Thank You Notes with a Twist

While some people expect them, to others they're a welcome surprise! Either way, right after the holidays people love to receive them! Thank You notes!

However, most kids hate to write them!  I know it's a battle with my own two children.  Since they were very little they have been (reluctantly) writing them.  I think they don't enjoy it because "it takes too much time." Regardless, it's important to show appreciation for a gift received.

In school, my students have occasionally written thank you notes to their parents as a way to recognize all that is being done for them at home.  This year I will have them write a note for one of their Christmas or Hanukkah gifts.  Of course, an accompanying lesson will be  'How to Write' a thank you note. and "How to Address an Envelope.

To make it less painless I will give the students a choice when creating their notes. They may choose one of the following: 

• Use blank construction paper to create their own.

• Use a recycled holiday card (I remove the fronts of the Christmas cards sent to me and use them as part of the thank you card.)

• Use a holiday printable template from DLTK (or a template like in the picture above from Family Fun)   (I used the free PDFEscape to type in the boxes, but handwriting works too!)

• Create your own Printable Card from "Got Free Cards". Choose from many covers and don't forget to add some stickers. 

• Create more Kid Friendly Printables for all kinds of occasions from Greetings Island. You can even add your own photos - then print!

• Send an e-Card:  Choose from an array of different cards from Yahoo and email them to relatives and friends. (this is a fun, easy option but this site does not allow you to add your own words).

It's never too early (and although the above video says to be punctual - I think it's never too late) to write a 'Thank You' as it will surely warm the hearts of the recipients knowing their gift was valued and treasured. (And as writing Thank You's is often a form of Art it will make the writer feel good about adding personal touches and sentiments as well).

I must hurry now and get my own notes out!