Traditionally when we think of Thanksgiving we think of a time filled with our loved ones, enjoying a delicious Thanksgiving meal filled with turkey, stuffing and all the yummy fixings. Perhaps on occasion, we might even reflect on all we are thankful for.
Thanksgiving is the perfect holiday to help students cultivate an “attitude of gratitude.” Research shows, practicing gratitude has many benefits for both student and educator. Gratitude can create a more meaning and satisfaction in our lives, boost positive emotions, strengthen relationships and help develop resilience.
Why not use the month of November for embracing gratitude and giving thanks in our classrooms and student salons? Here are a few fun classroom activities to reflect the value of being grateful, and how it can impact everyone’s lives.
- Gratitude Circle – begin or end your day sitting in a circle. Have each student share one thing that he/she is grateful for and why. Note: You might want to begin the circle, sharing one thing that you’re personally grateful for and have students follow. Remember, this doesn’t just have to relate to school.
- Gratitude Sticky Notes – give each student one sticky notes to write something they’re grateful for about another person in the school. Instruct students to “deliver” the sticky notes by placing it somewhere the other person will see it, e.g. desk, station, locker, or mannequin head.
- Gratitude Sentence – have students complete the following sentences.
“I am thankful for…”
“_______________ is special to me because….”
“The opportunity to ________________ helped me _________________.”
“It is important to show thanks because ________________.”
November certainly isn’t the only time in our lives that we should give thanks, however, it is a great time to start the process of changing our attitudes and embracing it in our schools.