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Theme of the Month: Gratitude
Theme of the Month: Gratitude
Gratitude defined as:
noun
the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
From late Middle English: from Old French, or from medieval Latin gratitudo, from Latin gratus ‘pleasing, thankful’.
Raise you hand if you have heard about the practice of gratitude. Raise two hands if you have seen it in action.
Gratitude is a word we often hear during November as it relates to the holiday of Thanksgiving. We are reminded to give thanks for the good things or blessings in our lives. We are even asked to show kindness towards others who are in need.
Gratitude takes this a step further by extending thankfulness to all parts of life-the good, the mediocre, and the bad. In the practice of gratitude, we are asked to find room in our lives to accept each difficulty as a way to grow and flourish. To be grateful for the tough times, not just when things are going well.
It takes patience to learn the art of gratitude. It is hard to imagine automatically being happy or grateful when trouble happens. However, we can learn to accept that challenges will occur and use grateful hearts to keep moving forward.
Gratitude allows us to find joy in the present day instead of always seeking for "more" or "better" or "brand new."
Check this article out for 7 gratitude activities for kids.
Check out: 22 Videos Teaching Kids Gratitude
Practicing Gratitude at Home
Practicing Gratitude at Home
Ideas to practice and grow a mind and heart of gratitude.
Help out with chores
Set the table
Thank the Cook
Help a younger sibling
Say "thank you"
Gratitude Jar
Tell each family member what you love and appreciate about them
Gratitude Journal
Make a gratitude poster filled with positive quotes and pictures
Avoid arguing/fighting
Call someone who is lonely
Focus on your strengths
Make others laugh/smile
Do acts of kindness
Take 10 minutes to think about your body and how it works just right. Show gratitude by taking care of your body and mind.
Practicing Gratitude at School
Practicing Gratitude at School
Ideas to practice and grow a mind and heart of gratitude.
Gratitude Jar
Greet everyone kindly
Help the teacher
Respect school rules
Say "thank you" for what you learn
Take care of school belongings
Read library books carefully
Gratitude Journal
Wait your turn in line without complaining
Give compliments
Share
Show thanks for rewards in class
Talk kindly
Give your best effort
Forgive yourself for mistakes
Practicing Gratitude in Society
Practicing Gratitude in Society
Ideas to practice and grow a mind and heart of gratitude.
Hold the door for someone
Donate to a good cause
Volunteer for a good cause
Greet people with a smile
Wait your turn in line without complaining
Water the neighbor's flowers
Take turns when playing at the playground
Share
Speak kind words
Enjoy the beauty of nature
Splash in the rain
Smell flowers
Pick apples
Avoid negativity on social media
Draw a picture or mail a card to someone who is sad/lonely
How to Use a Gratitude Jar
How to Use a Gratitude Jar
Making a gratitude jar is simple and fun. It can be decorated any which way. Use the gratitude jar to collect positive positive experiences and thoughts in one place. Remember, it is important to also be aware of the tough things which can also be sources of gratitude.
Click on the links below for two great examples to get you started.
https://www.therisingspoon.com/2019/11/diy-gratitude-jar.html
https://www.girlsontherun.org/diy-making-a-gratitude-jar-with-your-child/
Possible Ideas...
Write out a slip each day (one per person in the family) and place them in the family gratitude jar. At the end of the week, take out the slips and read them as a family to reflect on all the happy memories and blessings from the week.
Individual Jar-Fill out as many slips as you possibly can throughout each month. At the end of each month read through some (or all) of the strips. Also use it to pull out a slip anytime you are in need of some joy and cheer.
Track different feelings, volunteer work, or conversations which are easily forgotten if not written down.
Gratitude Crafts
Gratitude Crafts
10 Gratitude Crafts to Make with Kids
Check out the link below for 10 easy ideas for gratitude crafts your child can make.
Gratitude Activity
Gratitude Activity
Caring for our community heroes.
Write letters to community helpers thanking them for their service (soldier, nurse, doctor, mailman, EMT, firefighter, garbage worker, volunteer coordinator, teacher, etc.).
Create simple care packages for community heroes or get involved with Operation Gratitude
Make a video telling someone how grateful you are for their service or give that person a phone call.
If religious, send up prayers.
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