Gratitude that Sticks: Fresh & Inspiring Ways to Teach Thankfulness This Fall

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Show Notes:

Imagine walking into a classroom where students greet each other with smiles, celebrate one another’s efforts, and notice the small things that make each day special. That’s the power of gratitude - it transforms the classroom atmosphere from ordinary to uplifting.

Teaching gratitude helps students build empathy, strengthen relationships, and develop a positive mindset that supports both learning and emotional growth. So, how can you take the idea of gratitude and turn it into something that has a lasting impact in your classroom? In today’s episode, I’m sharing seven fresh, practical, and engaging ways to weave gratitude into your classroom, and why it matters so much for your students.

On the surface, we know gratitude shows kindness and thankfulness for what we have. But on a deeper level, research shows that children who practice gratitude experience higher levels of life satisfaction, more positive attitudes toward school, and stronger self-esteem, empathy, and hope. With so many benefits for both students and teachers, each of the seven ideas for teaching gratitude in elementary classrooms is creative, engaging, and adaptable to fit the needs of your students and classroom.

In the end, gratitude is more than a feel-good activity; it’s a mindset that shapes how students see themselves, others, and the world around them. When you intentionally include gratitude in your classroom, you help students develop empathy, optimism, and a sense of community where everyone feels seen, heard, and cared for. By nurturing gratitude in your students, you’re building not just stronger learners, but kinder, more mindful humans who carry those lessons far beyond the classroom walls.

Inside this week's show, you'll learn:

• Seven engaging and practical ways to weave gratitude into your classroom’s daily routines.
• How each gratitude strategy connects to a trendy idea your students can relate to and enjoy.
• Research-based evidence on the positive impact that practicing gratitude has on students, both academically and emotionally.
• Why focusing on gratitude also benefits teachers, especially on tough days, and how you can model authentic gratitude for your students.
• How teaching gratitude transforms your classroom culture and helps students feel more connected, valued, and seen.

Links & resources mentioned inside this episode: 

• Free Gratitude Goodies Gift Tags
• Classroom Management Club Waitlist
• Beginning Teacher Talk on YouTube
• Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms
• Lung Cancer Free: One Couple’s Journey Through a “Lungs in a Box” Double Lung Transplant.
• Enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card by leaving a review for Beginning Teacher Talk on Apple Podcasts!
• Follow Dr. Lori on Instagram
• Follow Dr. Lori on Facebook
• Follow Beginning Teacher Talk on TikTok

I hope this information is helpful as you prepare for your first, second, or third year of teaching. Until next time, remember, just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one.

💛 Lori

Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor

Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy and The Classroom Management Club, Dr. Lori Friesen has mentored thousands of beginning teachers across the country through her workshops and courses. Host of the popular podcast Beginning Teacher Talk and author of Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com.

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Related episodes you might enjoy:

• 7 Quality Thanksgiving Activities that Truly Teach Gratitude (and How Gratitude Positively Impacts Learning)
• How Gratitude Positively Impacts Learning: 7 Thanksgiving Activities that Teach Gratitude
• 10 Research-Backed Ways to Find the Positive in Your Students

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