By Lower School Division Head Chris Spies

At Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child, we encourage our students to recognize and express thankfulness for the many blessings in their lives. Students frequently participate in activities that focus on the theme of gratitude. From sharing gratitude messages on fall leaves to creating a gratitude wall in the main hallway during our annual Gratitude Week in November, our goal is to help students reflect on the importance of kindness and appreciation in their everyday lives. 

We believe that by fostering an atmosphere of gratitude at school, we can build a stronger, more compassionate community for our students. Teaching gratitude also results in a positive impact on each individual child as we help them to  understand that practicing gratitude results in the following:

1. Recognition of the importance of appreciating the little things in life: Gratitude helps children learn that joy and fulfillment often come from small, everyday things rather than big events or material possessions. Teaching kids to recognize and appreciate things like a sunny day, a good meal, or a hug from a friend helps them build a habit of finding joy in simple moments, which can enhance their happiness and resilience.
    
2. Expressing gratitude strengthens relationships. Showing gratitude teaches children to value the people in their lives and to express appreciation for their kindness. When children thank others, they’re practicing empathy and recognizing how others contribute to their well-being. This not only makes others feel good but also helps kids form stronger connections and friendships.
    
3. Gratitude Builds a Positive Mindset: Learning to be grateful can help children develop a more optimistic outlook. When children focus on things they’re grateful for, they’re less likely to dwell on negative feelings or comparisons, promoting a more positive self-image and mindset. Practicing gratitude can increase their resilience and overall sense of contentment, even during challenging times.

We encourage you to join us in extending this theme into your homes. Simple daily rituals, like sharing what each family member is thankful for at dinner or creating a “gratitude jar” where family members can drop in slips of paper with notes of appreciation and gratitude, can make a meaningful impact. 

For more ideas, please click here for an article by PostivePsychology.com. Practicing gratitude together reinforces the lessons we are teaching at school and allows your family to see how powerful small acts of kindness can be.