- Recognizing what we have, including our differences
- Coming from abundance rather than scarcity
- Seeing the glass as half full rather than half empty
- Thanksgiving
- Recognizing all we have to work with i.e. freedom, choices, rights and freedom, responsibilities
- Goal setting
Group Quality Characteristics identified might be strengths, talents, truths, and choices of the group.
Public Service Announcement:
We encourage everyone to recognize what strengths they have and look at situations from abundance rather than scarcity.
Thought for the Month:
- “We can Do Anything” - Terry Kelly
- “I am thankful for the gift of gratitude” - Terry Kelly
- “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched; they must be felt with the heart.” - Helen Keller
- "If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt...we must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it." - President Lyndon B. Johnson, upon signing the Wilderness Act, 1964
- “Get clear about the outcome and the path will show up. Focus your mind and the answer will appear.” - Charles Pellerin
- “When we see what is valuable, constructive or wonderful in the present, we open the door wide for a positive future.” - Anonymous
- “Every action, thought and feeling contributes to the sum total of the planet.” - Anonymous
Suggested Whole School Events/Activities:
- Walk to the local food bank to deliver items each student has brought in for a donation.
- Invite a motivational speaker such as Terry Kelly or Mark Black to speak to students.
- Terry Kelly, blind since the age of two, he inspires people of all ages as he uses his own life experiences to motivate others. www.terry-kelly.com and coming to School District 6 this month.
- In 2001, Mark was living in a hospital, waiting for a miracle. Now, after receiving a heart and double-lung transplant, Mark is "Living Life Huge" and is about to run his 2nd marathon! Contact Mark at: Mark@MarkBlackSpeaks.com or call him at 506-858- 9993. “The power of a positive perspective.”
- Celebrate National Family Week October 2-8, 2006. Plan a family activity such as an after school picnic or potluck supper or games night.
- Drama clubs could identify or develop plays with celebration message to get out to the community and/or take to younger grade.
Classroom Activities:
- Write a thank you letter to someone for something you have received. It may have been a kind gesture or to a coach for helping coach your soccer team, etc.
- Make a collage or a scrapbook with articles, photos, etc. of people who have accomplished challenging goals. These can be dramatic and public or personal victories.
- Family Week Activity from www.familyservicecanada.org/nfw folder available at your school. Have students explore their family histories and learn more about the qualities that make their own families unique and special.
- Celebrate National Family Week October 2-8, 2006. Plan a family activity with your class such as an after school picnic or potluck supper or games night.
Suggested Reading:
- There is A Big Beautiful World Out There! - Nancy Carlson
- Three Tall Trees (E)*** - David Weale
- Mice and Beans (E)* - Pam Munoz Ryan
- Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge (E)* - Mem Fox
- A Squash and a Squeeze (E)*** - Julia Donaldson
- The Waterhole (E)*** - Graeme Base
- When Bad Things Happen (Grades 2-4) - Lorie Little
- Thanks for Thanksgiving (E)** - Julie Markes
*Available in the Provincial Library System http://vision.gnb.ca/welcome.html
**Available at Benjamin Books
Resources:
Supplementary Resources (found in the green hanging file folder):
- Teachers Guide from the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation (see attached)
- Mental Health Fitness Tips
- Celebrate What’s Right with the World DVD by Dewitt Jones & Leader’s Guide (elementary schools may borrow a copy by contacting Sandi McQuinn at sandi.mcquinn@gnb.ca or 848-6684).
- List of Other Recommended Literature
- Information on 40 Developmental Assets
Web Sites:
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