Contagious Gratitude

“Gratitude is contagious.” ~ Christina Meline

Today, I’d like to share something Team Meline (my students and I) participated in every week that sparked an atmosphere of gratitude. Every Thursday was Thankful Thursday. When students arrived at school, their morning activity was to write a thank-you note. I often had blank thank-you cards from the Dollar Store ready for students to pick out the perfect one for their recipient. I also had paper and coloring materials available if students decided to create their own card or letter. Students would write notes to teachers, peers, family members, special people or pets who had passed away, or even themselves.

We did this every week, and it was an irreplaceable practice. Gratitude is contagious. When one person inspires a room of people to reflect on who they are thankful for, it creates a powerful, positive energy through that entire space. When that one classroom then shares words of gratitude with the rest of the school, this inspires a culture-shifting ripple-effect in the building. When a child brings home a thank-you note for their mom or dad, this shifts the atmosphere of the household. I’ve seen so many other amazing ideas of how teachers cultivate gratitude in their classrooms. How will you inspire thankfulness today?

Day #9: Reflect on something you’re thankful for about where you live.