I am so excited to teach the guidance lessons this month!  They are all focused on gratitude, a subject about which I am passionate and trying to incorporate into every aspect of my life.  Gratitude is mentioned in the Bible 173 times, and there are countless studies showing the positive outcomes of having a attitude of gratitude.  When someone has a grateful heart,  kindness and joy will follow.  With so much turmoil in the world today, I think a little kindness and joy could be refreshing for the soul!  It is so easy to complain.  I know.  There have been countless times that I have complained.  It just rolls off your tongue so easily, as does the negative feelings that follow.  When everything shut down back in March, the Bennett household had to have a serious conversation about attitude and what their choices would be.  We could complain which always led to discontent, sadness, anger or frustration.  Or we could be thankful for what we did have because while were were inconvenienced, we did not have it nearly as bad as a lot of people.  My kids really thought I had lost my mind when I asked them to say what they were grateful for, while we were eating dinner, at the dinner table!  (It was like an out of body experience!  Who were these people eating at the dinner table voicing their gratitude?)  Yet from that point, attitudes did slowly start to change.  I'm a firm believer that gratitude is a game changer.  Does that mean I am always the poster child for gratitude?  Nope, but I do practice and that is a step in the right direction!  Here is a post that discusses the importance of teaching our kids gratitude and ways to do it.  https://www.mindfulmazing.com/the-best-gratitude-activities-for-kids/. 

     In November each grade level will have a lesson on gratitude.  The kindergarten students will participate in a presentation explaining what gratitude looks and sounds like.  They will also play a game about gratitude.  The first grade classes also will participate in the same gratitude presentation and complete a worksheet identifying three people they are thankful for, two things they are thankful for and one way they show gratitude.  The second grade classes will be completing a gratitude flip book and watch a Kid President video about gratitude.  The third grade classes also will watch the same video but will be completing a "grateful gobbler" project that uses the letters in their names to determine for what they are grateful.  

     I hope that everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!  As always, if you need any assistance, I can be reached through email: Kim.bennett@owensborocatholic.org or by calling (270) 684-7583.