Hello Wonderful Families;
October has been busy at Iron River School. We embarked on a transformative journey centered around the theme of Gratitude. This month, we uncovered the magic of gratitude and how it can uplift our spirits and nurture our mental well-being, all the while celebrating Thanksgiving with our loved ones. Classes participated in gratitude activities including classroom discussions, reading story books, and completing gratitude journals. Here is the link for the read-aloud of 'Gratitude is my Superpower' by Alicia Ortego that several younger classes enjoyed:
Older classes participated in various gratitude activities using this website:
20 Gratitude Activities for Middle School Students
Resource Roundup: Nurturing Gratitude
Explore these curated resources designed to inspire gratitude in parents and students of all ages, enriching your mental health journey:
- 13 Most Popular Gratitude Exercises & Activities - Embrace mindfulness exercises that encourage gratitude and present moment awareness.
- 3 Ways to Practice Gratitude - Everyone can benefit from making an effort to practice gratitude every day.
- Gratitude ABC's - Use this worksheet to come up with things that we are thankful for.
For more resources, check out the Gratitude page on the NLPS website.
Fostering Gratitude: Tips for Students
Students, embrace gratitude for a brighter school journey:
- Gratitude Journal: Get yourself a cool notebook and spend a few minutes each day jotting down things you're grateful for. It could be as simple as a sunny day, a delicious meal, or a good laugh with friends. Writing it down helps you remember and appreciate those moments even more.
- Thank-You Notes: Surprise someone with a handwritten thank-you note. It could be your best friend, a teacher, or even a family member. Let them know how grateful you are for their support, kindness, or the positive impact they've had on your life. It's a double dose of gratitude—making someone else's day and boosting your own mood!
- Gratitude Jar: Find a jar or a cute container and start collecting gratitude notes. Whenever something good happens, write it down on a colorful slip of paper and drop it into the jar. On days when you need a pick-me-up, grab a handful of those gratitude notes and read them aloud. It's like having a jar of happiness!
- Acts of Kindness: Spread gratitude and love by doing something kind for others. It could be as simple as holding the door open, offering a smile, or helping a classmate with their homework. Acts of kindness not only make others feel good, but they also fill your heart with gratitude and satisfaction.
Guess what? When you practice gratitude, it's contagious! Your positive vibes can inspire others to do the same. Imagine creating a gratitude ripple effect in your school, where everyone starts appreciating and uplifting each other. It's like a gratitude revolution! Life isn't always a walk in the park, and we face challenges along the way. But even during tough times, gratitude can be your secret weapon. When you shift your focus to what you're grateful for, it helps you find strength, resilience, and a new perspective. Remember, tough times don't last, but gratitude does!
Connect with Our Student Advocacy Counsellors: Here to Listen
Seeking guidance or want to discuss well-being? Our Student Advocacy Counsellors are here for you. Reach out to Danielle Webb by emailing danielle.webb@nlsd.ab.ca or call (780) 826-5617. Let's continue our journey of growth and gratitude together.