Writing a thank you note to a teacher is always a kind way to show your gratitude and appreciation. The best way to thank someone who has been instrumental in your life is to express your feelings explicitly and frankly. Learn how to write a thank you note to your child's teacher or yours, by following these simple tips.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Write a Thank You Card to Your Child's Teacher
Step 1. Get a sheet of paper
Gather ideas and write down the memories or words that come to your mind when you think of this teacher. Use this time to organize your thoughts and dwell on what you want to thank him for and why. Think about:
- Your child's experience in the school context and any positive things he told you about this teacher.
- Your relationship with this teacher. What positive experiences have you shared?
- What do you know about this teacher? Like?
- What terms would you use to describe it to someone else?
- What could this teacher write in a thank you note addressed to you if he were to write one?
Step 2. Write the note in your own hand
Handwritten cards add a personal touch that is often more valuable than a document made with a word processor. Inexpensive writing papers are easy to find in office equipment stores. Some stationeries sell decorated cards to match the envelopes.
You can also use a blank sheet! This gives you and your child the option to add a design later. A custom design is as valued as, if not more, than pre-printed cardstock
Step 3. Address the teacher in a formal tone
Start with "Dear_". It's always best to err on the side of professionalism when writing a letter to a teacher. Address him with the same name that his students use.
Write "Dear Mr. Rossi", instead of "Hey, Paolo!"
Step 4. Give your thanks
Take a look at the notes you wrote in Step 1 to help you write your letter. Use words that don't make you uncomfortable and write short sentences. You don't need to use polished language - just say what comes to your mind. Try phrases like:
- Thanks for this amazing year!
- My son / daughter has learned a lot from her (you can mention specific examples, if there are any).
- We are very grateful (give a specific example of something the teacher did or talk about a funny memory you share).
Step 5. Put it all together
Think about how you could customize this letter so that it cannot be directed to anyone other than this specific teacher. Take the opportunity to show yourself kind. Even if you didn't get along particularly well with this teacher, there must be something for which you respect him.
- If you and your child are very attached to this teacher, summarize your positive experiences in a few lines such as: “Giulio really enjoyed the board games project. He often uses the game made during his lessons”.
- If you and your child have had a negative experience with this teacher, try to find his positive sides and thank him specifically for them. You could say something like, “Thank you for all the extra time you spent on Giulio doing his math homework. He has always had some gaps in this matter, but thanks to his lessons he has made a lot of progress”.
Step 6. Sign your ticket
Thanks again to the teacher and sign. Conclude with formal greetings such as:
- "With regard".
- "With best regards".
- "Best wishes".
- "Greetings".
- "Sincere greetings".
- "My heartfelt thanks".
Step 7. Get your child involved
Regardless of his education, he can help you by adding a personal touch to the letter. The designs are great embellishments. A separate thank-you note and a sentence written personally by him would also be fine. You can also help him collect some scraps of the material he used in class, which he could color, decorate, sign, and enclose with your letter.
- If your child is in elementary school, help them write a short thank-you phrase (about half a page) based on their abilities. If he is a budding artist, help him find the right inspiration. Ask him to draw a portrait of his teacher or to depict what he remembers from his lessons. The scribbles are perfect too!
- If your child is attending junior high or high school, help them describe in a few lines their most cherished memory of the school year that has just ended.
- If your child has a disability, help him write simple sentences or draw drawings in the best possible way. Decorate the card with some stickers or glitter. You can also make a drawing and ask him to color it.
Step 8. Add a small gift (optional)
If you decide to give him something, don't overdo it and don't spend too much money. There are many perfect gift ideas that don't cost too much. Here are some suggestions:
- Flowers. If you know a place where you can pick wildflowers, you can make a bouquet together with your child and give it to their teacher. Or you can go to a nursery and choose an indoor plant. You could also place it in a container complete with a self-watering system or in a small pot.
- A bag of candy. Find a good quality envelope in a bookstore or stationery shop and with your child's help fill it with sweets. You can also add highlighters, post-its etc.
- Gift card. Which teacher wouldn't appreciate a gift card? Do not exceed the amount of the gift card: 10-20 euros are fine.
Step 9. Deliver the thank you card
You can send it in the mail, but even if you deliver it to them in person, that's fine!
Method 2 of 3: Write a Thank You Card to Your Teacher
Step 1. Write the card by hand:
it will probably be appreciated more. However, if you have just graduated from high school or if you are concerned that you will not be able to meet your teacher in the future, you can write the letter to your PC and send it by e-mail.
Step 2. Collect ideas
Reflect on how this teacher has made a difference in your life and what you specifically want to thank him for. Make a list of words to describe your experiences with this teacher.
- Use a light and sincere tone in your letter.
- Avoid making obvious or unnecessary statements. You don't have to specify why you are writing the letter.
- Don't write sentences like: “I'm writing to thank you…”.
- Just thank him!
Step 3. Begin your letter with a formal greeting
Address him the same way you would in class. If you call him tu in the classroom, use his name in the letter.
- Saying "Dear" instead of "Hey" denotes greater respect and professionalism.
- You should write the letter on nice writing paper. You can buy it at any stationery shop.
Step 4. Thank him
Use a few sentences to say simply and clearly why you want to thank him. Remembering a few specific examples and episodes will make your letter more impactful and personal. Include phrases like:
- "He was a great help when I had difficulties."
- “Thank you for encouraging me in the most difficult moments”.
- "His teachings have helped me be a better student."
- "Thanks for your patience".
- “It helped me discover my potential”.
- "You are the best teacher ever!"
- "I will never forget her".
Step 5. Connect with your teacher
Show him that his lessons really impressed you. Teachers often come home wondering what, if anything, their students have learned from their lessons. Make him understand his importance to you. At the end of the day everyone loves to be appreciated for their work.
- If your teacher has encouraged you to deepen his subject, tell him!
- Whether you have become very good friends, or have had disagreements, however your teacher has done you a service, so let him know that you are grateful to him.
Step 6. Make sure you don't lose sight of each other
Express your desire to keep in touch with him in the future. Invite him to contact you and propose how.
Step 7. Sign your letter
Thank your teacher again and write your name. Enter the necessary information to contact you if you wish to keep in touch with him. Conclude with a formal greeting like:
- "Sincerely".
- "Yours sincerely".
- "My warmest greetings".
- "With regard".
- "With best regards".
- "Thank you so much".
Step 8. Deliver your letter
If possible, give your letter in person. You could also leave it in her school mail or mail it. If you have no other choice, please email it.
- If you send him an e-mail, be sure to use a recognizable address and don't forget to write a subject such as "Thanks from Giulio".
- If your teacher does not recognize the address, it is likely that they will not read your e-mail.
Method 3 of 3: Add a Personal Touch
Step 1. Add a catchy quote
If you are writing a thank you note to an Italian or history teacher, this is a great idea. Write a quote that sticks with you.
Step 2. Insert a joke
Make fun of something you learned in class. Make the joke related to his subject or talk about a funny episode that happened in his class.
Step 3. Tell a story
Remind your teacher about the first day of school or about your emotions before and after a difficult task. Let him know that you enjoyed his lessons. If your impression of him has changed positively over time, tell him.
Advice
- Remember that the ticket doesn't have to be long to have meaning. It's the thought that counts.
- When you write it, pay attention to grammar and spelling, even if it was addressed to the math teacher.
- It is more valuable to tell a specific episode than to dwell on general speeches. For example, the detailed description of the difficulties he helped you overcome in his subject is more telling than the phrase "He helped me tremendously."
- Personalize the letter according to the teacher to whom it is addressed.
Warnings
- Never write a thank you card to try to get higher grades. This behavior denotes disrespect and probably would not have the desired effect. Even if your grades weren't excellent, you can still thank your teacher for his time, as long as you're honest.
- Don't expect to get something in return. Write the letter only to show your esteem for the teacher. He may not reciprocate your gesture and that's okay. Remember that he has already dedicated his time to you teaching you!
- Never use a thank you card to insult a teacher or to complain about them. If your words aren't sincere, don't write them down.
- Never buy an expensive gift for your teacher, expecting something in return. Buy cheap gifts and don't face expenses you can't afford.
