Social-Emotional Learning with Gratitude
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Read about how GiveThx is creating stronger and more inclusive learning communities through gratitude practice.
Every week Ms.L would pick two students to receive a “love bomb.” On that day, those students would receive a Thx Note from each person in the class. The Thx Notes had a big effect on Amber’s life. They strengthened her friendships, improved her academics, and boosted her self-confidence.
But the Thx Notes also had a big effect on Amber’s teacher, Ms L. Read on to hear what Ms. L had to say.
Middle School can be rough. The onset of puberty. The social pecking order. Put a global pandemic in the mix, and middle school can turn into a full-blown nightmare.
What if, during that critical period we taught students to appreciate themselves and others? What if no one got bullied but instead got showered with love?
That’s what Ms.L tried to do with her 6th grade class using the GiveThx program. Every week, Ms.L would pick one or two students to receive a “love bomb.”
The holiday season provides a special opportunity to practice gratitude. It’s often a time when families—the ones we choose or the ones we’re born into—come together. For some families, the holidays can be a time of joy. For others, the holidays can be stressful. No matter what your family situation is, we’re here to help you build connection and deepen gratitude.
Let's dive into three important skills as building blocks to a healthy gratitude practice.
Pick up a pencil and learn how to compose an impactful Thx Note. Use our template to get started.
Conflict creates an opportunity to appreciate someone, despite disagreement.
Here’s an activity to get a group of friends or family to sharpen their gratitude skills.
The science of gratitude is fascinating. Thanking someone can help you in a variety of ways.
One of the most powerful aspects of GiveThx is that it doesn’t just deepen students’ relationships with one another. It also strengthens their relationships with their teachers, allowing both students and teachers to share appreciations that they might not have otherwise expressed.
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September has arrived and students return to another school year of uncertainty. If there’s one thing we know for certain at GiveThx, it’s that strong connections ease the isolation of the pandemic.
Ariela Lara, a joyful and effusive 10th-grader, knows this well. When you talk to Ariela you can’t help but smile. It’s hard to believe she ever saw herself as reserved.
We started GiveThx amidst a rising crisis in students' mental health and high rates of trauma experienced disproportionately by low-income students and students of color. COVID-19 only exacerbated these trends.
From the very start of the pandemic, we saw schools struggling to address students’ declining sense of connection and wellbeing. We launched a series of changes in April 2020 to support distant and hybrid learning.
Alondra is an 11th grader and uses GiveThx almost every day in her AP English class.
"I look forward to those four or five minutes when we start class with GiveThx," she says. "I get to focus on the positive, and it feels like everything I say and share matters."
Over the school year, Alondra shares that she felt happier and more connected to her peers. She attributes this to GiveThx.
"GiveThx makes me feel seen and appreciated by my peers. I look forward to using it and getting a chance to share my gratitude."
Suzanne is a teacher who wanted an easy-to-use program to support social-emotional learning in her classroom. She tried out GiveThx with her 2nd graders and it became a core part of their daily practices.
"GiveThx is so easy and positive. Even my 2nd graders can engage with it quickly! It improves their self-awareness and also develops their empathy and compassion for others.”
Suzanne says one of the best parts of GiveThx is how it uses gratitude to help students become better people and stronger learners.
“GiveThx really developed my classroom culture. Students were more positive and I built relationships in ways I hadn’t before."
Jennifer is the Co-Principal of a TK-8 school that was looking to build community for both staff and students. Over the past year, they have used GiveThx in advisory, community circles, and even staff meetings.
“GiveThx created authentic structures for both staff and students to appreciate each other and build connectedness in a way that feels safe and easy to manage.”
Jennifer shares that GiveThx has been an important way to maintain connection during school closure. Staff and students use it to send notes of encouragement and support when they can’t see each other in person.
“GiveThx is a wonderful way to build connection for the entire school community, and has been especially powerful for students who want a safe and supportive way to share their emotions.
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