Being Thankful
Last week Amanda shared a cute tree that she attached to her wall and then had her girls decorate with leaves that said why they were thankful. I liked this project so much that I was inspired to do something similar at school with my 7th grade students.
I made a tag board tree trunk many moons ago while student teaching and knew that it would be perfect to use for this project. After wasting more time than I care to admit digging through my teaching stash, I realized that the trunk was no where to be found. I headed to the office to get some brown paper to use to make a new tree trunk, but of course, there was no brown paper. So, I ended up not making a tree trunk after all, and just stapled leaves to the bulletin board that include thankful thoughts.
(If you are an elementary teacher and do fancy bulletin boards, I know this isn’t too impressive, but my 7th graders love it and have spent a lot of time reading the leaves in between classes.)
I had a spare minute (literally) between classes on Friday and photographed a few of the leaves, hence the poor quality. Reading these really did warm my heart!
This child is a model student, sweet girl, and is 100% on the ball at school. What she wrote was an eye-opener.
This child thinks a lot of himself….
This child lost her brother when he was only seven years old. This one really touched me because I lost my own brother when he was just 31 years old. I miss him every single day and always will.
They start early…..
Like my 7th graders, I’m also thankful for a great life. I’m blessed with a wonderful family, a husband who is my best friend and who knows how to have fun, great friends, a nice home, and a good job. I’m also thankful for blogging because it’s allowed me to connect with so many great people. Have you been thinking about for what your are thankful?
That is awesome!! Some of those really made my eyes tear up. I think you did a great job on the bulletin board. 🙂
I am so very thankful that as a Nonny, I am healthy and able enough to be *present* for my grandchildren.
What a sweet board…I love some of the responses! I’m grateful for so many things, I could probably fill the board by myself, but I agree. Blogging friends are there for you and that’s great!
XO,
Jane
Oh Paula Sweetie…
What a gorgeous share today. I love this board and isn’t it amazing how kids will really open up some times and write their thoughts when there is no pressure like an assignment. I love it. What a wonderful idea sweetie.
I love just the simplicity of the turkey and the little squirrel, and not neccessarily a big tree trunk. A beautiful share sweet friend. Just beautiful.
Have a great week. Many hugs and much love, Sherry
I love this! It takes me back to all those years of teaching. I always did something like this when I taught 3rd grade. I never tried it in middle school, but only because I taught math. The LA teachers did it for a hallway bulletin board. Kids are great.
These days we’re so consumed with getting and spending. It’s good to pause and reflect on the things that really matter. Gotta love the kid who is thankful for GIRLS. I bet he’s a pistol!
Aw, these are too sweet. Your post has made my day!
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
i really enjoyed reading those leaves! that’s a great idea, and the kids were so honest.
The random, handsome genius cracked me up! Most of them are really sweet. The one about her brother brought tears to my eyes. So precious! Love this project!
I am so thankful for my family and my friends!
How was the race, by the way?
I love it! What a great reminder to the kids to stop and think about what they are thankful for! I’m sure they are enjoying reading them. Thanks for sharing! Sometimes I really miss my classroom days. Carla
how cute is this. it reminds me of when my daughter was little and her teacher would have the class trace their hands on construction paper. they would have to write 5 things they were greatful for and then they would attach it to a turkey cutout.. ~Grace
What a fun idea. I loved reading what some of the kids wrote! xo