Teacher Appreciation Thank You's

Hi there! It’s Lisa from over at Second Grade Stories and I’m happy to be back here at iTeachSecond sharing a Monday Make It.  This little "project" is a quick and easy idea to use this week to put a smile on a teacher's face. Since this week is Teacher Appreciation week, I wanted my students to understand how important it is to do something thoughtful for teachers they have had.  I also needed it to be something simple!  I really wanted my students to see how a little thing such as a handwritten note could make a difference for a teacher.  So I decided to have each of them write a quick note to teacher they had worked with.

We started by making a list of all the teachers my students had come in contact with over their brief second grade careers.  We listed classroom teachers, specials teachers, reading and math teachers, intervention teachers – any teacher they could think of.  Then we created a second list detailing what made these teachers special – I encouraged them to share specific things they remembered, rather than just general statements such as “You are a great teacher!”

Next, we reviewed how to write a letter – date, salutation, body (with an opening sentence, details and closing sentence), closing and signature.  My kiddos each chose a different teacher and wrote a rough draft, then a final copy.  They turned out to be adorable!

They were so proud of how they came out and couldn’t wait until Monday when I would put them in teacher mailboxes. This was a great way to do a little letter writing review, talk about using specific instead of general details - and make someone happy! - all at the same time!

If you’d like the templates to use with your own kiddos, you can download the file by clicking on the image. I included a bunch of different graphics that print beautifully on colored paper.  Or you can print on white paper and have your students do the coloring.

Sometimes the easiest and simplest things are the most powerful.  This activity took only one writing period, but I know how touched every teacher will be when they receive their note. Happy Teacher Appreciation week!