Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Write a thank you letter to your child's teacher
• Method 2 of 3: Write a thank you letter to your teacher
• Method 3 of 3: Adding a personal note
• Tips
• Warnings

A thank-you letter is always a thoughtful way to express your gratitude and appreciation to a teacher. The best way to thank someone who has made a difference in your life is to articulate your feelings clearly and honestly.Follow these easy steps to learn how to write a thank you letter to your child's teacher or your own.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Write a thank you letter to your child's teacher

1. Take a blank piece of paper. Brainstorm and write down the memories or words that come to mind when you think about this teacher. Use this moment to sort out your thoughts and get to the heart of what you want to thank this teacher for and why. Think of:
   • Your child's experience with this lesson and any positive things they have told you about this teacher.
   • Your own interaction with this teacher. What kind of positive experience do you have yourself?
   • What you know about this teacher. What kind of person is it?
   • What words would you use to describe this person to someone else?
   • What would this teacher write to you in a thank you letter if he or she did?
2. Write your letter by hand. Handwritten letters have a personal touch and are appreciated more than a document typed on the computer. You can find cheap stationery in stationery stores. Some bookstores also sell packages of decorated cards and matching envelopes.
   • You can also use blank paper! You and your child can later here itself a work of art of making. Personal art is appreciated just as much, if not anymore, as stationery.
3. Use a formal salutation for the teacher. Start with 'Dear Sir' and the surname. It's always better to err on the side of caution and use a professional tone when writing to a teacher. Talk to the teacher with the same name used by the students.
   • Write "Dear Mr. Smith," instead of "Dear Peter!"
4. Formulate your thank you. Look at the notes you made in step 1 to write your letter. Use words that you like and keep your sentences short. There is no need to use complicated words. Say what's on your mind, such as:
   • Thanks for a fantastic year!
   • My son / daughter learned so much from you (use specific examples if you have them).
   • We really appreciate it (give a specific example of something the teacher did or a nice memory you want to share).
5. Put it all together. Think about how you can personalize your letter so that it is clear that it is not intended for anyone other than this particular teacher. Be friendly. Even if you didn't really get along with this teacher, there must be something you can compliment him or her on.
   • If you like this teacher, summarize your positive experiences in a few sentences, such as: "John really liked your project with the board game." He plays with it still, even now. "
   • If you've had a frustrating year with this teacher, try to think of things that he or she did well, and thank them for it. You can say something like, "Thank you for the extra time you have put into Maria to help her with math." She has always struggled with math and has learned a lot from your lessons. "
6. Sign the letter. Thank the teacher and sign. Add something formal to your signature, such as:
   • With best regards
   • Sincerely
   • Yours sincerely
   • Regards
   • Sincerely
   • regards
7. Involve your child. A contribution from your child makes the letter a bit more personal, and it does not matter in every class your child is in. Own drawings or works of art are good ideas. A separate thank you letter or phrase written by your child is also fine. You can also help your child collect some class clippings for them to color, decorate, and sign.
   • If your child is in elementary school, help them write a short thank you note (about half a page) as best you can. Or if it's an artist-to-be, help it find inspiration. Suggest taking a portrait of the teacher or drawing from memories of the lesson. Sketches are good too!
   • If your child is in high school, help them write half a page or 1 page about a favorite memory of the lesson.
   • If you have a child with special needs, help them write or draw something as best they can. Decorate the letter with stickers or glitter. You can also create a drawing that can decorate your child.
8. Add a small gift (optional). If you decide to add a present, get a small present. Don't spend too much money. There are a lot of great gift ideas to add to a thank you letter that don't cost that much:
   • Flowers. If you know a good place to pick flowers, you can make a bouquet with your child and give it to the teacher. Or you can go to a local nursery and pick out a plant. It may be useful to choose an indoor plant. You can also add a self-watering pot or a small vase.
   • A book. Pick a good book from a bookstore.
   • Gift cards. Which teacher doesn't appreciate a Doppio Espresso gift voucher? Provide a reasonable amount, for example, € 8 - € 15.
9. Deliver the thank you letter. You can also send the letter by post, but giving it yourself is also good!

Method 2 of 3: Write a thank you letter to your teacher

1. Write the letter by hand. If you can manage that, then a handwritten letter is always more appreciated. However, if you're done with your semester, graduated, or don't know where to find your teacher, you can type and email the letter.
2. Brainstorm. Think about how this teacher has made a difference in your life and what you want to thank him or her for specifically. Make a list of words to describe your experience with this teacher.
   • Keep your letter sincere and light.
   • Avoid mentioning obvious or unnecessary things. You do not have to say why you are writing the letter.
   • Avoid saying things like, "I'm writing this letter to thank you for ..."
   • Just thank him or her!
3. Start your letter with a salutation. Start your letter with a formal salutation. Address him or her in the same way as in class. If you address your teacher by their first name, use that name in the letter.
   • "Dear" instead of "Dear" or "Hi" is more professional and respectful.
   • You can write your letter on nice stationery. You can buy cheap stationery at De Slegte or other stationery stores.
4. Thank your teacher. Simply tell your teacher why you are thanking them in a few sentences. Use specific examples and cases for a strong and personal letter. Use phrases like:
   • You really helped me to understand when it was difficult for me.
   • Thank you encouraged me when I was struggling.
   • Your lesson has made me a better student.
   • Thank you for your patience.
   • You showed me what I can become.
   • You are the best teacher ever!
   • I will never forget you.
5. Connect with your teacher. Tell them how their lesson has affected you. Often times, teachers go home wondering if their students have remembered anything from their lecture. Tell your teacher how he or she is important. Ultimately, everyone wants to be appreciated for their hard work.
   • If your professor has inspired you to learn more about their field, tell us!
   • Whether you and your teacher were best friends or not, he or she has still done you a favor. Let it be known that you are grateful for that.
6. Provide further contact. Tell your teacher how much you would like to work with him or her in the future. Invite him or her to contact you and include your contact details.
7. Sign your letter. Thank your teacher again and sign. Please include your contact details if you want to stay in touch. Add a formality to your signature such as:
   • Sincerely
   • With best regards
   • Sincerely
   • Cordial greetings
   • Best
   • Yours sincerely
8. Deliver your letter. If possible, deliver the letter yourself. You can also put the letter in his or her school mailbox or mail it. If you have no other option, e-mail or letter.
   • When emailing the letter, make sure you use a recognizable email address (like the one you got from school) and use a clear subject, such as: "Thank you letter from Erik".
   • If your teacher doesn't recognize your email address, he may not open it.

Method 3 of 3: Adding a personal note

1. Add an inspirational quote. If you're writing your thank you letter to your Dutch or History teacher, this is definitely a good idea. Use a quote from a book from the lesson that stayed with you.
2. Just kidding. Joking about something you've learned in class. Focus your joke on the profession. Or describe a nice memory you have of that specific lesson.
3. Tell a story. Remind your teacher what the first day of class was like or how you felt before and after a difficult exam. Show his or her lesson from your perspective in an encouraging way. If your image of your teacher has changed in a positive way over time, say so.

Tips

• Remember, the letter doesn't have to be long to be meaningful. It's about the gesture.
• When writing your letter, pay attention to the grammar and spelling - even if it is a letter for your math teacher.
• Giving a specific example means more than wonderful generalities. A precise description of, for example, the difficult process of learning a quadratic equation means more to your teacher than statements such as "You helped me in so many ways."
• Be personal to the specific teacher.

Warnings

• Never write a thank you letter to get a better grade. This is not respectful and probably will not work. Even if you have bad grades, you can still thank your teacher for his time, as long as you are sincere.
• Never buy an expensive present for a teacher because you expect something in return. Any presents should not cost too much; don't buy anything you can't afford.
• Never use a thank you letter to accuse or insult a teacher. If your letter is not completely sincere, write him or not.
• Don't expect anything in return. Write the letter only to express your appreciation to your teacher. They may not give you back and that's okay. Don't forget that they have already given you a diploma!