Some children will have experienced bereavement, and may find this story particularly poignant. If they do, praise them for showing that they obviously loved and appreciated that person very much. You may even like to invite them to tell you about the person in a small group later on.
Activity 1: Gratitude video
Talk to the pupils about how, in our daily life, we often go very fast and we are not aware of many beautiful little details that go unnoticed. There are many nice things and people around us, things that can make us feel happy, but it is necessary to pay attention, to notice, enjoy and say thank you for them.
Show this 5 minute inspirational gratitude video:
http://www.spreadinggratituderocks.com/#!gratitude-video/c1zve
Activity 2: Gratitude cards
This activity is an opportunity to think about someone you want to say thank you to, then create a card for them - with a picture and a message of thanks explaining why you’re grateful to them. The PowerPoint Y1 Gratitude contains some ideas of pictures and messages to help prompt the children before they begin.
It also contains a slide on how to teach your class how to present their card when they see the card’s recipient.
Or
Ask your children to think of someone in school who they would like to thank verbally and why. They might choose the caretaker, teacher, Headteacher, SMSA, receptionist, TA etc. Model for them how to say thank you and why e.g. “Thank you xxx for teaching me how to do the zip up on my coat by myself” or “Thank you yyy for sitting at my lunch table today and chatting to me”.
Tell them to practise what they will say to that person, on their perfect partner. Then release the children, with an adult escort and a prompt card so they can find the person and thank them in person.
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Classroom language
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Sayings
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Well done, I like the way you said thank you to that person for doing something kind for you.
Remember that we always say thank you for the kind things people do for us.
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Count your blessings.
Thank your lucky stars.
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Library books
The Awesome Book of Thanks by Clayton Dallas
Sam and the Lucky Money by Karen Chinn
Heart of Gold: A Jakata Tale, Dharma Publishing
A Christmas Carol and Other Favourites by Jim Weiss
Sausages by Jessica Souhami
Zoo Girl by Rebecca Elliott – Year 1
Boy by James Mayhew
Small Bunny’s Blue Blanket by Tatyana Feeney
Kicking a Ball by Allan Ahlberg
The Dog with the Piece of Meat, Aesop Fable