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An Attitude of Gratitude

Workshop Outline

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An Attitude of Gratitude: For use in an in-person professional communications program around the topics of Introduction to Communication, Interpersonal Communication, or Relational Communication.

 

Theory:  Students will be able to engage actively in, and experience the benefits of, positive communication by documenting their experiences of shared gratitude via social media posts and journal writing. Throughout this process, students will learn about the epistemological and ontological benefits of applied positive communication concepts. This activity is best conducted over the course of one to two weeks, and after the students have read/discussed communication concepts such as gratitude and well-being, communication and affection, and work–life balance.

 

Previously Covered Material: This lesson would be conducted toward the mid-point of the course after the students have had the chance to get to know each other through previous ice breaking activities, small group exercises, dyad work and class presentations.

 

Readings:

1. Allen, S. (2018) The Science of Gratitude. Greater Good Science Center, 28-40.

2. Franks, T. M. (2014). Documenting Gratitude as a Practice in Positive Scholarship. Communication Teacher, 29(1), 32–36. https://doi.org/10.1080/17404622.2014.985593

3. Yoshimura, S. M., & Berzins, K. (2017). Grateful experiences and expressions: the role of gratitude expressions in the link between gratitude experiences and well-being. Review of Communication, 17(2), 106–118. https://doi.org/10.1080/15358593.2017.1293836

 

Goals & Objectives:

1. Students will be able to engage actively in, and experience the benefits of, positive communication through concepts of gratitude and well-being, communication and affection, and work–life balance.

2. The Student will be able to identify specific strengths, qualities, or positive personality traits of other people with whom they interact.

3. The student will be able to identify the evidence or observable behavior that demonstrates those strengths and qualities.

4. The student will become more effective at expressing appreciation, positive feedback and praise with credibility and sincerity.

 

Out of Class Work:

1. Complete assigned readings.

2. Complete The Relationship Map.

3. Reflect on and write down 3 things that you are grateful for in your life.

 

Time Frame: 90 minutes

 

Key Concept:  Over the past two decades, studies have consistently found that people who practice gratitude report fewer symptoms of illness, including depression, more optimism and happiness, stronger relationships, more generous behavior, and many other benefits.

 

Resource Materials:

• Bring in Positive Character Traits chart, 3 x 5 index cards, blank Thank You notes, postage stamps, extra pens, and tissues.

• Prepare PowerPoint presentation key ideas and concepts.

 

Activity: 

1. Facilitate a discussion on, “What is Gratitude?” and the benefits of showing gratitude and appreciation.

2. Discuss how to give meaningful appreciation to others

3. Display the Relationship Map. Help students understand “why” we are creating a relationship map. Discuss the map and the wide variety of people around us who affect our lives.

4. Have students put a check mark by relationships that are solid, a question mark by relationships that could be better, and a star by the relationships that are most important to them right now.

5. Distribute one Thank you card to each student.  Display the template showing structure and ideas for what to include in a note of appreciation. Give them time to write a note of gratitude to someone who is important to them.

6. Show the slide on how to address a letter.  Distribute one postage stamp for each student and collect all Thank you notes to mail on the way home from class.

7. Show Canadian Hockey PSA Video on the opposite of appreciation

8. Debriefing: Ask the students what they will do more of less of or differently as a result of what they experienced in today’s class.

 

Summary: Research convincingly shows that, when compared with their less grateful peers, students are happier and more satisfied with their lives, friends, family, neighborhood, and selves. The practice of gratitude helps students feel more socially competent and connected, more satisfied with school, have better mental health and emotional well-being and be more motivated about school and their future.