We can do a great service to our students by encouraging them to express their gratitude. Sometimes, they need a nudge to realize that appreciating the small things in life can lead to happiness.
3 Ways to Boost Gratitude
- Gratitude Journaling: Buy a spiral notebook or a blank journal and choose a time each day to jot down things you’re thankful for. This could improve your outlook on life.
- Express Gratitude to Others: Take the time to verbally express your appreciation for the people in your life. You can do so in person, in a phone call, text, or email. You don’t need a reason. If you appreciate someone, say so.
- Practice Mindfulness in Daily Activities: Pay attention to the small pleasures and experiences throughout your day, from the way the sky looks to the taste of something you enjoy eating or drinking. Involve as many senses as you can. How does something you encounter look, taste, feel, smell, or sound?
I think it’s important to help students express gratitude for everything they receive from others. Saying thank you is a small act, but it can have a big impact on one’s mental, emotional, and physical health.
November is a month filled with opportunities to express gratitude. We celebrate Veterans Day, International Men’s Day, and Thanksgiving Day.
I have a really popular gratitude resource in my store, and it’s FREE.
A Gratitude Booklet makes a heartfelt gift for Christmas, birthdays, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, or any occasion. This creative writing activity encourages students to research one of their own family members or significant friends and write biographical sketches. They will enjoy learning more about their family history and will experience the joy of giving a truly unique and special gift. The recipient of the Gratitude Booklet will learn how loved and valued they are by those who contributed to the booklet.
You can download this resource here.
I also have three inexpensive and helpful resources for Thanksgiving and the winter holidays.
I am grateful to you for many reasons. Thank you for reading for reading my blog and for being a teacher. I hope you and your students and your family have a blessed holiday.
Thanks for reading,
Charlene
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