Do you want to be happy?
Do you want your students to be happy?
I've read from several sources that the key to happiness is showing gratitude. (See THIS ARTICLE for example.)
We as teachers know that happy children are better learners, don't we?
Here's a trick that the kiddos love: Five-Finger Gratitude!
It's a great activity to do during morning meeting, in between subjects, right after recess, or at the end of the day.
The children (and teachers) just need to count their blessings on their hands! It shouldn't be tough to come up with 5 things, and the more they think of their five, the more and different thoughts of gratitude they can come up with daily!
It's a good idea to let the children share their thoughts as often as possible. They can share as a whole group, in small groups, or with partners, but sharing is essential.
Another option: give the children Gratitude Journals! Any notebook will do, and the children can put these labels on the covers!
Of course, teachers can keep a gratitude journal, too! The children LOVE to hear the teacher's thoughts!
Or try these gratitude bracelets!
Be grateful!
Be happy!
