"Appreciate" is all about developing an attitude of gratitude and being thankful for the people and experiences we have in our lives, as well as the "things" we are lucky to own. In lessons, the children are learning to recognise the pleasure in little everyday experiences as well as the big exciting ones. They are also being encouraged to tell each other when they are grateful for something as it makes both the giver and the receiver of the gratitude feel good.

Try creating a Thankfulness Lucky Dip by cutting out these hearts, folding them up and putting them in a jar or bowl. Each member of the family can then pick out a heart and share a person, place or activity they are grateful for that day or week. This could be repeated weekly or monthly.

Attitude of Gratitude

As a family, try developing your gratitude skills by choosing a time each day when you all share something you are thankful for that day. The best times are when you have a peaceful few minutes together - maybe over the tea table or before stories at bedtime. Don't forget, it doesn't have to be something out of the ordinary - some of mine this week have been; a beautiful sunset on my way home from school, a lovely cup of tea by the fire, my daughter practising her clarinet without me nagging her, my guinea pig recovering from a poorly eye. It might be tricky at first and younger children may need help, but gratitude is like a muscle; the more we use it, the better we get at it.