Cost:
minimal

Description:
This is a paper tree with paper leaves stapled on it from the students explaining why they are thankful for their teacher.

Preparation:
Buy or make paper leaves - big enough for the students to write on. They can be purchased in a teacher supply store. They are usually used for bulletin boards.
Buy a piece of form board and draw a bare tree with plenty of limbs. Make the limbs far enough apart so all leaves can be seen.
Hand out the leaves to the students and have them write "I am thankful for Mrs. Smiley because........" and sign their name.
Have each student read their leaf out loud and then staple it to the tree.

Other comments or suggestions:
We sent the leaves home a day or two before the project was due so the parents could help their children with ideas. We also told them that this was a secret project, so don't tell the teacher.
When we drew the tree, we drew a hole in the middle of the tree and added a picture of the teacher. In large letters over the tree we wrote " A Thanksgiving Tree"
The teacher loved the tree and especially loved hearing what all the children had to say.