Today my son’s class newsletter came home. We are so fortunate that he has an amazing teacher. His teacher mentioned that they are spending the holiday talking about GIVING rather than GETTING. She said that they’re encouraging the children to consider gifts that are attainable for a four year old. Giving hugs and kisses, drawing a picture, and things like that will make the list.
I jumped on board and asked my kids what we should make for Daddy for Christmas this year. They surprised me with all kinds of really great ideas, such as a blanket or a picture frame for his desk. You know what? If my four year old can get this “giving” message loud and clear, I should get it, too. Last year I made my secret pal a gratitude journal and also sent one to my BFF for Christmas. The idea of stopping for just a few seconds to blessing-count seemed a good way to say “thank you for your friendship” to my dear girlfriends. Now that the 2013 holidays are at hand, I’m wondering how to memorialize the year with something special. I decided to take the Gratitude Journal idea and make it into a photo book.
Now, I haven’t completely compiled the photos I’ll use yet. The first few ideas were things like the kids sitting in front of the house, since I’m thankful for a roof over my head. I might add a picture of the kids splashing in the pool and include a caption saying, “I’m thankful for your laughter.” The photo above was taken from my classroom window. I’m grateful for that view, but I’m also so blessed to have a job that I love. Perhaps I’ll ask each child to add a special list of their own, so that it’s a family affair. This would be something special we could enjoy looking at for Thanksgiving, because online book printers ship ridiculously fast.
If you decide to make a gratitude book this Thanksgiving what images will you include?
There are really thousands of reasons to be thankful- Thanksgiving day or not. Making a gratitude book is a good idea!
This would be perfect to do anytime during the year, especially in November.
That is such a good thing to teach children to give instead of giving and only wanting for themselves. That is so awesome that you have a good teacher like this teaching your son about what is important. I think giving to others is what it is all about during the Holiday season.
i love the idea of a gratitude book. i will use this with my students
this is such a great idea! we all need to be reminded to be grateful for what we have, espcecially children. my friend has started a gratitude journal and she says it makes her much more aware of all of the good things in her life.
This is a very good idea. I would use images from nature….Thank you for sharing this post.
I like thanksgiving because it reminds us to be thankful for our families and so many things.
This is such a great idea and so creative so great for kids to learn this thanks for sharing this one.
i cant wait to do this. such a good idea. i try to make sure my kids dont grow up thinking the holidays are all about getting.
This is a great idea. We often say thanks for certain things on Thanksgiving. But this would be nice to do and keep so that it can be looked at and read later in life. This will be fun to do for us.
I love the idea of doing it as a photo book with captions!
I can hardly take my eyes off the beautiful red trees!
I’ve written in a gratitude journal, but never thought about one with pictures – great idea.
What a great idea! I love that they are talking about giving and starting early. There is too much want more and not enough thankfully. Good job with the gratitude book. Great for any time of year.
I love this idea! It is such a great way to teach children about Thanksgiving and how to appreciate and be thankful for what they have!
Today is World Gratitude Day! This book idea is a great way to get kids – and adults – thinking about what they are thankful for and love about others. To see beyond the materials and into the real person and important things.