Show teachers you care during Teacher Appreciation Week with these tips from LearningRx

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas -- With the end of the school year just around the corner, there is no better time to thank teachers for all their hard work. In fact, Teacher Appreciation Day is Tuesday, May 7, and is usually celebrated all week long at school.

Kim Bellini, owner and director of The LearningRx, said to forget buying apples and try something new this year.

As a former teacher, Bellini has several suggestions for ways students can show their appreciation:

-- Gift cards are a great option for busy parents. Everyone loves a gift card to a coffee shop, a local restaurant or the movies. If you want to get creative, wrap the gift card in a unique way.

-- Take-Out can be a great gift – as long as you know what the teachers like. Make sure to check ahead of time to see if the teacher is on a special diet. Consider giving baked goods, fresh fruit, gourmet nuts, candy or even lunch to-go from a favorite restaurant.

-- Children’s art is another fun way to show you care. Challenge your kids to get creative and show they care by giving their teachers an original piece of art.

-- Photos are always fun. Take a photo of your child with the teacher and frame it or make it part of a thank you card.

-- Classroom goodies are a practical gift. Ask the teacher if any supplies are needed or get together with other parents to make that classroom wish come true. Often teachers need the basics -- pencils and paper or even hand sanitizers.

-- Summertime gifts can be a great hit with teachers. Get a tote and fill it with favorite magazines, a new pair of shades, a fluffy beach towel and a gift certificate for a smoothie – and prepare your favorite teacher for some fun in the sun.

Bellini believes a great option is a thoughtful thank you note. “It’s one of the best gifts I ever received as a teacher,” she said. “It’s simple to do, and it really means a lot.”

For busy parents, a quick Internet search will find several free, downloadable teacher appreciation certificates.

Bellini also suggests doing some research. “Go through the front office and don’t be afraid to ask them about what the teachers like, want, need, and appreciate,” she said.

Bellini said any way to show gratitude will make a difference and brighten a teacher’s day.

“A teacher’s job is extremely difficult, and they often don’t receive a lot of praise,” she said. “Showing appreciation is a good way to develop a relationship with a particular teacher or a school in general.”

Bellini added that the best way to show teachers some love is to simply be a good student.

“Explain to your children that being respectful in class and focused on lessons is meaningful to teachers,” Bellini said. “Make sure your child knows that being enthusiastic about learning is a great way to say thanks to a teacher.”