FCPS Preschool Programs
Mental Health Corner
Making a Gratitude Jar
Thanksgiving is a time we think about what we are thankful for. When we practice gratitude on a regular basis, some benefits include:
1. Improved self-esteem and mental health
2. Improved physical health and reduces amount of time being sick
3. Improved sleep
4. Helping us feel more connected and generous with those we love
A wonderful activity that can be shared at a special time of year such as Thanksgiving is a gratitude jar. You can start at the beginning of the month and ask each family member to add to the jar each day they can.
- Find a jar or other container you would like to use. A clear container lets you see how full your jar is getting, which children tend to prefer.
- Have each family member write or draw something you are grateful for. You can have everyone do this on their own or make a family time to do this together.
- Make a special time on Thanksgiving Day to open the jar and read through everyone’s answers. You can put the answers back in the jar for a time when it is helpful to read through them again like when someone is feeling sad or lonely. You can also keep adding to it and find another special time to read through them or make a scrapbook of your answers.
Nutrition Corner
Apples are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and phytonutrients. Eat your favorite apples as daily snacks or try them in a recipe like this:
Healthier Apply Crisp
1hr 15 min 301cals 12 servings
Ingredients:
10 cups Apples
½ cup White Sugar
1 tablespoon White Whole Wheat Flour
1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
½ cup Water
1 cup Quick Cooking Oats
1 cup White Whole Wheat Flour
½ cup Brown Sugar (packed)
½ cup Walnuts (chopped)
¼ teaspoon Baking Powder
¼ teaspoon Baking Soda
½ cup Butter (melted)
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.
2. Place the sliced apples in a 9x13 inch pan. Mix the white sugar, 1 tablespoon flour and ground cinnamon together, and sprinkle over apples. Pour water evenly over all.
3. Combine the oats, 1 cup of flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, walnuts, and melted butter together. Crumble evenly over the apple mixture.
4. Bake in the preheated oven until golden and crisp on top, about 45 minutes.
