Homeschool Lessons:Thank You Notes
Homeschool lessons can take the "chore" out of writing thank you notes. Obviously, these little forms of communication are a type of
letter writing,
so why not just schedule writing the letters during English class? An alternative is to do them during
art
period.
"There is no vice more hurtful to ourselves, none more abhorred by men, none more odious to God than the vice of unthankfulness."
Our Christian Heritage, Cardinal J. Gibbons
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Homeschool Helps to Brighten the Task and Actually Get the Thank You Notes Completed with Minimum Pain to All:
- Appealing Cards--Give a box of cute or, in the boys' case, appropriate, notes for Christmas gifts. Otherwise, just buy each child his own set of cards. The selection for girls is almost limitless. For boys, I've bought cards with the American flag, stripes, Snoopy/Garfield, even as a last resort, just "Thank You."
- Make Cards--If you have time and inclination, create your own cards. The range of papers, colors, decorations, etc. are exciting and inviting. Just don't get bogged down. The point here is to get those thank yous in the mail.
- Encourage Thought--The notes don't have to be long; three sentences is sufficient. But the reader enjoys really "hearing" from the child. Brainstorm ideas. The youngster can write what he feels...his joy, surprise, appreciation.
- Emphasize Care--Before the child begins, remind him of his homeschool lessons. "Always be neat and careful." This is a part of showing gratitude.
--Use correct English, spelling and punctuation.
--Erase thoroughly or white out neatly.
--Fold cleanly.
If necessary, have him use a pencil and ruler to lightly draw lines as a guide for his handwriting. Erase the lines after he is finished writing.
- Pace Yourself--Spread the task over several days, if needed. One a day, two a day, whatever it takes...
- Stay Flexible--For little ones or an older child who starts to balk or gets too tired, have him draw a picture. It might show the child wearing or playing with his gift. Then he can just write "Thank You" at the bottom.
Alternative---Take a picture of the child and his gift. Have him tape it on paper, decorate it and write "Thank You."
- Add Incentive--Give a reward. "As soon as you get the thank yous finished, we're off to the park!" (or McDonald's or Grandma's). This is a perfectly legitimate method of teaching obedience. A child gets used to doing the right thing, then integrates it into his own behavior.
Although unquestionably necessary, thank you letters can be a daunting task to a youngster. Ease the burden to both you and the child. Incorporate their writing into your actual homeschool lessons. In fact, thank yous might even become enjoyable!
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