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EatMoveGrow

A Focus on Social Emotional Learning

EatMoveGrow A Focus on Social Emotional Learning
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In our continued effort to support our school partners in Social Emotional Learning (SEL), EatMoveGrow will be providing a variety of SEL lessons and programming this school year. We are starting our efforts by introducing students to the concepts of thankfulness and gratitude. In light of the challenges that we have all faced during these trying times, it is important that we recognize and focus on the positive things that we have and experience.


We often discuss what we are thankful for this time of year. EMG also wants students to explore the concept of gratitude, which involves responding to strong feelings of thankfulness with an action. Sharing feelings of gratefulness with friends and classmates will spark an "Attitude for Gratitude" that will spread quickly.

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I Am Thankful for Many Different Things

Focusing on the things and experiences we have and enjoy fosters feelings of contentment, appreciation, and being pleased. Sharing this with others is helpful in reminding us that we have many things to be thankful for in different areas of our daily lives. Our EMG "Thankful Turkeys" help students think about what they are thankful for in themselves, their families, their friends, their school and community, and nature.


Here you can find the lesson plan and associated materials.

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Grateful Pumpkins Classroom Activity

What is Gratitude?


Children are familiar with "thankfulness" or "being thankful" for something or someone. It is important for them to also understand the concept of gratitude, which is feeling deeply thankful and responding to that feeling with an action to show appreciation. When a person responds with acts of kindness or small gifts, they share joy and positive feelings with others.


The "Grateful Pumpkin" activity gives teachers and students the opportunity to reflect on the things they are grateful for, and share them with each other.


Here you can find a copy of the Thankfulness and Gratitude SEL Lesson Plan and associated materials.

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Try This GoNoodle Gratitude Activity

EatMoveGrow has been exploring GoNoodle and has some great SEL resources to share with you! Click on curricular resources at the top of the GoNoodle bar to find two sites with SEL activities. On the Channel tab, you will find All The Feels, which has resources to support students' mental and social growth; Think About It, which has breathing exercises to help students focus and regroup during the day; and Empower Tools, which has fun activities that energize the body and mind.


Click to participate in a mindfulness activity that encourages students to think about the people, items, and experiences they are grateful for.