Gratitude in the Middle School Classroom?

I read a book a few years ago that truly changed my life. "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp.

The challenge? List 3 things you're thankful for each day. That's it. So, I jumped in, enrolled my kids and husband, and we made it a family thing. Every night, we'd share what we were thankful for.

You know what happened? Our conversations changed. Our wants changed. Our outlook changed.

And, now I'm learning that science totally supports this faith-practice of giving thanks daily.

From Changing Perspectives website:

"The Science Behind Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful emotion that allows us to recognize and value the positive aspects of our lives. When we express gratitude, our brain releases dopamine and serotonin — activating the brain’s reward system and reinforcing positive emotions. Over time, this rewiring of neural pathways makes individuals more resilient to stress and more likely to approach life’s challenges with a positive outlook."

Here's something else I've learned from my therapist and doctor: Gratitude and Anxiety cannot coexist. Scientifically, they produce hormones that cancel out each other. (Gratitude produces dopamine and seratonin. Anxiety produces cortisol.)

I'm no medical expert, but even I have heard of these and am aware how they look in my own life.

ALL THAT TO SAY - I love to invite Gratitude into my classroom. We make it a habit to talk about what we're thankful for on a regular basis - but especially in November. (Yes, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.)

One of the easiest ways is to "turn and talk" to "your neighbor" and "share one thing you're thankful for in the last 24 hours." That's it. 60 seconds of conversation.

Another way is to offer Gratitude Cards to Post or Keep; kids fill them out, and hang them up around the room/hallway.

Print off the (FREE) Gratitude Card to Give Away; share with someone for whom you're grateful - anonymously or with your name on it. Kids love doing this more than they'll admit!

And, if you get so lucky as to provide music for a Volunteer Appreciation event, I've got you covered! I wrote a song several years ago for just such an event, and it's still being sung for our district volunteers. It's a simple melody with a counter-melody verse 2 that becomes the partner song. It comes together quickly. Grab the score and the accompaniment here. Last year, we recorded our 6th grade classes singing it, and the sent it to all the 6th grade teachers. They loved it!

I'm thankful for YOU! It makes my heart happy to hear of your choirs, growth, and victories.