Westerly students learn gratitude

Westerly fourth-graders show off their "Attitude of Gratitude" books. Each week, the students take a moment to reflect and record an entry in their books.

The students in Mrs. Mahall and Mrs. Woodburn’s fourth grade class at Westerly School got a head start on their New Year’s resolutions. Beginning on the first day of school back in August 2011, they began a special book entitled “My Attitude of Gratitude.”

Each week they reflect on their life experiences and write a new entry into their personal book, accompanied by an illustration. This notion of gratitude is encouraged and supported by their teachers who write their own message of gratitude as the opening day message on the Smart Board each morning. 

Examples of student entries include:

• “I am grateful because my class and I made blankets and then gave them to kids that needed them.” – Kate S.
• “I am grateful that I live in the best community in Ohio. Bay has parks, the Bay pool and best of all the schools.” – Henry B
• “I am grateful that I have a house because some people do not have a house.” – Cassidy D.
• “I am grateful that my doctor, Dr. Schrantz, helps me to walk and run.” – Katie K.
• “I am grateful that I have a family that loves me and feeds me and cares for me, even when I am sad.” – Gavin D.
• “I am grateful for such great teachers like Mrs. Woodburn and Mrs. Mahall” – Caroline F.
• “I am grateful that I have a funny new baby sister who came all the way from China.” – Mackenzie L.
• “I am grateful for my friends and family because they help me when I feel down. And I am grateful that we have wonderful schools in Ohio because if we didn’t, we wouldn’t know anything.” – Tate S.
• “I am grateful for my new, terrific, awesome town – Bay Village. I moved here last year and I love it." – Sophia B.

This entire experience of pausing and reflecting establishes a tone in the classroom that creates a perfect stage for learning. The students will continue to write entries throughout the school year.

Their “Attitude of Gratitude” becomes a keepsake for them and perhaps a handy reference for those times when we are tempted to feel sorry for ourselves.  Instead their own words remind them of how very fortunate they are and help them to refocus their thoughts.  

Many New Year’s resolutions last no longer than a few days or a few weeks, but for these students the "attitude of gratitude” has been established as a lifelong habit.