As educators, we recognize that families come in many forms, and not all students have a traditional mother figure to celebrate on Mother’s Day. To create an inclusive and welcoming environment, consider celebrating a “Special Adult”—a person in each child’s life who provides love, care, and support. This could be a grandmother, aunt, dad, guardian, family friend, or any important caregiver.
Here are some creative and meaningful classroom activities to help students show appreciation for their special adults.
- “You’re Special Because…” Letter Writing
Encourage students to write a heartfelt letter to their special adult, sharing why they appreciate them. Provide sentence starters for younger students, such as:
- “I love when you…”
- “You make me smile when…”
- “Thank you for…”
For an extra touch, students can decorate the letters with drawings or stickers before delivering them.
- Handprint or Fingerprint Art
Have students create handprint or fingerprint art as a personalized gift. Ideas include:
- A handprint tree with fingerprints as leaves
- A heart made of fingerprints
- A butterfly with handprint wings
These keepsakes make a beautiful and sentimental gift for any special adult.
- Acrostic Poems
Students can create an acrostic poem using the name of their special adult. For example, if the name is “Aunt Sara,” they could write:
Always makes me smile
Understands when I’m sad
Never forgets to hug me
Teaches me new things
Encourage students to decorate their poems with colors and illustrations.
- Memory Sharing Activity
Have students think of a favorite memory with their special adult and write a short story or draw a picture to illustrate it. This could be compiled into a class book or displayed in the classroom.
- “Thank You” Coupon Book
Students can create a coupon book filled with helpful or fun things they can do for their special adult, such as:
- “One big hug”
- “Helping with the dishes”
- “Reading a story together”
Encourage students to personalize their coupons based on what their special adult might enjoy.
- Video or Audio Messages
If technology allows, record students sharing a message of gratitude. They can say something like:
- “Thank you for always being there for me.”
- “You’re special to me because…”
These recordings can be sent home as a heartfelt surprise.
- Classroom Celebration of Special Adults
Consider hosting a classroom event where students can invite their special adult (or multiple adults) for a short gathering. Activities can include a read-aloud, a performance, or simply a time for students to share their projects. If in-person events aren’t possible, a virtual showcase with pictures of student work can be a great alternative.
- Free Classroom Popcorn Appreciation Printable
Get your students “popping” with appreciation for a special adult in their life! In the spirit of celebrating those special adults in your students’ lives throughout May and June, let them show their appreciation through this popcorn craft! Download our free popcorn printable.
By shifting the focus from a specific holiday to celebrating the special people in every child’s life, you create an inclusive, meaningful, and heartwarming classroom tradition.
How do you celebrate special adults in your classroom? Share your ideas in the comments!
