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Why Does Gratitude & a Growth Mindset Matter for Educators?
First of all, let me start by saying welcome teachers! We are halfway through March! Take a quick minute and do a check in. How are you doing? Be proud of yourself for hanging in there through the winter! I know for me, this is always the hardest stretch. Between lesson planning, managing behaviors, and tackling endless emails, it’s easy to feel drained. This is probably the best time of the year to really focus on practicing gratitude and positivity.
Practicing gratitude isn’t just a feel-good trend; research shows that it helps reduce stress, boost resilience, and improve overall happiness. And when teachers model a growth mindset, students and colleagues pick up on that energy, creating a ripple effect of positivity throughout the school.
So, how can we bring more gratitude and optimism into our school communities? Let’s explore some fun and practical ways to make gratitude and positive thinking part of everyday staff culture!
Easy & Fun Ways to Practice Gratitude as a Staff
1. Kindness Bingo (A Fun Staff Challenge!)
Bring some friendly competition into the mix with Kindness Bingo! Teachers can complete acts of kindness for colleagues—like writing a positive note, covering a class for a few minutes, or leaving a surprise treat—and mark them off their bingo boards. It’s a great way to spread gratitude and positivity, while boosting staff connections!
2. Gratitude Board in the Lounge
Dedicate a space in the teacher’s lounge for gratitude! Leave pretty sticky notes, stickers, and gel pens or calligraphy markers so staff can write things they appreciate about their coworkers, students, or even small victories from the week. Put a set of motivational affirmation cards in a basket so staff can “tag” a coworker and put it on the bulletin board. Use calming bulletin board borders to add some appeal. Seeing these daily reminders is an instant morale boost!
3. Staff Gratitude Jar
A mason jar works perfect for this. It could be decorated with ribbon, or stickers. We also have some premade labels here. Cut out some pretty paper strips or check out these premade ones, place them in a cute basket. Staff can write about things that made them smile during the week and put it in the jar. During the next staff meeting, pull a few notes out to share! Instant mood boost!
4. Daily Gratitude Journal (A 5-Minute Habit!)
Journaling for just a few minutes a day can reframe your mindset. Encourage staff to jot down three things they’re grateful for every morning or before they leave school. A simple notebook works, or check out this Teacher Gratitude Journal designed for self-care and mindfulness!
5. Create a “Gratitude Box” for Tough Days
Set up a small box filled with uplifting notes or affirmation cards, stickers, small treats, and stress-relief goodies. Calming Stickers, stress balls, or other fidgets aren’t just for kids! Teachers can take something when they need a boost or add to it to support others.
Keeping the Positivity Going: Growth Mindset for Teachers
A growth mindset is all about believing in the power of learning, adapting, and improving. As educators, we teach this to students, but sometimes we forget to apply it to ourselves!
Ways to Build a Growth Mindset at School:
- Reframe Challenges – Instead of “This student will never listen,” try, “I haven’t found the right strategy yet.”
- Celebrate Small Wins – Recognize progress, not just perfection.
- Share Mistakes & Lessons – Normalize setbacks by discussing what you’ve learned.
- Positivity in Meetings – Start staff meetings with a quick win-sharing moment instead of diving straight into problems.
Let’s Make Gratitude & Positivity a Habit!
Building a school culture of gratitude and growth takes time, but small, intentional actions add up. Whether it’s starting a gratitude board, playing Kindness Bingo, or simply shifting how we view challenges, every step counts toward a more positive, connected school environment.
How do you and your school practice gratitude? Drop your favorite ideas in the comments—I’d love to hear them!
Take care of yourselves this week!
-Tara from The Teacher Retreat