Studies have shown that gratitude results in benefits that include...
Increased happiness
Reduced stress and sadness
Stronger relationships
Better sleep
Stronger immune systems
What will students do during their Gratitude Lesson?
Students will be read the book The Secret of Saying Thanks by Douglas Wood.
Students will then be guided through a Gratitude Brainstorm and a Gratitude Circle.
Gratitude Brainstorm
Start with a Mindful Body
Notice your mood right now and think about your happiness in this moment.
Close your eyes and imagine sitting in a large room that is completely empty.
Begin to imagine filling the room with all of the things that you are grateful for. Picture the people, things, and memories you love filling the room.
Continue to fill the room with small things you might not always think of such as clean water, food, sunshine, etc.
If you are not already smiling, try putting a small smile on your face and continue to imagine yourself in your special room. Take 30 seconds to enjoy this.
Assess your feelings of happiness as you start to open your eyes.
Students will sit in a circle.
Students will be asked to think about the things they are grateful for (from our brainstorm activity).
Students will be asked to share (voluntary) using the statement "One thing I am grateful for is______because________."
We will, again, individually assess our mood.
Students will be encouraged to express gratitude to others in the room.
The thought "What is one thing from the last hour you are grateful for?" will be incorporated into our Mindfulness work.
Students will watch the following video about Gratitude.