How to Write an ”Ugly” Thank You Note
This lesson is suggested for grades 4-6.
You can begin this lesson by talking about really bad gifts that your students may have received this year or in the past. Talk about what made them bad or why the gift was "ugly". After having a group discussion about this, explain that this lesson will help them out now and in the future anytime that they are given an "ugly" or useless gift. Let them know that this will remind them to be grateful for every gift no matter what and that the point of any gift is the thought behind it.
The students will begin by drawing names out of a hat. Their job over the next few days is to find an ugly or useless gift. It must be inexpensive and can usually be found at a dollar store or something that they already own that can be regifted. State up front that the gift cannot be something hurtful or demeaning. Make sure that every gift is wrapped beautifully on the outside in order to create the mystery of the ugly gift. You can bring in examples to show the class if you want.
On the day of the gift giving, try to make it special by playing holiday music and having some special cookies or some other treats for everyone. Make sure to have extra gifts on hand in case someone is absent that day. After all of the gifts have been handed out, explain that they now need to write a thank you letter for their gift.
In their letter they need to express their gratitude and appreciation for the gift, how they intend to use it and why it is special to them. They should be creative with their writing and use as many descriptive details as possible. Depending on the grade level, the format can be formal or informal. Tell your students to have fun with this and that everyone will share their letters at the end. Everyone will get a good chuckle out of this!
Caroline Wyman has a degree in Sociology and a Masters in Elementary Education and is the administrator for TeacherNet.com.