Give Thanks! Free Gratitude Journal Activity for Students and Teachers
October 28, 2021|
Alfred Music Official
November is a perfect time to focus on giving thanks—for both students and teachers. The Gratitude Journal Activity below provides writing prompts to use with your students throughout the month. And since gratitude is just as beneficial to teachers, we’ve included a set of journaling prompts from the new book, A Music Teacher’s Gratitude Journal .
In a study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology , researchers found that when students are taught about gratitude and given opportunities to practice it, they show improved mental health and wellness. Other studies show that students who practice gratitude have greater coping flexibility and emotional resilience. Practicing gratitude in the classroom can have an amazing impact on the class culture by encouraging kindness and positivity. Based on these findings, incorporating gratitude in the classroom can be a simple strategy to help students thrive.
You, as a teacher, have a unique opportunity to demonstrate to your students the importance of self-care and mindfulness. Practicing gratitude yourself can bring benefits including lower stress levels, increased mental strength, improved sleep, and feeling healthier overall.
Our hope is that this gratitude journaling activity will help you and your students focus on positivity, build resilience, and experience the joy of making music.
For Your Students:
Mondays : Starting on Monday, November 1, begin each week with one of the following journal prompts encouraging students to reflect on various topics as they relate to gratitude. (Click each image or the PDF links below to access and save each prompt.)
Fridays : End each week with a Gratitude Fill in the Blank to encourage a deliberate focus on positive aspects of that week.
For You:
Mondays : Starting on Monday, November 1, begin each week with one of the following journal prompts that lead you to express appreciation, reflect on your teaching, and ignite the joy of making music.
Fridays : End each week with a Gratitude Fill in the Blank to encourage deliberate focus on positive aspects of that week.
Share your gratitude responses on social media using the hashtag #GiveGratitude to encourage your greater network to join in!