A Thank You Letter is an understanding way to show gratitude and appreciation to a teacher. The best way to thank someone who has changed your life is to express your feelings clearly and sincerely. Learn how to write a Thank You Letter to your child's teacher, or how to write one to your own teacher by following the easy steps below.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Write a Thank You Letter to Your Child's Teacher
Step 1. Start with a blank piece of paper
Think of ideas and write down memories or words that come to mind when you think of the teacher. Use this time to organize your thoughts and get a feel for what the teacher has done, and why. Think about:
- Your child's experiences in the classroom and any positive things your child has to say about the teacher.
- Your interaction with the teacher. What positive experiences have you had?
- What do you know about the teacher? What is this teacher like?
- What words would you use to describe the teacher to others?
- What would the teacher write if he wrote a Thank You Letter to you?
Step 2. Write the letter in handwriting
A handwritten letter adds a more valuable personal touch than a computer typed document. Office supply stores are a great place to find inexpensive office supplies. Some shops also sell several packs of decorative cards and envelopes of matching colors.
You can also use plain paper! Plain paper allows you and your child to add artwork as decoration. Personal artwork is also valued more than just plain writing
Step 3. Address the teacher by a formal name
Starting with “To Dear. Ms/Mr_” is a great way to show your professional side when writing to a teacher. Mention the teacher's name with the name used by the students.
Write, “To Dear. Mrs. Vina”, instead of writing, “Hello, Vina!”
Step 4. Formulate your thank you note
Look back over the notes you wrote in step one to help write your letter. Use words that are comfortable to use and don't write sentences that are too long. You don't need to use poetic language. Say what's on your mind. Use words like below:
- Thank you for this amazing year!
- My son learned a lot from you (you can include a specific example here if you have one).
- We really appreciate it (include a specific example the teacher has done, or a fun memory you've had).
Step 5. Merge everything
Think about how you might adapt this letter to only be addressed to certain teachers. Take the opportunity to appear friendly. Even if you don't really get along with this teacher, there's definitely something specific you can compliment her on.
- If you and your child like this teacher, summarize the positive experience you had in just a few sentences, such as, “Toni really likes that board game project. Even now he is still playing the game he made in your class.”
- If you and your child had a tough year with the teacher, try to find things he did well, and thank him for those things specifically. You might say, “Thank you for helping my daughter, Maria, with her math homework. Maria does struggle in math class and she has learned a lot from your class”.
Step 6. Sign your card
Thank you again and sign with your name. Add formality language above your signature, for example:
- Regards
- regards
- Regards
- Yours faithfully
- Best regards
- Greetings
Step 7. Include your child
Whatever your child's grade level, he or she can help add an extra personal touch to your letter. A handmade drawing or artwork is a good idea. A separate Thank You Letter written by your child can also be used. You can also help your child collect some of the snippets from class to color, decorate, sign, and include in your letter.
- If your child is in Elementary School, help him write a short Thank You Letter (about page) in his own writing ability. Or, if you have an artistic soul, help to inspire it. Suggest to draw a picture of the teacher or draw something he remembers from class. A cartoon or random image can also be a good idea!
- If your child is in middle or high school, help them write to 1 page about their favorite memory from the class.
- If your child has special needs, help him write letters or draw as much as you can. Decorate the letter with it using stickers or glitter. You can also draw something he can decorate.
Step 8. Include a small gift (optional)
If you decide to include gifts, make sure they are small. Don't spend too much money. There are lots of great gift ideas for Thank You Letters that are not so expensive. Try:
- Flower. If you know a good place to pick wildflowers, you can arrange a bouquet with your child and give it to the teacher. Or, you can visit the nearest flower shop and choose a plant. You should consider plants that can live outdoors. You can also include a flower sprinkler or a small flowerpot for your plants.
- A goodie bag. Look for a high-quality tote bag from a bookstore or office supply store and fill the bag with items with your child. You can enter Highlighter, Post-It, and more.
- Gift cards. Which teacher wouldn't appreciate a gift card for going to Carrefour? Be sure to provide a gift card with a reasonable amount of money. IDR 100,000-Rp 200,000 is enough.
Step 9. Send a Thank You Letter
You can send the letter through the post office, but it's also a good idea to send it in person!
Method 2 of 3: Writing a Thank You Letter to Your Teacher
Step 1. Write a letter using handwriting
If possible, a handwritten letter would be much appreciated. However, if your semester is over, you've graduated, or you're not sure how you'll ever see the teacher again, you can type it in and send it as an email.
Step 2. Think of ideas
Think about how the teacher made a difference in your life and what you are grateful for. Make a list of words to describe your experience with the teacher.
- Keep the letter light and sincere.
- Don't reveal things you already know or that have been said many times. You don't have to say why you wrote the letter.
- Don't say, "I'm writing this letter to thank you for…"
- Just thank him!
Step 3. Begin your letter
Begin your letter with a formal greeting to your teacher. Say the name according to what you did in class. If your teacher prefers to be called by his first name, use that name in your letter.
- Saying "Dear" instead of "Hi" or "Hello" sounds more professional and more polite.
- We recommend using good paper and office supplies. You can buy office supplies at low prices at bookstores or other office supply stores.
Step 4. Say thank you
Use a few sentences to say why you thank your teacher in a simple way. Use specific examples to make your letter more powerful and personal. Include phrases like:
- You really help me when I'm having trouble.
- Thank you for your support when I was having a hard time.
- Your class taught me how to be a good student.
- Thank you for your patience.
- You have helped me see my own potential.
- You are the best teacher in the world!
- I will never forget Mr/Mrs.
Step 5. Get in touch with your teacher
State how the class made a big impact on you. Often, teachers return home wondering what their students got from his teachings. Tell your teacher that he is valuable. In the end, everyone wants their hard work to be appreciated.
- If your teacher inspires you to take a lesson in a subject he or she teaches, say so!
- Whether you are close friends or enemies with your teacher, he or she still provides a service to you. Let him know that you are truly grateful.
Step 6. Make contacts for the future
Express your desire to keep in touch with your teacher in the future. Invite your teacher to contact you and offer several ways to do this.
Step 7. Sign your letter
Thank you again and sign the letter with your name. Include your contacts if you want to keep in touch. Add formality language above your signature, for example:
- Regards
- regards
- Regards
- Yours faithfully
- Best regards
- Greetings
Step 8. Submit your letter
Send the letter in person if possible. You can also leave the letter in the special inbox of your teacher at school or college, or send it via the post office. If you have no other choice, send a letter via email.
- If you're sending the letter as an email, make sure you use a recognizable email address (such as a college email address if you have one) and include a clear subject such as, "Thank You Letter from Agung".
- If your teacher can't recognize your email, he or she probably won't open it.
Method 3 of 3: Adding a Personal Touch
Step 1. Add an inspiring quote
If you're writing a Thank You Letter to an English or History teacher, this is a really good idea. Include a quote from the book read in class that you remember the most.
Step 2. Include a joke
Make a joke of something you learned in class. Target your jokes on the subject. Or, include a fun memory you had in the class.
Step 3. Tell a story
Recall those first days in class or before and after a tough exam with your teacher. Let him see the class from your point of view in an uplifting way. If your perception of the class changes over time, in a good way, tell your teacher about this.
Tips
- Remember that this letter doesn't have to be long to be meaningful. What matters is your intention.
- When writing a letter, pay attention to grammar and spelling-even if the letter is for your math teacher.
- Recalling a specific event will be more meaningful than writing down general things. For example, a clear description of studying “Gravity” will be more meaningful than saying, “You have helped me in many ways”.
- Get closer to the teacher.
Warning
- Never use a Thank You Letter as a means to blame or insult a teacher. If your letter is not sincere, it is better not to write anything.
- Never write a Thank You Letter as a way to try to get a better grade in class. This will be viewed as disrespectful behavior and will not work. Even if your grades are poor, you can still thank your teacher for their time, as long as you're sincere about it.
- Never give something expensive to expect the teacher to do the same. Choose a cheap gift and don't buy something you can't afford.
- Don't expect to get a reply. Just write the letter to appreciate your teacher's hard work. He probably won't return anything in return, but that's okay. Remember, he has given you a whole class of lessons!
