Before winter break
Holiday letters to students, ready before winter break.
A holiday letter to a student says what you've loved about them so far this year and wishes them a happy break. Add a few quick notes about each student, and a warm letter in your voice is ready for you to review, change and approve, with a matching certificate in a Christmas design or any everyday design.
A class of 24, letter and certificate: $192 ($8 each)
Updated
What to write in a holiday letter to a student
Look back at the fall and pick one or two moments that are only theirs. Then send them off with a warm wish.
- Something they did this fall that you'll remember.
- How they've grown since the first day of school.
- What they bring to the class: a laugh, a kind word, a great question.
- Something to look forward to when they come back.
- A warm wish for the break, in your own words.
Two real examples
From a few notes to a letter they'll keep.
Ms. Lee's notes for two students in Room 12 before the break, and what came back. Shown exactly as written. The names are made up.
A letter to Maya, from Ms. Lee
What Ms. Lee said
“Maya reads every animal book she can find in our class library, and she just started writing her own book about sea turtles. She is the first to help anyone who is stuck in math. Working on slowing down to check her work.”
The letter that came back
Dear Maya,
I hope you have the most wonderful break!
You have read every animal book you can find in our class library, and I love how excited you get about each one. When you started writing your own book about sea turtles, I knew you were not just reading those books but really learning from them. You are becoming a real author, Maya, and I cannot wait to see where your sea turtle book goes!
In math, you are always the first person to help someone who is stuck. You notice when a friend needs help, and you explain things in a way that makes sense to them. That kindness makes our whole classroom feel like a place where everyone belongs.
As we head into the new year, keep working on slowing down to check your work. I know you can do it, and it will make your already great work even better.
Enjoy every moment of your break, and I will see you back in Room 12 soon!
Ms. Lee
The certificate
The Sea Turtle Author Award
You read every animal book you can find in our class library, and then you did something amazing: you started writing your own book about sea turtles! You are the first to help anyone who is stuck in math, and you explain things in a way that makes sense. You notice when someone needs help, and you are right there for them. That kindness makes our classroom a place where everyone feels like they belong. You are a reader, a writer, a helper, and a friend, Maya, and I am so proud to be your teacher!
A letter to Nora, from Ms. Lee
What Ms. Lee said
“Nora makes everyone laugh at morning meeting. When a new girl joined our class this month, Nora gave her a tour and sat with her at lunch every day that first week. She has moved up a reading level since the start of the year.”
The letter that came back
Dear Nora,
I am so excited for you to have this break, and I cannot wait to see you back in Room 12!
You make morning meeting the best part of our day. When you make everyone laugh, you help us all feel happy to be together. That is such a special thing, Nora.
When a new girl joined our class this month, you showed her what it means to be a great classmate. You gave her a tour and sat with her at lunch every day that first week. You made sure she knew she belonged with us. That kind of kindness is something I will always remember about you.
You have also moved up a reading level since the start of the year! I am so proud of how hard you have worked. You kept practicing, and it showed.
Have the most wonderful break, Nora. I will see you soon!
Ms. Lee
The certificate
The Makes-Everyone-Smile Award
You make morning meeting the best part of our day. When you make everyone laugh, you help us all feel happy to be together. When a new girl joined our class this month, you gave her a tour and sat with her at lunch every day that first week. You made sure she knew she belonged. You also moved up a reading level this year because you kept practicing and working hard. You are a wonderful friend and student, Nora!
Award title ideas
Awards that celebrate each person's own strengths.
Each certificate gets its own award title, written from your notes. A few come from the examples on this page; the rest are ideas in the same spirit. None of them rank one child against another.
- The Sea Turtle Author Award
- The Makes-Everyone-Smile Award
- The First to Help Award
- The Curious Reader Award
- The Kindness Captain Award
- The Brave Try Award
How it works
About a minute per person.
We use AI to draft each letter from only the notes you give us. Nothing is final until you approve it.
- 1
Pick the occasion and a design
Thanksgiving, the holidays, the end of the season, a thank you or just because. Choose a letter design, a certificate design and your group's colors.
- 2
Type or say a few notes about each person
A moment you noticed, how they grew, what you'll remember. A sentence or two is plenty, and short and messy is fine.
- 3
Review, change anything, print
Review each one, change anything you like and approve it. Then download print ready PDFs and print at home.
Christmas designs, or not
Questions
Last names are optional, stay on your device and are never saved. Everything is deleted 30 days after your order is finished, or 60 days after an order is started and never finished.
Who writes the letters?
You do, with help. We use AI to draft each letter from only the notes you give us. Each one is written in your voice, about that one person. You review each one and change anything you like before you download, and nothing is final until you approve it.
Do the letters compare kids with each other?
No. Each letter is about one person and never compares them with anyone else. Award titles celebrate that person's own strengths and growth.
How long does it take?
About a minute per person once your names are in. Most of that minute is you saying what you noticed. The writing, the design and the layout are done for you.
What paper should I use?
Letters look best on 32 lb bright white paper, which is a little thicker than copy paper and works in any home printer. Certificates look best on 65 to 80 lb matte cardstock, fed one sheet at a time.
What do you keep, and for how long?
Only what we need to make your letters. Last names are optional, stay on your device and are never saved. Everything is deleted 30 days after your order is finished, or 60 days after an order is started and never finished. Read the privacy policy.
Send them off for the break with something to keep.
Start with first names and a few notes. You'll have a letter and a certificate for each student, ready to print.
Letters from $6 each for groups of 16 or more.