Join The National Thank You Letter Month and Celebrate Gratitude

 As a preschool teacher I believe in teaching gratefulness every day. When I notice someone doing something to help a friend I make sure to acknowledge their graciousness as well as ask the friend who was helped to thank their friend. We also sing a song before snack time called Let's Be Thankful.

Let's be thankful, let's be thankful, let's be glade, let's be glad

For the many good things, for the many good things, that we have, that we have. 

Some co-workers have refused to sing this song stating it was too religious. When I asked how? They didn't have an answer. It is about being grateful. Being grateful for the things you have big or small is a good thing and teaching gratefulness is definitely not a bad thing and I will forever do it.

If you think as I do, consider joining the..

NATIONAL THANK YOU LETTER MONTH: A CELEBRATION OF GRATITUDE

November is National Thank You Letter Month (NTYLM), a month-long celebration dedicated to teaching and practicing gratitude through the simple yet profound act of writing thank you letters. Created by award winning author Carew Papritz, NTYLM encourages children—and people of all ages—to bring back the time-honored art of writing a thank you letter.

This initiative aims to improve mental health, foster empathy, and strengthen community bonds through the humble act of giving to others through a letter of thanks. NTYLM also supports literacy skills by enhancing students' writing abilities, including grammar, spelling, and punctuation, while also helping to develop structured thinking and effective communication.

 

-----WHAT IS IT?
      National Thank You Letter Month is a month-long celebration focused on gratitude.

-----WHEN IS IT?
      The entire month of November, with National Thank You Letter Day on November 14th.

-----WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
      Students, teachers, parents, caregivers, and community members.

-----WHERE CAN IT TAKE PLACE?
      Activities can occur anywhere—schools, homes, and local communities.

-----WHY PARTICIPATE?
      To improve mental health, foster empathy, strengthen community bonds, and support literacy skills through the act of writing thank you letters.

 

“One of the simplest tools to help children with mental health is teaching them gratitude. That’s why this year’s National Thank You Letter Month might be the most important one yet!” says Carew Papritz. It serves to teach children—and remind adults—about the vital importance of paying gratitude forward in their daily lives. The event has gained national acclaim for its powerful lessons of kindness and compassion, even earning a Guinness World Record for the LARGEST handwritten thank you letter in the world!

“It’s more than a simple act of writing a letter of thanks to someone…it’s one small step to repairing the mental health of our nation,” adds Papritz, whose award-winning book, The Legacy Letters is filled with life lessons for all generations.  Studies show that those who practice gratitude are happier, less depressed, less stressed, and more satisfied with their lives and relationships.

 

NOT SURE WHO TO THANK?
 

There are weekly themes to guide your gratitude!

• WEEK 1 (Oct. 28 - Nov. 3): Focus on COMMUNITY HELPERS. Honor the dedication of community helpers such as firefighters, police officers, and paramedics. Express gratitude for their commitment to keeping our communities safe and healthy. 
• WEEK 2 (Nov. 4 - Nov. 10): Focus on TEACHERS. Celebrate the invaluable role teachers play in shaping minds and fostering a love for learning. Write letters of appreciation to educators who have made a positive impact on your life.
• WEEK 3 (Nov. 11 - Nov. 17): Focus on VETERANS. Recognize and thank those who have served in the armed forces for their bravery and sacrifices. Write letters to veterans to show appreciation for their commitment to protecting our freedoms.
• WEEK 4 (Nov. 18 - Nov. 24): Focus on CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS. Celebrate family, friends, mentors, and role models who provide support and guidance. Write heartfelt letters to those who have made a difference in your life.
• WEEK 5 (Nov. 25 - Dec. 1): Focus on HEALTHCARE WORKERS. Recognize and thank all healthcare professionals for their tireless efforts in caring for patients and promoting health. Write letters to express your gratitude for their dedication and compassion.

 

We invite everyone to join this FREE, altruistic, and educational effort celebrated across the country throughout November. For more information and FREE RESOURCES for students, parents, teachers, and schools, visit NationalThankYouLetterDay.com/guide.

We encourage everyone to share their stories of gratitude on social media using the hashtags #NationalThankYouLetterMonth and #NationalThankYouLetterDay.

For updates follow @CarewPapritzOfficialPage (on Facebook); @CarewPapritz (on Instagram); and @Thelegacyletters (on YouTube).