Cultivating Gratitude: Power of Thankfulness and Kindness
Explore the meaning of gratitude, its benefits for wellbeing, and practical ways to express thankfulness through actions and character education.
Have an Attitude of Gratitude
Discovering the power of thankfulness and appreciation.
What is Gratitude?
Gratitude is the quality of being thankful; a readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
We can be grateful for kind acts from people.
We can be grateful for the world we live in.
Why is Gratitude Important?
Research shows that gratitude strengthens our wellbeing 'SPECS':
Builds stronger relationships
Helps us feel happy and confident
Encourages helpful, optimistic thoughts
Recognises strengths in ourselves and others
Two Kinds of Gratitude
1. Feeling Grateful
Recognising the positive things in your life that make you happy.
2. Showing Gratitude
Expressing appreciation to others by being generous, thankful, and kind.
Positive Gratitude Actions
Which of these are examples of showing true gratitude?
Telling someone how much they mean to you
Donating toys to kids in need
Writing a thank you note to a teacher
Planting a vegetable garden to share
Ways to Express Gratitude
Praising others for good work
Working together & Sharing
Showing good manners
Accepting differences & Respect
Expressing thankfulness often
When you express appreciation to others, they will often do it in return!
Gratitude in Action: The Playground
The Buddy Bench Strategy
We are grateful to have friends. If you see someone alone on the Buddy Bench, show gratitude by asking them to join your game.
I can BEE GRATEFUL by letting others know how they have helped me.
Character Education: Shukr
In Islam, we call gratitude 'Shukr'.
We say 'Alhamdulillah' (Praise be to Allah) for our blessings.
Food 🍎
Family 👨👩👧👦
Toys 🧸
Gratitude Game
Name a Person you are thankful for
Name a Place you are thankful for
Name a Food you are thankful for
Name a Thing you are thankful for
A Short Prayer (Duʿāʾ)
Allahumma a‘inni ‘ala shukrika
Meaning: "O Allah, help me to be thankful."
Homework Project
Each day, take a moment to think about something you are grateful for.
E.g. Before bed, at dinner, or on waking.
Tell someone your grateful thought and think of a way to act on it!
Gratitude = Happiness
- gratitude
- wellbeing
- character-education
- mindfulness
- kindness
- shukr
- positive-thinking
- social-emotional-learning