Grateful For

The last of the summer vacation days are coming to a close and the schools in my area will open soon. Outside my window sunshine is painting the landscape a bright cheery color and sunset will remind me that daylight is getting shorter.  Summer days are still unfolding right before my eyes and I know there is much to be grateful for. As I recall summer's sun-drenched moments that swept me up in wonder, I can be mindful of all the positives and allow an attitude of gratitude to guide my journey as I begin a new year of learning. 

My thoughts linger over the blessings of summer that flowed throughout the vacation months. Those who opened their hearts, saw the gifts the world presented each day as I did. Gifts were present in our surroundings and as we relaxed with a good book. They were there when we sought the possible and when we were inspired by the ordinary. Those wonderful feelings of summer do not have to be left behind though. They can be brought into the school year to keep the flow of positivity going. With an abundant mindset, the new year can be greeted by those believing in the possible for each learner. Why not present an everlasting gift to learners? Scent the air with an attitude of gratitude and allow whiffs of positivity to permeate the classroom. 

As many teachers are getting their creative vibes flowing, I would like to add one more idea to start the year off on a positive note. It is one that can be part of your literacy toolkit and used to build a culture of trust. In addition it can steer the course of the learning journey. While designing your room and lessons pause to ask what it is you are grateful for. Let your passion for teaching light up your room and create a positive flow of energy that will be present on day one. Listen to Grateful: A Love Song to the World and let the music create an additional layer of positivity to flow through the classroom and into the hearts of your learners. Have a growth mindset leading to an abundant one filled with gratitudes. 

Upon arrival in September, present each child with a back-to-school, I am grateful heart on a ribbon. On the first day, distribute from-teacher-to-learner gratitude hearts that hold an assortment of generic messages. Follow this with blank hearts for writing inspirational messages on day two. On each I am grateful message, learners can share their summer "wonders" that amazed them. These will be passed on to other students so each learner has one heart to discuss why is the gratitude take-away.  On day three, the hearts can be joined together to form a garland signifying a bond of strong classroom unity. 

Building a culture of trust on gratitude will bring positivity to the forefront. Collaborative conversations will flow and you will fill the room with an attitude of gratitude. This can be the beginning of a year to remember as you keep the I am grateful hearts filled with  inspirational messages flowing throughout the months.

This is the day which the Lord has made:

Let us rejoice and be glad in it. 

Psalm 118:24

We are all on a journey of discovery so why not make it one that is filled with gratitude for all that is WONDERful in the world of learning. Be mindful of where you want to lead your students and be grateful for each and everyone of them whose hearts you touch. 

Please visit Holly Mueller's site to read how others are writing from their heart on Spiritual Journey Thursday.