a few cupcakes in your school colors at your local bakery.
Idea #8
Laminate these cute Dr. Suess 
Idea #9
ILY Lollipops are a special treat to give seniors. You can purchase a dozen for $5.99 from Oriental Trading Company or get a chocolate mold from Amazon and make them yourself. It is quick and easy to make chocolate molds. This can be more economical if you have many seniors graduating. It is also reusable and can save you money year after year.
Idea #10
From the great Ginny Petrea Moorefield: Take a class photo each year and frame it with a photo mat. Have all the graduating seniors sign the mat.
What do you think about these cheap ways to recognize seniors? Will you incorporate one or two to become a tradition in your ASL program? We would love to see pictures. Post them in the Creative ASL Teaching Facebook Group.
Need another idea? You can copy and laminate these cute bookmarks to give to students.
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