Montrose Messenger
Week of November 23, 2020
Greetings Montrose Families,
There is no doubt that this Season of Gratitude has different meanings, customs and feelings for each of us. There is also no doubt that THIS season is and will be different.
Whatever you do and however you spend your time this season, I hope you are able to spend it in good health and gratitude.
Have a wonderful week!
Mrs. Samuels
Kid President's 25 Reasons To Be Thankful!
8 Ways for Children and Families to Express Gratitude
Thank you to Ms. Betsy!
Given the benefits of gratitude for our brains and health, it’s well worth taking the time to focus on cultivating this emotion and trait in our lives.
Try these practices:
- Keep a gratitude journal. Keep a small book near the bedside and each evening write three things you were grateful for that day. Children can draw pictures, label or write words.
- Write a gratitude letter to someone. It doesn’t matter if you are still in contact with the person—they can be alive or no longer living. Help your child to write a letter, preferably by hand on nice paper, explaining what the person did, how it affected your child, how they felt, and why it is so important still. You can save it or send it.
- Count how many things you can find to be grateful for in each room of your home. Help your child to see just how many things your kitchen has (like ice, running water, a beautiful view, toys, etc.) that you can celebrate.
- Listen to a guided gratitude meditation. You can find guided meditations on apps such as Insight Timer, Calm, and Ten Percent Happier.
- Start mealtimes with a “what went well?” one-sentence reflection. When you prime your children by reviewing recent accomplishments, it helps them to connect and keep going forward with enthusiasm.
- Savor receiving thanks. Notice if you/your child are better at thanking than you are at being thanked (this applies to a lot of people). Work on receiving thanks with grace.
- Take a daily photo of something you are grateful for and save it in a special folder on your device. Look through these reminders periodically.
- Try a gratitude jar. Take a decorative mason jar and place it someplace your child will see it every day. On a regular basis (daily or weekly) take a piece of paper and write: “I’m thankful for ______ today because ______.” If they are feeling low, or just want to celebrate gratitude, read the reminders to them.
Gratitude Meditation for Kids | Guided mindfulness practice for kids
Montrose Early Childhood Center
Email: bsamuels@somsd.k12.nj.us
Website: somsd.k12.nj.us/montrose
Location: 356 Clark Street, South Orange, NJ, USA
Phone: 973-378-2086