Thank-You Notes and Polite Requests (KS1–KS2)

Thank-You Notes

A good thank-you note shows you notice what someone did and that you are grateful. Keep it simple and specific.

Start with a greeting and say thank you right away.
Include one specific detail about what you liked.
End with a kind sign-off and your name.

Thank-you example:

Dear Auntie, Thank you for the new story book. I loved the pictures and read it every night. It made bedtime fun. Love, Noah

Polite Requests

When asking for something, be polite and give a short reason. Use polite openers and thank the person for considering it.

Use phrases like: "Please may I…", "Could we…", "Would it be possible…"
Give a short reason: "because…"
Finish by thanking the person for their time.

Polite request example:

Dear Mrs Patel, Please may I borrow the class microscope for my science project because I need to look at small leaves closely. Thank you for your help. From, Hannah

Try these short tasks

Write a short thank-you note for a classmate who helped you.
Write a polite request asking to join a lunchtime club: give a reason and say thank you.
Swap notes with a friend: read and give one friendly edit suggestion (e.g., add a detail).

Sentence starters & polite phrases

Thank-you starters

Dear _____, thank you for _____
I loved _____ because _____
It made me feel _____

Polite request phrases

Please may I _____?
Could I please _____ because _____
Thank you for thinking about this.

Common mistakes & checking

Being too short — add one detail to make the message warm and specific.
For requests, avoid sounding demanding — always include 'please' and a brief reason.
Check for spelling of the recipient's name and the gift/activity mentioned.

Teacher note: role-play polite requests and thank-yous in pairs, then write them down. Encourage pupils to give one positive comment on their partner's note.