Module Introduction
Gratitude may seem like a simple concept, but it actually holds great power. Why? Because, as leading gratitude researcher Robert Emmons writes, “gratitude is an affirmation of goodness.” Not only does it foster positive relationships, it strengthens our self-worth by showing us that we are worthy of receiving goodness from others.
While there are many definitions of gratitude, it is generally thought of as the positive feeling we get when we recognize a gift or positive outcome, either from within ourselves or from others.
However, importantly, studies have found that the idea and expression of gratitude can differ significantly in different cultural contexts. In other words, not everyone will respond the same way to keeping a gratitude journal.
As educators, who are constantly facing stress and juggling the many emotions of those around them, researchers have found that gratitude can be a beneficial practice—one that leads to reductions in burnout, increased well-being and improvements in relationships. Also, if we want to teach our students the benefits of gratitude, it can be helpful to do so from an authentic place of our own gratitude practice.
Spark Interest
Discover your relationship with gratitude by taking this gratitude quiz!
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/quizzes/take_quiz/gratitude
Reflection
- How did it feel to reflect on gratitude in this way? Did anything surprise you about your answers?
- Were there certain areas of life you found it harder to elicit gratitude for?
Learning Objectives
In this module we will:
- Define gratitude and discuss the different ways to understand it
- Explore what contributes to or increases gratitude
- Explore the importance of developing our own capacity for gratitude as educators
- Review the benefits of gratitude for educators
- Explore a variety of ways to boost our own gratitude
Module Resources
This toolkit includes additional resources, including classroom lessons and practices organized by developmental level, staff meeting activities, videos, podcasts, articles, and professional learning opportunities, as well as supporting materials for group facilitation on the topics of "Gratitude for Adults" and “Gratitude for Students”.
Individual Exploration
The beauty of gratitude is found in its simplicity. Taking a moment to acknowledge another person’s thoughtfulness towards you is one of the most effective ways to build relationships—and in schools, to cultivate a positive school climate.
Imagine if at staff meetings, people took the time to say “thank you” to a colleague who, out of the blue, brought them a cup of coffee or who offered a kind word after a challenging interaction with a student or parent. Or to the staff member who keeps the bathrooms clean or to the front desk person who made those copies for you when you were running late.
When life gets tough, a moment of gratitude can help us to remember that someone else cares.
What is Gratitude?
In this first segment, learn how researchers define gratitude, along with what they have discovered about how different cultures approach gratitude and what keeps us from expressing gratitude. [9:00]
Reflection
- After viewing the video – we invite you to take the Gratitude Quiz again – did it make you think differently about what constitutes gratitude?
- How does gratitude show up in your own life?
- Are there areas of your life in which feelings of gratitude come more naturally? What are some aspects of your life where feeling or expressing gratitude feels less authentic?
Why Is Gratitude Important for Educators?
In this next video, learn about some of the benefits we may receive from practicing gratitude. [9:21]
Reflection
- Did anything surprise you about the benefits of gratitude?
- If you have tried gratitude practices in the past, have you experienced any of these benefits (or others) after practicing for some time?
- Can you identify anything in your life that may be a barrier to experiencing benefits from gratitude practices? Is there anything you could do to address these barriers?
How Educators Can Practice Gratitude
In this final video, learn some gratitude practices. [8:56]
Reflection
- Have you ever tried intentionally practicing gratitude — beyond the standard “thank you”? If so, what has been your experience with it?
- Do you have any specific gratitude practices that you prefer over others? Have you noticed any changes in your thoughts or emotions after consistently practicing gratitude for a while?
- If you followed our recommendation and experimented with some gratitude practices for a week, which ones did you find most effective and would consider incorporating into your daily or weekly routine?
Links from video
Happiness Break: 5 Minutes of Gratitude (7:54) Not sure how to start practicing gratitude? Psychologist Dacher Keltner guides you through a practice that can help you see the good things in your life that you might otherwise overlook.
Three Good Things (all ages) Each day for at least a week, write down three things that went well for you today, and provide an explanation for why it went well. (10 min per day for 1 week)
Flipping Complaints into Gratitude (all ages) Students and/or staff practice turning complaints into gratitude statements, and learn they have a choice to replace negative thoughts with more positive and optimistic ones. (less than 15 minutes)
Savoring Nature Walk (all ages) Set aside 20 minutes to take a walk outside by yourself every day for a week. (less than 30 minutes)
Gratitude Letter (all ages) Write a letter expressing thanks, and deliver it in person. (10 minutes)
Gratitude Journal (all ages) Three times a week, write down five things for which you’re grateful. (10 minutes)
Gratitude Circle for Staff Members (adult) Start staff meetings by giving time for staff members to say “thank you” to each other for kind and thoughtful acts over the past week. (less than 15 minutes)
Mental Subtraction of Positive Events Appreciate what you have by imagining your life without it. (15 minutes)
Science of Happiness Podcast: How to Practice Gratitude When You’re Not Feeling Grateful (16:41) One way to feel more thankful for things is to imagine life without them. Author and podcast producer Stephanie Foo tries a practice for seeing the bright side, even when you feel down.
7.4 Take It Deeper: Gratitude Activities
- Use the handout “The Art of Gratitude” (linked below) to make a visual representation of what you are grateful for. Notice how you feel after you do this exercise for several days.
- Use the worksheet “Ode to Common Things” (linked below) to write a list of things we might take for granted, but, when noticed, we are very grateful for.
Module Resources
This toolkit includes additional resources, including classroom lessons and practices organized by developmental level, staff meeting activities, videos, podcasts, articles, and professional learning opportunities, as well as supporting materials for group facilitation on the topics of "Gratitude for Adults" and “Gratitude for Students”.
Use the handout “The Art of Gratitude” to make a visual representation of what you are grateful for. Notice how you feel after you do this exercise for several days.
Use the worksheet “Ode to Common Things” to write a list of things we might take for granted, but, when noticed, we are very grateful for.
Group Facilitation
Before facilitating groups, spend time in individual exploration in order to experience and embody the learning. And if you haven’t yet explored our introduction to SEL in California, make sure you explore those resources.
Module Resources
This toolkit includes additional resources, including classroom lessons and practices, staff meeting activities, videos, podcasts, articles, and professional learning opportunities, as well as supporting materials for group facilitation on the topics of "Gratitude for Adults" and “Gratitude for Students”.
A revisable, turnkey powerpoint slide deck to use for professional learning sessions on the topic of "Gratitude for Educators".
A powerpoint slide deck with welcoming and closing activities to include in professional learning sessions.
Use the handout “The Art of Gratitude” to make a visual representation of what you are grateful for. Notice how you feel after you do this exercise for several days.
Use the worksheet “Ode to Common Things” to write a list of things we might take for granted, but, when noticed, we are very grateful for.
“Be grateful for your life, every detail of it, and your face will come to shine like a sun, and everyone who sees it will be made glad and peaceful.”
Do you want to dive deeper into the science behind our GGIE practices? Enroll in one of our online courses for educators!
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