Express Gratitude

Did you know that even a small amount of effort to express gratitude has significant meaning and lasting impacts on those who give gratitude and those who receive it?

Over the past several months, our educators have been continuing to be focused on supporting the health and well-being of our students. In the image below, a Grade 4/5 teacher in the WRDSB asked their students what they were thankful for. As you can see, gratitude comes in many forms for children and sometimes it’s those little things in life that mean the most.

Take some time today and think about what you are thankful for. Write things on your own sticky notes, pieces of paper, or even small rocks, and put them in a box or jar to revisit. Add to your box or jar each day to experience the benefits of expressing gratitude. Consider if these Grade 4/5 students inspired you to express your own gratitude about something or send a grateful message to someone else.

Virtual orange, green, blue, yellow and pink sticky notes on a white background that have messages of thanks written by students on them. The teacher sticky asks, "What are you thankful for? Share your ideas here by adding a sticky note" Pink sticky note #1 says, "I am thankful for sunny days and being able to get outside. I am thankful for homemade dinners every evening." Pink sticky note #2 says, "I'm thankful for my friends and everyone in my life for working hard." Pink sticky note #3 says, "I am thankful for my friends, family and pets because they make me happy." Orange sticky note #1 says, "I'm thankful for this sunny day and my dog, Roxie." Green sticky note #1 says, "I'm thankful that my parents can still work." Green sticky note #2 says, "I'm thankful for life or I would not be here." Green sticky note #3 says, "I'm thankful for my family and friends." Yellow sticky note #1 says, "I'm thankful for sports." Blue sticky note #1 says, "Thank you to everyone working hard to get stuff running." Blue sticky note #2 says, "I'm thankful for doggies." Blue sticky note #3 says, "I'm thankful for my friends because they keep me company." Blue sticky note #4 says, "I'm thankful for my cats. They make me cozy."

Image Credit: Anonymous Grade 4/5 teacher in the WRDSB