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

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Connect with Carol:

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

Mentioned in this episode:

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