The Best Gifts for the Student Writers in Your Life

Wherever I look, there are cute ideas for holiday gifts that teachers can make or do for students. TikTokkers, Pinteresters, Instagrammers, Facebookers, and their whole crew have all sorts of crafty and creative things to do.

Don’t get me wrong; I love to do unique crafts with the best of them. This year, however, I’d like to offer my students – and you, my colleagues! – another perspective on holiday gift-giving. For those of you who read last year’s gift guide for teachers, I’m taking the same approach: intangible things we could all use more of.

To my students, I’m wrapping your gifts with love and sending them to you with a giant bow on top.

Presence. We live in a world of distractions and preoccupation. So often, our interactions are obstructed by technology, or the everyday worries and concerns of life. But no matter how tethered we are online, there is no substitute for human connection. You deserve to feel seen and heard. 

I promise to take the time to SEE you. How are you doing? What kind of day are you having? Where could you use support? What will help you be the best version of yourself? When we are together, I will take the time to pause, look you in the eye, and consider what you say – because it matters. YOU matter.

Trust. My big gripe about most school tasks and school work is that they’re done for the benefit of adults. It’s often about performing a certain way to gain positive feedback or good grades. Guess correctly what the grown-up wants, and you’ll be fine. I’m all for holding folks to high standards, but I think the current system teaches you not to trust your own sense of judgement. I want you to know I trust you as a learner. 

Is this work good? YOU probably know what your solid effort feels like. And if you don’t, I’m here to help you figure that out.

Is it okay if I write things this way in my notes? Does it help you to do it that way? You know what you need as a learner. And if you don’t, I’m once again here to help you figure that out.

Let’s face it: people will underestimate you because you’re a kid. Grown-ups just about always do. But every day, I see proof that you’re some of the most thoughtful, capable, and principled people on the planet. I’ll do what it takes to get you to see it, too.

Joy. Learning is work. Hard work. But it’s a mistake to assume things can’t be both difficult and enjoyable at the same time. As a recovering perfectionist, I get it. For a long while, I avoided anything I wasn’t good at. And then I learned that if I want to be good at something, I first have to be bad at it. Almost magically, I found freedom in accepting there’s more to learn. It’s both humbling and exciting. 

And in that work of learning, I find that many of the problems I ordinarily carry with me…well, they go away, at least for that time. I get to focus on the task at hand. Letting go of certain expectations creates space for all kinds of great things: curiosity, wonder, and yes, joy. We deserve all of those things. YOU deserve all of those things. I pledge to create a space where we can do and enjoy that work together.

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I hope you find good use for these gifts, both during the winter months and throughout the year. Feel free to place them on a sunny windowsill, tuck them into your pocket and carry with you, or share them with others. 

Do you have additional gifts to add to our pile? Leave them in the comments and share with all!