Frenship’s Mental Health Minute includes a monthly theme and challenge. The theme of November is centered around Gratitude. The idea for this theme is that students and Frenship Families will reflect on things that they are grateful for.
This month, students will be challenged to think of three things that have happened so far this school year that they have gratitude for. They will also be asked to tell one person why they are grateful for them.
Frenship families are encouraged to discuss how they show gratitude for the things they do for each other as a family and for their community. The Frenship Counseling Department believes that sharing gratitude can help strengthen connections and foster a positive environment.
“Teaching students about gratitude and encouraging them to practice it is important for a multitude of reasons. It benefits their emotional well-being by fostering positive emotions like happiness and contentment, which in turn helps students cope with stress, anxiety, and other negative emotions,” said North Ridge Elementary Counselor Haley Beardemphl.
The act of reflecting on gratitude encourages growth and strengthens relationships, creating a foundation for success both in and out of the classroom.
“Practicing gratitude has also been shown to increase resiliency, helping students to see setbacks as opportunities for growth,” said Beardemphl. “In addition, it enhances academic motivation, contributes to a positive classroom environment, and fosters social and emotional development.”
Beardemphl has taken the gratitude challenge and turned it into a week of gratitude at North Ridge Elementary. Each day, she teaches a quick guidance lesson on gratitude on NRTV, the school announcements channel. They also set up a wall of gratitude in the cafeteria and asked students to add things they are grateful for to it.
Beardemphl has been encouraging students to think of everything they are thankful for, even the small things they might take for granted.
“We’re exploring all the ways that practicing gratitude improves our overall well-being,” said Beardemphl. “The hope is that students realize how having an attitude of gratitude makes them feel more positive and lead a happier lifestyle, and in turn, we teach students to not just be thankful during this week, but all year long!”
Fostering a culture of gratitude in schools starts with the example set by teachers and staff.
“Teachers and staff can play a crucial role in modeling gratitude for students. This is important because students often learn not only through what they are taught but also by observing the behaviors and attitudes of the adults around them,” said Beardemphl. “When teachers and staff model gratitude, they provide a powerful example that can inspire students to adopt similar attitudes and behaviors.”
Teaching gratitude to students has far-reaching benefits, shaping both their present and future.
“Encouraging gratefulness has many positive effects on our young children today. It cultivates a positive culture, builds emotional intelligence, improves mental health, fosters social connections, and encourages lifelong positive habits, said Beardemphl. “Taking time to be thankful, and showing that behavior to our students, teaches them the importance of appreciating others and life’s blessings. It goes far beyond the classroom and the here-and-now and sets them up for a future of positivity and happiness.”
By fostering gratitude in our schools, we’re not only creating a positive and supportive environment but also equipping students with skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. Gratitude has the power to transform perspectives, strengthen relationships, and inspire a brighter future for all.
For more information on Frenship’s Mental Health Minute, click here.