AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

Gratitude changes everything.

And, regardless of your current situation in life, we all have so much to be thankful for.   While this can instantly change our own lives, it also has transformative power for our students.  Researchers Robert Emmons and Jeffrey Frohs have found that students who practice gratitude have regularly enjoyed the following benefits.

1. Higher grades

2. Higher goals

3. More satisfaction with relationships and school

4. Less materialism

5. More willingness to give back.

Are you interested?

Here are just a few ways to incorporate gratitude in the classroom.

1. Two Minute Celebrations

Check out my previous video post on this process.

2. Gratitude Jar

This helps students acknowledge all that is good in their lives both big and small.  I've seen teachers keep a large jar with small pieces of paper next to it.  When students have time they can write down what they are thankful for in their lives.  This can be anonymous or not based on student preference.  From time to time, consider reading a few as class begins.

3. Gratitude circle

Begin or end class with students sitting in a circle and sharing something that they are thankful for in their lives.  Younger students will need some modeling in this to be successful.  In secondary,  it can be hard to find the time to make this happen, but giving 5 minutes to this every week or two will still make an impact.

4.  Teacher Share

Take a minute to share with your students what you are grateful for prior to class starting.  It helps you refocus and start class on a positive note.  It also demonstrates your authenticity to students and gives them a glimpse into your world.

Gratitude can become an attitude, a mindset.  Will you make it part of your classroom?