Celebrate a Season of Thanks

 

There’s something magical about finding a handwritten note in your mailbox—a little dose of charm that cuts through our digital lives. Sure, emails and texts are quick, but handwritten thank you cards have a warmth that no emoji can replace. So why not teach students this classic skill, one that builds not only great handwriting but also genuine gratitude?

As the holiday season nears, it’s the perfect time to blend handwriting practice with an expression of thanks. Let’s get students writing thank you cards by hand to share their appreciation and develop handwriting skills. 

The Thank You Card Challenge: A Class Activity

Ready to add a bit of pen-to-paper magic to your classroom? This activity is an easy, meaningful, and yes, a fun way to show gratitude this season. Here’s a guide to get students started:

1. Kick Things Off with a Sample Card
   Start by creating a thank you card together as a class! Go over the basics: the date, a friendly greeting, the main message, and a heartfelt closing. Write it on double-line paper to give students a clear visual guide for their own notes.

2. Hand It Over: Let Students Write Their Own
   Now it’s time for your students to try their hand (literally!). Pass out double-line paper and invite them to create their own thank you cards. Whether it’s for family, a friend, or a special guest, encourage them to think of someone they genuinely want to thank.

3. Encourage a Meaningful Message
   Remind students that their words have power! A simple “thank you” means so much more when it’s handwritten. Ask them to add details about why they’re grateful, making each note personal and heartfelt.

4. Show and Tell
   Create a sharing circle where students can read their thank you cards to each other or a partner. It’s a great way to build confidence and celebrate each other’s unique messages of thanks.

5. Send the Cards Out
   Whether they’re mailed home or delivered to school staff, helping students send their thank you cards adds a final, personal touch. It’s a fantastic way to show that gratitude is meant to be shared!

Make Thank You Cards a Year-Round Tradition!

The holiday season may be the perfect season to kick off this activity, but thank you cards are great all year long! Encourage students to write cards for classroom visitors, community helpers, or school staff. It’s a way to reinforce gratitude while practicing handwriting in a meaningful, real-world way.

Bring back the art of handwritten thank you cards and watch your students’ confidence—and their handwriting—flourish. It’s a simple, timeless practice that builds skills and connects students with others in a personal, powerful way.

Show gratitude with customizable Thank You Notes. Choose the appropriate download by grade level. 

ENGLISH Pre-K Grades K–3 Grades 4–5 All Grades

SPANISH Pre-K Grades K–3 Grades 4–5 All Grades