By ALLI LEE

The Kokomo Post Staff

Here at The Kokomo Post, we are so thankful for the teachers in our community. Since 1984, Teacher Appreciation Week has been celebrated the first full week of May. That’s this week, May 6-10 with National Teacher’s Day on Tuesday, May 3.

So, how do you show your appreciation for the people who gladly spend five days a week helping your kids learn? We can help!

Here are seven ways you can #ThankATeacher during Teacher Appreciation Week!

Purchased Gifts Ideas

Gift Cards and local finds

Sometimes gift cards seem “too easy” or impersonal, but not for teachers. They love getting gift cards, especially for useful things (think gas, groceries, and school or sports supplies)! Be mindful if your kid’s teacher is a coffee lover, a gift card from Starbucks or one of our amazing local coffee shops would also be a special treat! We even put together a list of other local gift ideas to help you shop here.

Amazon Wish Lists

School supplies for teachers and students are needed throughout the entire school year. Does your kid’s teacher have an amazon wish list or needs list? Local radio station WWKI shared teachers with wish lists on its website. Is your child’s teacher on the list? Be sure to add a gift message so the teacher knows who the donation is from!

Donorschoose Projects

Donorschoose.org is a nonprofit crowdfunding website where teachers can post larger-cost projects for their classroom needs. The website has promotions throughout the year where corporations and foundations match gifts or support projects all over the nation. Check out some of the projects from the Kokomo School Corporation. You can also search by teacher and school.

Favorite Things

Some schools are sending these or posting these to help families share the love throughout the year, but could you get a hold of some of your teacher’s favorite things? EVERY Teacher has a “snack drawer” and would love being gifted their favorite sweet or salty snack. You still have time to get your teacher to fill out one of these lists so you can shop for next week. Here is an option we found from roommomrescue.com!

Homemade & No-Cost Gift Ideas

Hand-written Notes or Drawings

This has proven to be one of the top teacher appreciation gifts! Can you spare a few minutes in the evening to have your kids sit down and write or draw something for their teachers? Be sure to have them write who its from! Some teachers keep a “smile file” and enjoy thinking back on these notes and drawings from past students.

Compliment your Teacher to their Principal

This idea is easy and special because administrators usually only hear from parents when something is wrong. Why not share what a great job your kid’s teacher is doing with their principal? You can find your school principal’s contact information on your school website.Leave them a voicemail or send a quick email! They have the opportunity to nominate them for local awards and grants using your feedback.

Leave a positive review for your teacher

Google and Rate My Teacher reviews normally share negative thoughts and circumstances. Sharing a quick review for your teacher and mentioning their positive qualities and strengths will not only show your appreciation but also help other parents who may be looking for a new school.

Gift giving is a great opportunity for us to support our locally owned and small businesses. If you spot a perfect teacher appreciation gift at a local store, share it in the comments! We love our teachers, but we can’t forget the other special people that make our schools a positive place. Thank you to school support staff, librarians, bus drivers, coaches, nurses, teacher aids and paraprofessionals!

7 Ways You Can Thank a Teacher this Teacher Appreciation Week