Free Lesson Plan: Gratitude Activity (Plus, 16 Things I am Thankful For...)
As Thanksgiving fast approaches, I've been trying to focus on creating a culture of gratitude in my classroom. To help me in my efforts, I tapped into the amazingness of Soul Pancake with this incredible video...
It is one of my all-time favs. After watching it, my kiddos did a lesson on gratitude (click to access). They wrote a thank-you letter, started a gratitude journal, and created a list of gratitude.
It was a phenomenal lesson. Students wrote letters to classmates, siblings, and parents. Two even wrote me a tear-jerking letter. It was one of those lessons I'll never forget!
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After watching my kids take on these gratitude challenges, I thought I'd better practice what I preach. So I made a list of 16 work things I am grateful for, and I am gonna post it by my office as a reminder.
So here it goes. I am grateful for...
Flexibility and freedom to create my own health curriculum
Work friends who are real friends
A brand new school -> new walls are going up every day
Chromebooks and the Internet. The possibilities are endless.
When my students have haveah-ha moments. Last week, I listened to a student explain to a complaining classmate why learning about wellness is incredibly important and necessary. I could have cried.
Amazing genius creations like Inside Out - making it easier to engage students in heavy topics
My students letting me eat lunch with them - I love hanging out with them in their world:)
Advisory and the opportunity to focus on non-academic issues
Honest (sometimes brutally honest) students teaching me about life and challenging me to be better
Apple Music - So. Many. Songs.
Loving students, who genuinely care about my well-being - man, do they notice things
The opportunity to influence systemic change at a fundamental level.
That P.E. dress code 🙌🏼. The fact that I get to wear workout clothes every day (a.k.a.. a legitimate excuse to buy lululemon gear)
A husband who teaches the same subject and shares teaching ideas
Outstanding co-teachers to collaborate and connect with
Job-sharing because let's be real, teaching less makes me a better, healthier teacher, person, wife, co-worker, daughter, and sister. I am more patient, happier, and more loving. It's a win-win-win.
And because I know how rare a teacher-thank you is...Let me tell you how amazing you are! Your dedication to your students is truly inspiring. You are a rock star, and the world is a better place because you chose to be a teacher!
Wishing you a lovely holiday,
~ Janelle