Thanksgiving Wishes

As I was driving home this afternoon, I kept thinking about a handful of my students who are negative, disrespectful, or apathetic. Then, I knew I needed an attitude adjustment. In fact, I think that’s the purpose of Thanksgiving. Most of us spend so much time thinking about our problems and about people who are unkind to us that we overlook the great blessings we have been given and the people who enrich our lives daily.

So, a week before Thanksgiving, I want to say thank you to kind, considerate, optimistic, diligent, spirited, thoughtful, funny, and inspiring students.

Thank you for your encouraging words when I’m having a bad day.

Thank you for paying attention and doing your best work when you would rather be anywhere in the world than cooped up in a classroom.

Thank you for participating in class discussions and refraining from making fun of people.

Thank you for your interest in actually learning instead of simply acquiring good grades.

Thank you for sending me nice notes and emails when you have enjoyed something we have done in class, or greeting me warmly when you enter the classroom, or saying good-bye when you leave.

Thank you for reaching out to help your peers who may not find learning as easy as you do.

Thank you for reminding me why I became a teacher and why I have remained in a classroom for over three decades.

Thank you for those little acts of kindness that make our classroom and our school a better place for all of us.

I wish all of you a safe, happy, and refreshing Thanksgiving holiday. Amid all of the activities you have planned for the next week, I hope that you, too, will take the time to count your blessings and thank the people who have enriched your lives. (I think we need a Thanksgiving tee shirt!)