5 Ways Teachers and Students Can Show Gratitude for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for reflection and gratitude, an opportunity to appreciate everything we have, and the important people in our lives. In the classroom, teachers and students can come together to express their thankfulness in a variety of creative ways. Here are five ideas!

1. Gratitude Journals:

Encourage students to keep gratitude journals during the days & weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. Each day, have them write down three things they are thankful for. This practice helps students focus on the positive aspects of their lives and fosters a sense of appreciation for the world around them. Teachers can also participate, sharing their own reflections with the class.

2. Thankful Art Projects:

Get creative with gratitude-inspired art projects. Students can create drawings, paintings, or collages that depict the things they are grateful for. These can be shared with the class or displayed in the school to spread positivity. Teachers can lead by example and create their own thankful artwork to show their appreciation.

3. Acts of Kindness:

Thanksgiving is not just about being thankful for what we have but also about giving to others. Encourage everyone to perform acts of kindness as a way to express gratitude. This could include picking up trash around the school, volunteering for a local charity, or writing thank-you notes to family and school staff.

4. Thanksgiving Themed Discussions:

Host discussions in the classroom where students and teachers can share what they are thankful for. These conversations can be a great way to foster a sense of community and empathy. 

5. Gratitude Tree:

Create a gratitude tree in the classroom by decorating a tree trunk on a wall with paper leaves. Throughout the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, students and teachers can write what they are thankful for on the leaves and attach them to the tree. This visual representation of gratitude can serve as a constant reminder of the things that matter most.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for teachers and students to come together and celebrate gratitude. By practicing ways of showing appreciation, both educators and learners can create a positive and nurturing atmosphere in the classroom while reinforcing the values of gratitude and empathy.

The Power of "YET"!

How we view challenges matters for all educators as well as their students!  “Yet” is very powerful!   Here are two reasons why “Yet” is an important reminder for all of us.

 

• It Encourages A Growth Mindset:   “Yet” teaches us that our abilities and intelligence are not fixed but can be developed with effort and learning. When we grasp the concept of "I don't understand this yet," it instills a sense of optimism and resilience. We become more willing to take on challenges and persist through difficulties because we understand we can improve with time and effort.

 

• It Promotes a Positive Attitude:   “Yet” fosters a positive attitude toward learning and failure. Instead of viewing mistakes and failures as permanent setbacks, we learn to see them as stepping stones toward mastery. This shift in perspective reduces anxiety and fear of failure, making us more open to trying new things and learning from our experiences. It creates a culture where mistakes are valued as opportunities for growth, which can boost confidence and motivation.

Fostering Strong Relationships At School

Building meaningful relationships with students and parents is essential for creating a positive and supportive learning environment. When teachers and principals establish strong connections, it paves the way for effective communication, trust, and collaboration. Here are a few practical strategies to help educators cultivate relationships with students and parents, ensuring a foundation for success.

1. Active Listening:

Listening attentively is the cornerstone of building relationships. Take the time to genuinely listen to students' thoughts, concerns, and ideas. Provide them with a safe space to express themselves without judgment. Similarly, when engaging with parents, actively listen to their perspectives, questions, and feedback. Show empathy and demonstrate a willingness to understand their unique circumstances.

2. Regular Communication:

Open lines of communication are vital for building relationships. Keep parents informed about classroom activities, upcoming events, and their child's progress. Utilize various channels such as emails, text messaging, newsletters, or social media pages to maintain regular contact. For students, encourage open dialogue and create opportunities for them to share their thoughts and ask questions. Personalize interactions to make students and parents feel valued and heard.

3. Positive Reinforcement:

Recognize and celebrate the achievements, efforts, and growth of both students and parents. Provide specific and sincere praise to acknowledge their accomplishments. This fosters a supportive and encouraging atmosphere that motivates students and strengthens the bond with parents. Celebrate successes through certificates, notes of appreciation, text messages, emails, telephone calls, and face-to-face conversations.

4. Face-to-Face Connections:

In addition to digital communication, face-to-face interactions play a vital role in building relationships. Schedule regular communication to discuss progress, challenges, and goals. These conversations allow for deeper conversations and better understanding. Similarly, take the time to engage with students individually or in small groups. Show a genuine interest in their lives and create opportunities for mentorship and guidance.

5. Involvement and Collaboration:

Encourage active involvement from parents in their child's education. Provide opportunities for parent volunteers, classroom visits, or participation in school events. Collaborate with parents to understand their aspirations and expectations for their child's education. Engage students in decision-making processes within the classroom, allowing them to take ownership of their learning journey.

Building strong relationships with students and parents is a continuous process that requires time, effort, and empathy. By actively listening, maintaining regular communication, offering positive reinforcement, prioritizing face-to-face connections, and fostering collaboration, teachers and principals can create a supportive and inclusive educational community. These relationships empower students, engage parents, and contribute to a positive and successful learning environment for all.

Children Should Visit Our National Parks

This summer I had the joy of visiting four wonderful National Parks:  Badlands, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Glacier.   What amazing experiences for me and my family!!  Our nation's parks are not only breathtakingly beautiful but also serve as outdoor classrooms, offering unique learning experiences for everyone. In an era dominated by screens and digital devices, visiting national parks provides a much-needed opportunity for people to connect with nature, immerse themselves in rich ecosystems, and gain valuable knowledge outside the confines of a traditional classroom. Here are four compelling reasons why children should visit our national parks.

1. Immersive Learning Opportunities:

National parks offer an unparalleled hands-on learning experience that textbooks simply cannot provide. Students can witness the wonders of nature up close, observe wildlife in their natural habitats, and explore diverse ecosystems. Whether it's studying geology, biology, ecology, or environmental science, national parks serve as living laboratories where students can engage with the subject matter directly. Through ranger-led programs, interpretive trails, and interactive exhibits, students can develop a deeper understanding of the natural world and the importance of conservation.

2. Environmental Awareness and Conservation:

Visiting national parks instills a sense of environmental awareness and the need for conservation in children. Being surrounded by the pristine beauty of these protected areas highlights the importance of preserving our natural heritage for future generations. By witnessing the impact of human activities on ecosystems, students gain a firsthand understanding of the fragile balance between nature and human civilization. This experience can inspire them to become responsible stewards of the environment and advocate for sustainable practices in their communities.

3. Physical and Mental Well-Being:

In a time when sedentary lifestyles and screen addiction are pervasive among children, national parks offer a refreshing escape into the great outdoors. Spending time in nature has been scientifically proven to enhance physical and mental well-being. Hiking trails, cycling paths, and recreational activities in national parks provide opportunities for students to engage in physical exercise, reducing stress levels and promoting overall health. The peaceful ambiance and awe-inspiring landscapes also have a positive impact on mental health, fostering relaxation, mindfulness, and a sense of connection with the natural world.

4. Cultural and Historical Significance:

Beyond their ecological value, national parks are rich in cultural and historical significance. Children can explore the stories and heritage of indigenous peoples, pioneers, and other historical figures who have left their mark on these lands. By visiting archaeological sites, historic buildings, and cultural landmarks within national parks, children can gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultures that have shaped our nation's history. This exposure to different perspectives and traditions fosters cultural sensitivity and promotes a sense of national identity.

A Few Quick Tips:

• DID YOU KNOW EVERY 4TH GRADER CAN ENTER THE PARKS FOR FREE???  HERE is some information on how 4th graders and their families can visit the National Parks for a year!
• Ken Burns did a full series on the National Parks.  HERE is some more information on the series.
• We used the GUIDE ALONG APP.  This is like having a tour guide right in your car!  The guide tells all about the park as you drive, and shares some of the best things to do, trails to hike, and places to get great views of nature!  It's GPS activated, so there is no need for a signal as you drive.   There are tours for many parks (but not all parks).  The download is free, but there is a cost to purchase tours.  Costs are $10 and up for tours.  
• Find a National Park Map HERE to plan your visit!  You might be surprised how close a park is to you!

Visiting national parks is not just a recreational activity; it is a transformative educational experience for children. By stepping out of the classroom and into the great outdoors, children can develop a lifelong love for nature, a sense of responsibility towards the environment, and a broader perspective on our shared heritage. So let's encourage our children to explore, learn, and appreciate the wonders of our national parks—the ultimate classrooms for nature's extraordinary lessons.

Summer Is The Time To "Sharpen The Saw"

Effective Ways for School Principals to "Sharpen the Saw" This Summer

As school principals, our role as educational leaders demands continuous growth and self-improvement. Just as a saw becomes dull with use and requires sharpening to maintain its effectiveness, you too need to invest in your personal and professional development. The summer break presents a valuable opportunity to reflect, recharge, and enhance your skills. Here are four effective ways to "sharpen the saw" this summer:

1. Reflect and Refine:

Use the summer break to reflect on the previous school year. Take the time to evaluate your successes, challenges, and areas for improvement. Consider gathering feedback from your staff, students, and parents. Reflecting on your experiences will help you identify areas that require attention and provide insights for refining your strategies. Use this knowledge to set goals and plan for the upcoming year.

2. Engage in Targeted Professional Development:

Summer is an ideal time to engage in professional development opportunities that align with your goals and aspirations. Seek out conferences, workshops, and seminars that focus on areas such as instructional leadership, educational technology, curriculum development, or student well-being. Explore online courses or webinars that provide flexibility in terms of scheduling. Continuous learning will equip you with the latest research, trends, and best practices in education.

3. Foster Collaboration and Networking:

Effective school leadership thrives on collaboration and networking. Use the summer break to connect with your peers, both locally and globally. Join professional organizations, educational forums, or social media groups where you can exchange ideas, seek advice, and share experiences. Engaging in meaningful conversations with other principals will broaden your perspective and help you discover innovative approaches to common challenges. Collaborative partnerships can also pave the way for future professional development opportunities or joint projects.

4. Embrace Personal Renewal:

While dedicating time to professional growth is crucial, pay attention to the importance of personal renewal. Take advantage of the summer break to relax, recharge, and engage in activities that bring you joy. Spend quality time with loved ones, pursue hobbies, read books for pleasure, or engage in physical exercise. Prioritizing self-care will replenish your energy levels, enhance your overall well-being, and equip you with the resilience needed to face the demands of the upcoming school year.


As a school principal, investing in your personal and professional development is vital to enhancing your leadership skills. The summer break offers a valuable opportunity to "sharpen the saw" and prepare for the challenges ahead. Reflect on your experiences, engage in targeted professional development, foster collaboration, and embrace personal renewal. By dedicating time to these areas, you will be well-prepared, rejuvenated, and ready to lead your school toward more tremendous success in the upcoming academic year.

Four "Must Do's" For The Summer Of 2023

I shared these four "Must Do's" with my staff on the last day of school.  Consider these for the summer of 2023.

1)  Have Fun!

• Spend time with the people that bring you joy.
• Enjoy special times with family and friends.
• Go places you enjoy!
• Find a variety of activities you enjoy and do them!  Don't wait!

2) Try something NEW!

• Go someplace you have never gone.
• Learn a new skill.
• Take a cooking class or an art class.
• Do something you have never, ever, tried before.  
• Don't be afraid to be bad at something!  It's ok!  The learning experience is worth it!

3) Reflect!

• Be aware of how good we have it.  On a bad day, we have it better than BILLIONS of people worldwide.  Have perspective.  
• Think about what went well this year.  Prepare to do more of it next year!
• Think about what didn't go well.  What did you learn from it?  Do it better next year!

4) Be Healthy!

• Take care of your mind, body, and spirit.
• Eat well.  
• Exercise.  Stretch.
• Meditate, attend church, or find other ways to attend to your spiritual needs.
• Have gratitude.
• Remember, without our health, the rest really does not matter. 

Be well and enjoy your summer!

Success Takes Hard Work

 “Success is a result of consistent practice of winning skills and actions. There is nothing miraculous about the process.  There is no luck involved. Amateurs hope, professionals work.”

-Bill Russell, 11 time NBA Champion

As an eleven time NBA champion, Bill Russell knows what it takes to be successful.  Whether on the basketball court, in business, or in school, success takes hard work- and a lot of it.  In order of our children to be “champions” in school, their winning skills include Reading and Math.  These skills seldom come easy.   It requires daily practice of these skills in school and at home.  In school, we devote a minimum of 90 minutes a day to Reading, and a minimum of 60 minutes a day to Mathematics.  At home, children need to dedicate time each night to read, study, and practice their mathematics skills.  The practice of these winning skills should be every day, including weekends.  The time should be focused and distraction free.  This means no TV, no YouTube, and no cell phone.  Allow nothing that will shift focus away from the task at hand.  The time on each need not be long.  Consistency is what is most important.  Studying, reading and math practice should be engaging for children.  It can even be fun!  There are great educational board games and card games, tablet/computer games, and study games you can play with your child.  Reading together is enjoyable and a great way to increase the time you spend with your child.  Your child is a “professional” student.  Their job from Kindergarten to 12^th grade is school.  If they put in the quality time practicing, they will learn the necessary skills.  With this hard work, success will come!