What if the only things you had left when you woke up tomorrow was the stuff you expressed gratitude for today? Such a thought-provoking question, one which I like to follow up with: How do you show that you're thankful? Douglas Wood's book entitled The Secret of Saying Thanks inspires and motivates its readers by letting them in on a little secret about a big thing: Gratitude.
Use this treasure to talk with your little citizens about things they might take for granted, like nature (the sun, the trees, the stars, the breeze) and nurture (family and friends). Have students make a list of things they're grateful for; better yet, start a JOY journal with them and encourage them to write something that they're thankful for every day. Nothing can turn a bad day around like a little jolt of joy. His final thought if one of my favorites: We don't give thanks because we're happy. We are happy because we give thanks.
What are some of the traditions that your family enjoys that bond you together and help you appreciate one another more? Click here for a list of activities that can help families focus on giving thanks.
Oh, and I'm thankful to Tamara over at Teaching with TLC for hosting a Linky Party so we can all share the Thanksgiving book that we most treasure. Why not head her way and feast on the other bloggers' picks!
I am thankful for you Barbara! You are such a blessing to so many!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tamara, your kind words have made my day!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. Thanks for sharing. I'm going to look for that book.
ReplyDeleteBarbara