Our gratitude rākau
An activity that creates an opportunity to think and reflect on all the things that help us feel happy and appreciate the good things in our lives.
Firstly, the science...
Research from the likes of Dr. Robert Emmons from the University of California, Davis, and Dr. Martin Seligman, the founder of positive psychology, have both delved into the benefits we can reap when adopting gratitude practices in our lives. Emmons, a leading expert on gratitude, found that regularly expressing gratitude can rewire our brains for the better. Research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that those who documented their gratitude felt more optimistic, had better health, and slept better.
Why this activity?
Sometimes we have trouble remembering what we're grateful for. This activity gives tamariki a super simple worksheet they can complete, color, take home, and display.
You'll need
Some crayons, felts, and our My gratitude rākau worksheet
What to do
Start the activity with a kōrero around gratitude, you may need to give some examples of things tamariki may be grateful for.
This activity could be a beautiful opportunity for tamariki to head outside with their worksheet and pens or crayons and have a mindful moment under the shade of a rākau while reflecting on what they're grateful for.
Try completing one gratitude prompt each day with reflection across a wiki to gradually explore the feelings that come with gratitude
Once completed, encourage tamariki to take their gratitude rākau home and display it. Have a kōrero with tamariki about how good it feels to think about the positive.
Whānau engagement
Encourage tamariki to continue the gratitude kōrero at home with whānau, which could be an awesome kōrero for at kai time.
And to add to this...
After completing the activity some Puku breathing could create the perfect opportunity for some reflection
Curriculum links
Personal health and physical development: A4 - Personal identity
