“All I really need to know I learned in Kindergarten.” Robert Fulghum
Imagine a world where a teacher introduced Gratitude to students in Kindergarten, and Gratitude lessons were added to every school curriculum nationwide from grades K-12.
Well that is exactly how it would be if I had it my way. Why? Because Gratitude is so much more than a nicety; it’s more than saying “thank you.” It is a fundamental mindset that shapes our lives and contributes to our overall well-being and happiness.
Here’s the world I imagine if every child is taught grateful living from Kindergarten through twelfth grade:
· Kindness and sharing would become the norm and greed would fall by the wayside
· Empathy and compassion would replace anger and violence
· Feelings of entitlement would be replaced with Gratitude for the good things in life, no matter how small
· There would be a greater appreciation for the efforts of individuals who contribute to our well-being
· We would put more work into sustainable practices of caring for the earth that nurtures us
· Recognizing the universe’s abundance, we would do more to uplift the less fortunate
· Gratitude would be at the core of all values and the impact would be far-reaching
Recognizing that the primary focus of schools’ curriculums is academics, and that the individuals responsible for developing school curriculum would say that teaching Gratitude is a parental responsibility, I know that what I imagine happening in schools will not likely happen.
But I can remember when school officials and politicians felt that providing children with breakfast was a parental responsibility. I would agree if we lived in a world where all households are equal. However, just over 50 years ago officials had to shift their thinking after realizing that children who came to the classroom hungry could not learn.
Yes, a few teachers occasionally pepper their lesson plans with Gratitude activities, usually around the Thanksgiving holiday, but the impact is short-lived and there needs to be more.
So, how long will it take for parents to realize the power of teaching their children to live grateful? When will they fully understand their role in shaping school curriculums? Will school officials ever understand how incorporating Gratitude into the classroom's lesson plans positively impacts students' grades and reduces behavioral problems and school violence?
I don’t have the answers. But I’ll keep spreading the word of the power of Gratitude. And I’ll keep pointing out the fact that Gratitude is as fundamental to life as learning your ABCs in Kindergarten!
Need help starting your Gratitude journey? Contact me at smallchange@myrtlerussell.com.
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