"Thank-you" may well be the most important phrase in any language. Here's an activity that can help children develop an attitude of gratitude, while working on emergent literacy skills.

Materials:

• Construction Paper
• Non-toxic crayons or markers
• Pencil or pen for adults to record children's dictation
• Chart paper or other large piece of paper attached to the wall
• One envelope per child

Directions:

Explain that one way a person can show he or she cares for others is to write (or draw) a thank-you note. Tell the children about a time when you received a thank-you note. If you can, read aloud the actual note and tell the children how you felt when you received it.

Ask each child to think of someone who has done something kind for him or her, such as a parent or crossing guard who helps everyone cross the street. Record the children's responses on the chart paper.

Encourage each child to use construction paper and crayons or markers to draw or write a thank-you note to that person. If the children can't write on their own, have them dictate words as you write and let them draw pictures and "sign" their own names. As you help others, children can make drawings to enclose with their notes. Invite each child to share his or her notes with the class before placing them in envelopes.

Talk with the children about the disappointment that people sometimes feel in a gift they have received. But explain that there are kind ways to thank someone -- even when you aren't thrilled about the gift itself. You might want to make up a story or pretend with the children about a gift that's a disappointment. Ask the children what they could say or do that would be kind?

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