As educators, we know that a classroom runs on more than just lessons and routines; it thrives on relationships. When students feel seen, valued and appreciated, their confidence and motivation soar.
Showing gratitude for your students doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming; it’s about the little moments that remind them they matter.
Here are five simple ways to show your students you’re grateful for them:
1. Welcome them with a personal greeting. A high five, handshake or simply a smile as you say their name can make a student feel noticed and special. Use this greeting time to ask any follow-up questions about their latest sports game or dance rehearsal. The more personal you can make this, the more special your students will feel and the more connected to you as a teacher.
2. Write random notes. How special do you feel, as a teacher, when admin stops by and leaves you a sticky note telling you how great you’re doing? This is the same for our students. Take some time to write your students little notes of encouragement, gratitude, etc. A small act of affirmation can go a long way for our students.
3. Create a “thankful tree.” Add a tree trunk to the wall and keep it up all school year. You can add leaves stating what students you are thankful for and why. Extend this by welcoming students to write about their classmates. This will promote a positive, thankful environment all year long, not just in November.
4. Trust students with added responsibilities. Allow students to teach a lesson or earn the “captain” role to lead a table. These leadership roles make students feel important and trusted. Additionally, they become role models and will be more likely to want to do the right thing.
5. Show you care outside of school too. If you are able to attend a sports game or a recital, it will make your student feel extra special. This can also be as simple as asking their parents to send you a picture of them at their game and celebrating it the next day in school. Showing you care outside of the classroom can leave a lasting impact.
When we intentionally show students we’re thankful for them, we create classrooms filled with trust, joy and belonging. Gratitude doesn’t just make students feel good; it strengthens the bond that makes learning possible.
In what ways do you plan to show gratitude towards your students this season? Share your ideas with us on the Arizona PBS Kids Facebook page!
About the author
Marissa Will is the mother of two, Olivia (8) and Logan (6). Writing was her first passion: she’s a freelance writer and a Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication alumna. Will is currently educating the future leaders of tomorrow: She has spent the past nine years educating third grade with a master’s degree in elementary education from Northern Arizona University-Yuma.
SPOTLIGHT
STAY in touch
with azpbs.org!
Subscribe to Arizona PBS Newsletters:
