The write start - Jennifer Hallissy 2010

Thank-You Notes
Guidelines for the Activities

WITH A LITTLE INGENUITY, we can turn the obligatory thank-you note into something much more fun. (Dare I say, even enjoyable?) All it really takes is a slight adjustment in attitude to turn these requisite little expressions of gratitude into something that will actually be gratifying to write.

So how do we breathe new life into the old thank-you note? First of all, we can start by jazzing it up a bit. Make the card out of a repurposed piece of your child’s artwork. Or have your children make a drawing of themselves looking immensely happy and grateful, and then make cards out of the drawings by running off a stack of them on the copy machine. Maybe take a picture of your child holding up a big sign that says “Thanks,” make multiple copies, and have them write their note on the back.

Next, brainstorm ahead of time some words and expressions that may suitably express their gratitude. “Thank you” is nice, but “You rock!” “You’re too cool for school,” and “Were you reading my mind?” have a more enthusiastic ring to them.

A little creativity on our part can turn a thankless chore into an exciting reason to write. Try it and see for yourself, and you can thank me later (no note required).

MATERIALS

∗ creative paper (old artwork, new drawing, photo of your child)

∗ pencil

∗ envelopes

∗ stamps

HOW-TO

Encourage your children to express their gratitude by writing simple thank-you notes. Keep the notes short, sweet, and personal. Make sure your children mention the name of the gift in the note. Don’t be tempted to have them write too many at once; it helps to focus on one or two at a time.

Variations

For Scribblers: Write down Scribblers’ reactions to questions, such as “How did you feel when you opened the gift?” “What is a super-exciting way to say thank you?” Make sure they get a chance to make their marks on the page as well.

For Spellers: Take some of the pressure off Spellers by helping them complete a fill-in-the-blank style note (see “Thank-You Note” in the templates section).

For Storytellers: After brainstorming and listing their gift-related emotions, Storytellers will be ready to compose a sensational note.

For Scholars: Challenge Scholars to find some new and improved ways to say thank you. (Like making cards by tracing around a foot, cutting it out, and starting out by saying, “You knock my socks off!”) Dare them to come up with something delightfully different (they just may surprise you!).