This is the perfect exercise for students to do right now. Not because it is Thanksgiving and the holiday season but because the school year is almost half way over. Time flies! This is the time when many students start to experience the mid year slump. It may start now or when they return from winter break. One the best things they can do to overcome it is to reflect on the school year so far. Promoting an attitude of gratitude about school will get students ready to tackle the rest of the school year.
The Benefit
In the midst of hectic schedules, challenging coursework, and the inevitable pressures of academic life, it’s easy to overlook the many blessings that school brings into our lives. However, taking the time to cultivate gratitude for the opportunities and experiences offered by our educational journey can significantly enhance our well-being, motivation, and overall success.
Powerful Questions
Recognizing the Value of Knowledge and Skills
What are some of the things you have learned in your classes that you are grateful for? How have these learnings helped you to understand the world around you better?
What are some of the extracurricular activities that you participate in that you are grateful for? How have these activities enriched your school experience?
Embracing the Power of Relationships
What are some of the things you appreciate about your friends at school? How have these relationships made your school experience more enjoyable?
Acknowledging the Role of Educators
What are some of the things you appreciate about your teachers? How have they helped you to learn and grow?
Appreciating Personal Growth and Resilience
What is something that was challenging so far in this school year that you overcame? How did you get through it?
Want More Questions?
Get more gratitude prompt for writing and discussion with Student Futures’s printable Gratitude Card Deck. By taking the time to reflect on the many things they are grateful for about school, students can develop a deeper appreciation for their educational experience and all that it has to offer them. This gratitude can then serve as a source of motivation and inspiration, helping them to approach their schoolwork with a more positive and engaged mindset.
