Education for Change Public Schools’ Post

It's crucial to instill gratitude in young learners from an early age. Are we taking just a minute to teach them to say "thank you"? At home, are children truly feeling the support they receive from their caregivers and parents, something they should always expect? It's paramount to recognize the significance of teaching gratitude to young learners right from the outset. Cultivating a sense of gratitude in children not only fosters positive social interactions but also lays the foundation for a more empathetic and fulfilling life. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to overlook the importance of simple acts of gratitude. Yet, taking just a moment to teach children the value of saying "thank you" can have a profound impact on their development. By acknowledging and appreciating the kindness of others, children learn to empathize with those around them and develop a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of human relationships. Schools play a crucial role in this endeavor, providing opportunities for children to learn and practice gratitude in a structured environment. By incorporating gratitude exercises into the curriculum and promoting acts of kindness among peers, schools can help reinforce the importance of gratitude in children's lives. Moreover, the home environment plays a crucial role in shaping children's attitudes towards gratitude. It's essential for children to feel supported and valued by their caregivers and parents. When children experience gratitude firsthand through the kindness and generosity of those around them, they are more likely to internalize these values and express gratitude in their own interactions. Teaching gratitude isn't just about manners; it's about instilling a mindset of appreciation and mindfulness in young minds. By incorporating gratitude practices into everyday routines, such as keeping a gratitude journal or sharing moments of thanks during family meals, parents and educators can help children develop a lifelong habit of gratitude that will serve them well in all aspects of their lives. In a world that often emphasizes material possessions and achievements, teaching children the value of gratitude is more important than ever. By nurturing an attitude of gratitude from an early age both at home and in school, we empower children to lead more meaningful and fulfilling lives, grounded in appreciation for the people and experiences that enrich their journey. #gratitude #labourday #respect #earlyyears #elementaryyears #valueeducation #EYP #manners #etiquette #socialnorms

I used the Gratitude Jar template with my high school students last year before Thanksgiving break. You can use this resources whenever you feel that your students are becoming too overwhelmed or overstimulated by current events. Practicing gratitude can lead to multiple health benefits including improved mental well-being, increased happiness, and reduced stress levels. By encouraging students to focus on the positive aspects of their lives, they can develop a more optimistic outlook and foster a sense of appreciation for the world around them. This practice can also enhance their emotional resilience, making it easier for them to cope with challenges and setbacks. Additionally, gratitude exercises can improve classroom relationships as students recognize and express thankfulness for each other's contributions and support. Overall, incorporating gratitude into the classroom routine can create a more harmonious and supportive learning environment, benefiting both students and teachers alike. You can find this FREE resource on my Teachers Pay Teachers page. The link is in my bio. #gratitude #gratitudejar #benefitsofgratitude #iamgratefulfor #socialemotionallessons #socialemotionallearning # sel #specialeducation #specialeducationclassroom #specialed #sped #gratefulteacher #gratefuleducator

As we transition from Thanksgiving into the heart of the holiday season, I find myself reflecting on gratitude—not just as a fleeting feeling, but as a practice deeply rooted in science. Gratitude has the power to reshape our perspectives, amplify our well-being, and even improve our work in education. A study on early adolescents showed that simply "counting blessings" for two weeks led to increased life satisfaction, optimism, and even better school experiences. Students who practiced gratitude reported feeling more positive and engaged in their academic lives—a ripple effect we all strive for as educators and parents. In education, we often spotlight teachers at key moments—back to school, Teacher Appreciation Week, and just before Thanksgiving. But what if we made gratitude a year-round practice? What if we extended it to include the everyday heroes in education: the bus drivers, the cafeteria workers, the administrators, and—yes—the students who inspire us daily? Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you.” It’s about creating a culture that recognizes and celebrates small wins, individual efforts, and the community as a whole. This practice doesn’t just make us feel good; it rewires our brains. Research shows that practicing gratitude increases positive emotions and decreases stress, a lesson we all need as we navigate the complexities of this time of year. To my fellow educators and those who support them: I challenge you to take a moment this week to "count your blessings." Whether it’s the colleague who always has your back, the student who asked a question that made your day, or the parent who took time to say thanks—acknowledge it. Write it down. Share it. Let’s make this a season of gratitude that stretches far beyond the holidays. What are you grateful for in education this year? Let’s start a conversation about the power of gratitude to transform not just the way we teach, but the way we live. #GratitudeInEducation #HolidaySeason #ThankAnEducator #MentalHealthMatters #PositivePsychology

Having a Positive mindset has a number of key foundational elements, but one of the most important is #Gratitude. Understanding the science behind gratitude provides a basis for general joyful and productive living. For young people, being able to see the best of the world beyond yourself is essential. There can be such a strong sense of dark views in this age range. Helping them to routinely see the what is good can make the difference in their development. Sometimes, instilling a sense of gratitude can be missed in the hustle of every day life. But if you the opportunity to strength that core value in your tweens and teens, this article is a great prompt to open the dialog. Three keys to teaching gratitude Exploring identity. Capitalizing on strengths. Building positive relationships. #PositiveMindset #EmotionalDevelopment #Youth #RAK Credit: Greater Good Science Center, Amy L. Eva

"𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞, 𝟑𝟔𝟓 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞" 👏🏻 This Children’s Day, let’s dig deeper than just a greeting—let’s reflect on the small, powerful ways we can truly support and uplift every child. Here’s what the day should remind us all to do: 1️⃣ 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲: It’s easy to forget how much our words matter. A single “you’re not doing it right” can stifle a child’s confidence, while a small “you’re almost there, let’s try this together” can encourage growth and learning. Let’s make our words a source of strength. 2️⃣ 𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲: Whether a child is shy or bold, every personality brings something special. Celebrating their uniqueness instead of trying to mold them into predefined roles helps them build self-acceptance and pride in who they are. 3️⃣ 𝐁𝐞 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐬: Words like “shy,” “mischievous,” or “lazy” can follow children for years, shaping how they see themselves. Let’s ditch the labels and embrace each child’s journey as one that’s full of potential and possibility. 4️⃣ 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐔𝐩, 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧: Growing up is tough enough—there’s no need for harsh judgments that erode confidence. Let’s choose kindness, offering constructive support that nurtures and builds them up. 5️⃣ 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: True teaching and mentoring go beyond just “ correcting ” behavior. By focusing on connection, we create a bond of trust that makes kids feel safe and understood, encouraging a foundation for lifelong learning. 6️⃣ 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧, 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐲: Children’s Day is a reminder to be present in their journey, every day of the year. Let’s remember that true celebration is in the small, everyday encouragements we offer—the kind word, the patient teaching moment, the genuine smile that says “I see you, and I believe in you.” From the child within us to the children we know, here’s to a #HappyChildren’sDay full of meaning, connection, and celebration from #Skoodos! 🌈🌟

I used the Gratitude Jar template with my high school students last year before Thanksgiving break. You can use this resources whenever you feel that your students are becoming too overwhelmed or overstimulated by current events. Practicing gratitude can lead to multiple health benefits including: improved mental well-being, increased happiness, and reduced stress levels. By encouraging students to focus on the positive aspects of their lives, they can develop a more optimistic outlook and foster a sense of appreciation for the world around them. This practice can also enhance their emotional resilience, making it easier for them to cope with challenges and setbacks. Additionally, gratitude exercises can improve classroom relationships as students recognize and express thankfulness for each other's contributions and support. Overall, incorporating gratitude into the classroom routine can create a more harmonious and supportive learning environment, benefiting both students and teachers alike. You can find this FREE resource on my Teachers Pay Teachers page. The link is in my bio. #gratitude #gratitudejar #benefitsofgratitude #iamgratefulfor #socialemotionallessons #socialemotionallearning # sel #specialeducation #specialeducationclassroom #specialed #sped #gratefulteacher #gratefuleducator

Have you ever asked educators how they are feeling about the school year? Yesterday, I did - and the responses were a raw reflection of the challenges teachers are facing... I had the opportunity to work with a group of amazing teachers. I started our session by asking them to describe their school year in two words. As expected, this opened the door to a range of emotions: overwhelming, frustrating, exhausting, stressful, disappointing, and more. I gave them space to express these feelings, knowing they needed to be heard. Then, we took a mindful pause - focusing on our breath and checking in with ourselves. Some emotions shifted, while others didn't, but that's okay. It was all about creating a moment to be with ourselves. After our mindful moment, we transitioned into a connection activity. The teachers formed groups of four, shared the stories behind their names, and then worked together to create a song or poem using their names. In just 20 minutes, the energy shifted. Laughter and joy replaced stress and frustration. By the end, one teacher said something that affirmed why prioritizing our well-being is imperative: "We need to make time for connection and fun like this more often." It is so easy to get caught up in the responsibilities of our roles that we forget how much joy and connection can ground us in the present moment - the only moment that truly matters. Are you making time for more joy and connection? If you want to learn how to bring more moments of joy to your life or your school, I'd love to share how. Let me know in the comments. #educatorwellbeing #mindfulmoment #connection #education #teachersupport #educators #teachers #principals #schoolleaders #wellbeing

These lesson activities are designed to introduce or enhance the concept of expressing gratitude as a means to improve overall wellbeing. This packet includes a brief reading passage, inspirational quotes about gratitude, a collection of positive affirmations, and a page for a gratitude journal. The initial pages feature “answer keys” or examples to guide students in completing the packet. Consistently writing in a gratitude journal can have several positive impacts on students' mental and emotional health: 1. It encourages students to concentrate on the positive elements of their lives, which can lead to a growth mindset. This practice can help alleviate stress and anxiety by redirecting focus away from negative thoughts. 2. By regularly recognizing the good in their lives and expressing gratitude toward others, students may cultivate greater empathy and understanding, which can strengthen their relationships with peers, teachers, and family members. 3. Through frequent reflection on their blessings, students can develop a deeper sense of contentment and adaptability, equipping them to handle challenges and setbacks more effectively. You can find this FREE resource on my Teachers Pay Teachers page. The link is in my bio! #thanksgiving #thanksgivingresources #gratitude #teachergram #gratefuleducator

✨Rethinking Praise✨ In my recent article for Foundation Years, I explored why phrases like ‘good girl’ or ‘good boy’ may not always serve our children best. I also shared alternative ways to offer meaningful, specific praise. As parents and educators, the language we use plays a vital role in nurturing children’s confidence and fostering their growth mindset. Instead of using generic labels, I focus on acknowledging effort, behaviour, and achievements in a way that helps my daughter feel seen and valued for what she does. I’ve shared a short reel with practical examples of how I approach this in everyday moments with my daughter. These small changes in language can make a big difference in building a child’s sense of self-worth and resilience. I’d love to hear your thoughts: 💭 How do you approach praise? 💭 Do you find it challenging to move away from phrases like ‘good girl’ or ‘good boy’? Let’s spark a conversation about rethinking how we uplift and guide our children ✨ You can also find my article here: https://lnkd.in/e8AM4SGG #earlyyears #earlyeducation #earlychildhoodeducation #parenting #growthmindset 🫶I’m Laura, a qualified Early Years Specialist & Consultant. I empower parents in early learning, support educators through training, and help working parents balance family and work life. I also work with businesses to strengthen their parent/carer networks, enhancing their family-friendly work culture and supporting staff well-being. If you’d like to collaborate or explore how I can support you or your team, please get in touch!