APPRECIATION

Purpose:
To teach the meaning of appreciation, what it feels like to be appreciated, and how to show your appreciation for others.

Description:
The talk begins with a definition of the word appreciation. We review spelling, pronunciation and give specific examples to help the children understand how it applies to them. We then use role-playing activities to reinforce the children's understanding of the concept. Each child has the opportunity to be appreciated by someone else and to show appreciation for another child in the classroom. Learning that they have the capacity to make someone else feel appreciated gives children the motivation to practice this behavior more often. Going around the room, each student is asked to choose a family member to express appreciation for that night. They understand that the next day the teacher will ask them to report on their success. Given time, each child draws a picture in their workbook that demonstrates appreciation for someone else.

Outcomes:
Children gain an understanding of the word appreciation and begin to use it as part of their vocabulary.
Children learn to demonstrate appreciation for others by practicing the concept in the classroom and as a homework assignment with their family.
Children are motivated to show appreciation because of the positive effect it has on themselves and others.
Children visualize the concept by drawing a picture that demonstrates how they can express appreciation for someone.

AP-PRE-CI-A-TION
To value or show gratitude; to be thankful

"Every child knows how it feels to be appreciated, but it is as important to be able to express appreciation for others."