Today, we will discuss gratitude activities in French class. While these French gratitude activities are perfect for French Thanksgiving or l’Action de Grâce, you do not need to wait for Thanksgiving to integrate the practice of gratitude in your teaching practice. The practice of expressing gratitude belongs in every season!
This is the fourth and final blog post in the Social-Emotional Learning series. Discover introductory SEL lessons here. Read about the importance of cultivating a growth mindset in French students here. Learn all about the importance of affirmations and positive self-talk here.
Why do we need to express gratitude?
Our minds are wired to focus on the negative. When we express gratitude, we are training our minds to recognize the good things in our lives, even during hard times. Expressing gratitude boosts our mood and strengthens our relationships.
It is also important to note that gratitude is a practice that needs to be taught and actively practiced. It’s not something we are born doing.
What I love about gratitude is that it forces us to slow down and focus on the good in our lives. Teens need this as well!
Why should we integrate French gratitude activities into our practice?
Out of all Social-Emotional Learning activities, gratitude activities are the easiest to do in French! They require very basic vocabulary and sentence structures. Even novice French students can easily participate!
When we intentionally engage in gratitude activities in French class, students practice emotional regulation and meaningful, real-life communication in French.
That is a win-win!
French Gratitude Activities Recommendation #1 – Outdoor Ed + 3 Good Things That Happened To Me This Week
The first gratitude activity combines going outside and expressing gratitude.
On Fridays, I bring my class outside for 5-10 minutes in every season. The snow and ice do not stop us!
When outside, we form a circle and I give students a minute or two to think about three good things that happened to them this week.
We go around and share the three good things. I am always the first to share so that I can set a positive example for my students.
I emphasize going outside in every season because where I live, we have four very distinct seasons.
There’s something beautiful about expressing gratitude and witnessing the natural world around you change.
French Gratitude Activities Recommendation #2 – Acts of Kindness
This next activity is a gratitude choice board for acts of kindness.
When doing acts of kindness in the classroom, it can be challenging for students to choose their act. This is where things can take quite a wild turn.
The choices here have been made for students!
French Gratitude Activities Recommendation #3 – Thank You Cards
At the end of every semester, I have my French 9 and 10 students make a thank-you card for a teacher. I don’t provide them with a template or outline. I give them paper and supplies and let them go wild. They pick any teacher, school, or custodial staff to say thank you to.
I do read every single card to ensure that my students haven’t said anything wild. They get SO creative with their cards. I had a student make a bird once!
I actually cried reading their cards last semester! They were so sweet.
French Gratitude Activities Recommendation #4 – Seasonal Activities
Without a doubt, I know teachers love their seasonal gratitude activities.
This one is such a fun, floral-themed craft!
I do love me a seasonal gratitude activity, just like any other French teacher!
If you’re interested, I’ve designed gratitude activities for various holidays and seasons, all of which are available in one comprehensive resource.
We’ve got:
- Winter, spring, and fall French gratitude crafts
- Gratitude crafts for Valentine’s Day & Christmas
Slow down and make time for gratitude in your classroom with these ready-to-go activities and crafts that foster gratitude.
