May Your Days Include Expressions of Gratitude
Practicing gratitude...
~15 minutes per day ~ 5 days per week ~ at least 6 weeks ...
can enhance mental wellness ...
and possibly promote a lasting change in perspective.
Health Benefits of Being Thankful:
- reduce depression ~ lessen anxiety
- relieve stress ~ improve sleep
- support heart health
Tips for Practicing Gratitude:
- writing it down ~ hitting pause
- redirecting your thoughts ~ sharing your gratitude
Resource: UCLA Health (https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/health-benefits-gratitude)
Video (2 minutes 7 seconds) - The Science of Gratitude
Thank you for continuing on this PBIS journey! ~ Melissa
Melissa K. Wurth
PLAEA School Psychologist / SEBH Consultant / PBIS Coordinator & Trainer
Two "Must-Do" Activities to Enhance PBIS Implementation
PBIS Apps Teach by Design ~
The October PBIS Apps Teach by Design article, Turquoise or Blue? How One Test Uncovers the Hidden Assumptions in Our Classrooms, describes two very engaging activities to dig deeper into "defining (or revisiting) shared values and norms [and that it] starts with conversations about differences." The first activity is called "The Big Deal-o-Meter." This sounds fun doesn't it? This activity provides "an engaging [way] to kick off a larger discussion around consistent referral practices and alternative responses to low-level behaviors." I am loving the idea of this activity.
The second activity is referred to as "The Behavior Dictionary." This is designed to include your students and is meant to provide a deeper dive into what impacts consistent engagement with expectations. The foundation of this activity has been included in Tier 1 training the last several years, so may look familiar to some. I love how this activity is designed to gain the perspective of your students.
Edutopia ~
Considering the increased focus on responding to chronic absenteeism, here is an article from Edutopia which describes ideas connected to "fostering a positive school climate," which is the primary intention & foundational purpose of PBIS. Check it out here: A Two-Step Process for Reducing Chronic Absenteeism
"On the Road" & Action for Happiness
May you find inspiration in unexpected moments & be grateful for all that is possible.
"On the Road" Video (6 minutes 7 seconds):
Kindness 101: A lesson in gratitude
Action for Happiness Calendar:
Edutopia Video (3 minutes 4 seconds):
3 Ways to Make Gratitude a Habit in Your Classroom
Quotes:
"Gratitude bestows reverence...changing forever how we experience life and the world."
~ John Milton
"Every sunset is an opportunity to reset. Every sunrise begins with new eyes."
~ Richie Norton