Categories: Education

Contents of a Teacher’s Treasure Box

If you’re a teacher, you know about the teacher’s treasure box. It’s the loot that teacher’s have stashed in a treasure box, a drawer, a bag, or a container, that equals prizes. Students earn these prizes for good achievement, good behavior, and for special events, such as a birthday. The teacher without this special treasure box of loot is badly in need of such a treasure and would do well to establish this reward system. Read on to learn what teachers put in the teacher’s treasure box for students.

My younger sister has been a primary teacher for over 25 years and she’s always kept a teacher’s treasure box in her classroom. Once when we were at a yard sale together, she went crazy over some little trinkets that were dirt cheap–said she needed them for her teacher’s treasure box. With a little explanation, I soon became aware of the wonders of her teacher’s treasure box and what sort of treasures it contains.

Contents of a Teacher’s Treasure Box

Here’s what my sister typically stashes in her teacher’s treasure box. It’s stuff her students go nuts over–not necessarily stuff adults would even consider as valued treasure.

Costume jewelry is number one in the teacher’s treasure box. She picks up odd earrings, things that dangle, anything with bling or shine.

Another top item in the teacher’s treasure box is toy cars, toy farm equipment, or toy service vehicles. But she’s careful to avoid military equipment, as this may be a sensitive topic for some students, and there’s no need for practicing war in her primary classroom.

Other assorted items she collects for her teacher’s treasure box include these: colorful erasers, pencils with a theme or cut fuzzy toppers, empty CD’s, old mechanical equipment, small tools, practical stuff such as a small package of hand wipes, tissues, a toothbrush, toothpaste, comb or brush, socks, shoelaces, hair ties, markers, or a notepad.

Also in her teacher’s treasure box, she stashes gift certificates for dollar meals at McDonalds or other fast food restaurants. She might also include small candy items or treats, depending on the ingredients or policies set by her particular school.

Creating a Teacher’s Treasure Box

If you’re a teacher wanting to create a teacher’s treasure box for your classroom, think like a student. Think about the types of stuff students like or would stash in a pocket for later play. Don’t disregard the draw of a beautiful or unusual rock.

Donating to a Teacher’s Treasure Box

If you’re not a teacher, but you know one, consider making a donation of kid-treasured items to your favorite elementary teacher. A teacher’s treasure box adds fun for students and adds a positive reward system that gives students something to work toward.