Gratefulness In the Community
vs. entitlement
Appreciating what I have and how others help me
To practice Gratefulness, I will: 
- show others how much I appreciate them
- write thank-you notes
- take care of what I have
- count my benefits rather than my burdens
- be content
Thank with Character
We may utter the words “Thank You” or a similar phrase often, but if you really want the phrase to be heard, pair it with a character quality. For children, especially, when you recognize their character-based effort over the achievement, it identifies a generalized good behavior to repeat over the specific reason for the thanks. Here’s an example: Margie, thanks for helping your brother with his chores. You were generous with your time in helping someone. Robert, thanks for bringing me soup when I was sick. You are so compassionate. When you deepen your thanks by including character, you are showing a deeper observation which can make the receiver of your thanks feel even more appreciated.
How will you use character in your Thank yous?
The Links below will take you to Resources you can use with the family or within community organizations
to teach the Character Quality of Gratefulness.
The following activities are related to dates this month and can relate to any character quality or good character in general.
September Character All Month
See NationalToday, AndTodayIs, NationalDayCalendar or DaysOfTheYear for more information on these and other holidays to celebrate this month. Day in September Holiday How to Commemorate with Character 2 Labor Day On #LaborDayWeekend, we are #Grateful for the benefits...
First Day Of Autumn
Make a Character Tree to identify character-based behavior on which you can focus. You can either draw or print a picture of a tree. Write suggestions of good behaviors on cutouts of leaves. If you write in a bold black marker, the children can color them with fall...
Day of Encouragement
Day of Encouragement (Sept 12) was started in 2007 by a group of Searcy, Arkansas teenagers who felt that encouragement could help many teens face their problems. The Mayor of Searcy proclaimed September 12, Day of Encouragement. A similar proclamation was made by the...
Our other Pillars have resources that can be used in a community or family setting.
Visit Gratefulness in School>>
Activities
No Matter How You Say It
Curriculum Connections
Croskey’s Corner
Visit Gratefulness in Business>>
Teambuilding
Power Up with Character
Interview Questions
Adult Business Books
Visit Gratefulness in Faith>>
Christian Family Activity
Bible Verses
Christian Poster
Prayer and Reflections
Archived Resources