We all know November is the month to show thankfulness and gratitude. I consistently see parents reading our blogs especially when it relates to gratitude, kindness and mindfulness. Because of this, I would like to incorporate the theme of gratitude into this blog and encourage families to take the time to discuss the true meaning of the upcoming holiday/season.
First, a huge thing on the minds of many these days is acts of kindness and ways families can show gratitude as one family unit this season! As adults, we understand the importance of role modeling, especially from young as the smaller your child is, the more they will observe and absorb. Thanksgiving is a time to give gratitude; thus, I would like to encourage parents of elementary kids to start a gratitude practice by having your child write down 1-2 gratitudes each day before they leave for school in the morning. Middle to high school students can write down 3. A couple of ways to do this is to purchase a gratitude journal for each child or purchase a glass jar by child or one for the entire family.. A gratitude journal can be any nice journal that is placed on the nightstand in your children’s bedroom. Once children get in the habit of doing this quick writing exercise, they will always wake up doing it on their own without any reminders from the parent. A second tool to use for expressing gratitude is a gratitude jar. Every day, a child can complete the 2 gratitudes on a small slip of paper, and throw it into the jar. At the end of each quarter or end of the year, all slips are read with the family aloud. I would highly encourage everyone have their own jar, parents too!
Next, another idea is to read, read, read! Not only does reading boost vocabulary but it inspires gratitude! I know you are wondering how can it do that? Well, there are many stories that have been told whereas you read about the many grateful things someone has done for another. These can be shared every Friday or Sunday among your family members….possibly dedicate a “Thankful hour” when everyone can participate consistently. It’s a great way to boost gratitude.
Lastly, how about a notecard? How many still love it when they receive a card in the mail? I absolutely love this act of kindness because its fun to open a card. It always brings a smile to my face when I get home and a card is waiting there to greet me! I feel writing a card does a couple of amazing things for kids. It helps build their creativity because they can draw a picture on the card. I still have cards from when I was in elementary school that my mom kept in a shoebox. I continue to cherish those to this day! I know these gratitude cards would be keepsakes for you as well and something treasured for a lifetime to come.
Thus, gratitude is all around us! Let’s lead by example as parents and teach children to be grateful and then let them point out instances where they see it! Once they have understood it, have them try a minimum of one of the gratitude tasks I’ve mentioned in the blog above. Writing is an important key to the puzzle as it brings together the visual act of kindness and its importance along with the action itself. If you have a question about your child’s academics or need assistance, we can be reached at 770-282-9931 or email info@dynamislearningacademy.com
We all know November is the month to show thankfulness and gratitude. I consistently see parents reading our blogs especially when it relates to gratitude, kindness and mindfulness. Because of this, I would like to incorporate the theme of gratitude into this blog and encourage families to take the time to discuss the true meaning of the upcoming holiday/season.
First, a huge thing on the minds of many these days is acts of kindness and ways families can show gratitude as one family unit this season! As adults, we understand the importance of role modeling, especially from young as the smaller your child is, the more they will observe and absorb. Thanksgiving is a time to give gratitude; thus, I would like to encourage parents of elementary kids to start a gratitude practice by having your child write down 1-2 gratitudes each day before they leave for school in the morning. Middle to high school students can write down 3. A couple of ways to do this is to purchase a gratitude journal for each child or purchase a glass jar by child or one for the entire family.. A gratitude journal can be any nice journal that is placed on the nightstand in your children’s bedroom. Once children get in the habit of doing this quick writing exercise, they will always wake up doing it on their own without any reminders from the parent. A second tool to use for expressing gratitude is a gratitude jar. Every day, a child can complete the 2 gratitudes on a small slip of paper, and throw it into the jar. At the end of each quarter or end of the year, all slips are read with the family aloud. I would highly encourage everyone have their own jar, parents too!
Next, another idea is to read, read, read! Not only does reading boost vocabulary but it inspires gratitude! I know you are wondering how can it do that? Well, there are many stories that have been told whereas you read about the many grateful things someone has done for another. These can be shared every Friday or Sunday among your family members….possibly dedicate a “Thankful hour” when everyone can participate consistently. It’s a great way to boost gratitude.
Lastly, how about a notecard? How many still love it when they receive a card in the mail? I absolutely love this act of kindness because its fun to open a card. It always brings a smile to my face when I get home and a card is waiting there to greet me! I feel writing a card does a couple of amazing things for kids. It helps build their creativity because they can draw a picture on the card. I still have cards from when I was in elementary school that my mom kept in a shoebox. I continue to cherish those to this day! I know these gratitude cards would be keepsakes for you as well and something treasured for a lifetime to come.
Thus, gratitude is all around us! Let’s lead by example as parents and teach children to be grateful and then let them point out instances where they see it! Once they have understood it, have them try a minimum of one of the gratitude tasks I’ve mentioned in the blog above. Writing is an important key to the puzzle as it brings together the visual act of kindness and its importance along with the action itself. If you have a question about your child’s academics or need assistance, we can be reached at 770-282-9931 or email info@dynamislearningacademy.com