The Joy of Writing a Thank You Note: The Power of Gratitude (Gr. K - 2)

Note: The schedule/syllabus is below. 

Your learner is welcome to join at anytime (no matter if the section is "in progress" or "bookable"). As long as there is availability in the section, enrollment is open. 
When your learner begins, the 24 weeks of topics begins at that time. These classes do not build on one another. This means your learner has not missed any material! 
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When most people think of a "Thank You" letter, they think of this in response to receiving a present ~ which is an excellent example. Yet, in this ongoing 24-week class, your learner will find many other forms of “gifts” to be thankful for and therefore, develop a life-long desire to express gratitude through writing.

This class is designed to instill joy in the writing process, while at the same time shift the emphasis from self to others and the positive difference they make in our lives. We will be looking for and appreciating the good all around us.

In addition, this class raises awareness, expands knowledge, and develops open-mindedness. We will be creating a habit of taking time to value and connect with others. 

Each week, a recipient in one of these categories is the class topic:

1. A Present/Gift Giver
2. Someone In Our Daily Life
3. Someone In Our Community
4. A Stranger

These four categories are presented on a rotating 4-week cycle. The focus of our gratitude (the recipient of the "Thank You" Letter) in these categories changes each week. Your learner can join in every week or the weeks that would be best for your schedule. If a section is already in progress, your learner is welcome to join at any time.

IMPORTANT NOTES: 
We talk about safety when it comes to your learner sharing a letter with a community member or someone they don't know.
The letter should be given to the community member or stranger under adult supervision. I send reminders of this in the Classroom Announcements on those particular weeks.

Please see the Class Schedule listed below for a better understanding of the intended recipients.

The agenda of each 45-minute class is as follows and includes time for your learner to  
write the letter in class with guidance but independently so that the letter is personalized ~ resulting in the greatest impact for the writer and the recipient:

🔸 Discussion amongst learners about the letter's recipient
🔸 Brain storming & note-taking  
🔸 Fun facts about the recipient (in general) to deepen our understanding and 
      appreciation 
🔸 Organizing personalized notes into 4 – 6 parts with templates designed by Miss Wendy 
 🔸Writing the "Thank You" letter clearly, concisely, and genuinely 
🔸 Opportunity to read the letter out loud (if time allows)
🔸 Quick edit for capitalization and punctuation

CLASS SCHEDULE:
(Subject to change.)
 
(Week of 1/6 - 1/12) A Gift Giver: Holiday, birthday, special occasion, or just because

(Week of 1/13 - 1/19) Someone In Our Daily Life: Parent

(Week of 1/20 - 1/26) Someone in the Community: Mail carrier or delivery person

(Week of 1/27 - 2/2) A Stranger: Someone who has complimented you recently

(Week of 2/3 - 2/9) A Gift Giver:  Holiday, birthday, special occasion, or just because

(Week of 2/10 - 2/16) Someone In Our Daily Life: Sibling or cousin

(Week of 2/17 - 2/23) Someone in the Community: Trash collector

(Week of 2/24 - 3/2) A Stranger: A speaker (at the library, at school, at place of worship, at an important event)

(Week of 3/3 - 3/9) A Gift Giver:  Holiday, birthday, special occasion, or just because

(Week of 3/10 - 3/16) Someone In Our Daily Life: Friend

(Week of 3/17 - 3/23) Someone in the Community: Someone who works in a store

(Week of 3/24 - 3/30) A Stranger: Someone who is homeless

(Week of 3/31 - 4/6) A Gift Giver:  Holiday, birthday, special occasion, or just because

(Week of 4/7 - 4/13) Someone In Our Daily Life:  Teacher (school, place of worship)

(Week of 4/14 - 4/20) Someone in the Community: Someone who works at a restaurant (host/hostess, waiter/waitress, the one who takes your order at a fast food restaurant, dish washer, the chef, the manager)

(Week of 4/21 - 4/27) A Stranger: Someone who shares a smile with you 

(Week of 4/28 - 5/4)  Gift Giver:  Holiday, birthday, special occasion, or just because

(Week of 5/5 - 5/11) Someone In Our Daily Life: Neighbor

(Week of 5/12 - 5/18) Someone in the Community: Your doctor, veterinarian, or dentist

(Week of 5/19 - 5/25) A Stranger: Someone featured in the news for making a difference 

(Week of 5/26 - 6/1) A Gift Giver:  Holiday, birthday, special occasion, or just because

(Week of 6/2 - 6/8) Someone In Our Daily Life: Coach or instructor

(Week of 6/9 - 6/15) Someone in the Community: Fire fighter or police officer

(Week of 6/16 - 6/22) A Stranger: Someone who shares an act of kindness with you or a family member