How can we possibly express our gratitude to our teachers?
From cheering our kids on and helping them realize their dreams to going over challenging lessons with patience and kindness, teachers have served as a valuable and indispensable role model in our children’s lives.
And let’s not forget about the teachers who have made a difference outside the classroom as well. Whether it’s the sports coach or piano teacher or math tutor—these educators have also dedicated their career to shaping, supporting, and inspiring our children.
While the end of the year is a popular time to give teachers thank you cards, there are lots of different occasions on which you can show your appreciation.
Teacher Appreciation Week. This takes place during the first week of May and it’s the perfect time to recognize the wonderful educators in your child’s life.
Holidays. If you want to give thanks and spread some holiday cheer, use the holiday season as an opportunity to show gratitude to a teacher.
Gratitude practice. Part of a gratitude routine is to let others know how much you appreciate them. Whether it’s thanking a current teacher or reaching out to a teacher from your past, you can let them know how much they’ve inspired you over the years and how the lessons they’ve instilled in you are still practiced to this day.
Celebratory moment. Maybe your child aced a test or maybe you got into your dream grad school. Let your teacher know that they played a huge role in your victories and successes. It’s not everyday that teachers get to hear about the lasting impacts of their work. They would be so heartened to learn that they were able to make a positive difference in someone’s life.
Retirement. This is a great occasion to pay tribute to a teacher’s incredible career. Write a heartfelt card to celebrate this momentous time as they enter this new and exciting chapter in their life.
And of course, you don’t need a special occasion to let a teacher know how much you appreciate them. It’s always the perfect time to show your gratitude.
How to write a thank you card for teachers
In this digital age of DMs and text messages, a good old fashioned thank you note feels that much more special and unique. Of course, emails are much more instant, but going the extra mile to send a handwritten card is so considerate. From the anticipation of opening the envelope to holding the card in your hands and reading a beautiful message inside, a thank you card is more than a card, it’s a meaningful experience.
While a handwritten card is definitely special, the content doesn’t have to be literary. Oftentimes, we feel pressured to write beautiful prose or use fancy vocabulary, especially if it’s a note for an educator. But as long as you write from the heart, your message will be well-received.
If you’re feeling out of practice at writing thank you cards, here are some pointers to help get you started. With these tips, you’ll be able to write freely and express how much you appreciate the teacher’s hard work and dedication.
Brainstorm. Take a moment to brainstorm and gather your thoughts on paper. This way you’ll have a rough idea of what you’d like to say and you won’t feel so pressured to conjure something brilliant on the spot. Use this time to think about past interactions with the teacher or reflect on how your child has blossomed under their guidance. If you’re writing this card on behalf of your child, ask them about their favorite memories and moments. What stood out to your child? What did they like most about their teacher and classroom experience?
Personalize it. If you’re writing thank you cards for multiple teachers, make sure to personalize each greeting and message. A personalized card will strike a tender note and make the recipient feel that much more special.
Include specific details. While a general message of thanks is always nice, including specific details will make the card even more heartfelt. Maybe the teacher always had an encouraging word for your child. Or maybe they created a classroom environment that was welcoming and safe. Write down the specific actions or details that made the teacher so wonderful.
Examples:
Thank you for always creating a fun and supportive homeroom for [insert your child’s name].
Thank you for your positive and supportive feedback on my child’s homework.
Describe the impact. Maybe your child’s teacher helped them become interested in creative writing or gave them the confidence to play sports. Letting the teacher know how they specifically impacted your child will be so rewarding to hear.
Share an anecdote. You can also include a short anecdote in your thank you note. Maybe it was a time the teacher went above and beyond to help your child. Or maybe it was a fun class project or exciting field trip they organized. If it made a lasting impression on your child then it will certainly be meaningful for the teacher to hear about as well.
Include your child. It’s never too early to teach your child about expressing thanks. Ask your child how they would like to contribute to the thank you card. They can add their own personal message or sign the card or decorate it with stickers and stamps. Don’t worry about having perfect handwriting or spelling. A message from a child is always endearing.
Thank you card supplies
The great thing about a thank you card is that you don’t need much to deliver a beautiful message.
A card with a beautiful cover. A stunning deco wreath card or a sweet card with a lemon peach design would definitely bring a smile to your recipient.
Black or blue pen. The vibrant ink from a fountain or gel pen shows up beautifully on a card.
Stickers or washi tape. Let your child add some personal touches to the card with pretty stickers or colorful washi tape.
