December can feel like a whirlwind in schools, which makes it the perfect time to slow down and center students in one of the most grounding SEL themes we have: gratitude.

In this episode, I am sharing simple, meaningful ways to introduce gratitude to students of all ages, plus ideas for weaving it into your counseling program throughout the whole month.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why gratitude boosts mood, relationships, and academic outcomes

• How gratitude connects to all five CASEL competencies

• How I use the book Last Stop on Market Street to introduce perspective and meaning

• Reflection questions that help deepen student understanding

• My daily Witness Moment practice and how students can create gratitude snapshots

• A gratitude acorn activity that helps younger students understand growth

• A powerful gratitude cross the line lesson for older students

• Schoolwide ideas: gratitude walls, gratitude grams, morning announcements

• How to track simple Tier 1 data when implementing gratitude centered lessons

Quote From the Episode

"It can start off tiny, just like an acorn, but gratitude has a way of growing into something great."

Encouragement for the Week

As we close out the year, gratitude becomes a beautiful reminder of why we do this work. Whether it is an acorn on the wall, a hallway display, or a quiet moment in your office, I hope you always find ways to grow gratitude in your school this season.

Resources Mentioned:

Last Stop On Market Street

Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast

Join Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!

Connect with Carol:

• TpT Store
• Counseling Essentials Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group
• Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group
• High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group

Perks Membership