Education

Teaching an ‘Attitude of Gratitude’ about Education

By Michele Molnar — November 21, 2012 1 min read
  • Save to favorites
  • Print

The spirit of Thanksgiving easily can be overshadowed by the frenzy of the holiday. The food frenzy. Football frenzy. Family frenzy. And who could forget the Black Friday shopping frenzy?

The “giving thanks” part might be relegated to a prayer, a toast, or a few comments between “pass the stuffing” and “where’s the pumpkin pie?”

On the Eve of Thanksgiving, K-12 Parents and the Public offers a gentle reminder to model gratefulness, and appreciate the fact that our country offers a public education.

For those of us who are parents, we are our children’s first teachers. As role models, how well do we demonstrate “an attitude of gratitude?” How frequently? How genuinely?

Nothing says “thank you” more, or better, than expressing it to the people we appreciate, for the actions we appreciate. Do your children know that you appreciate their teachers? Their principal? Their school counselors and custodians, the school nurse and bus drivers—any personnel who make their education possible?

By demonstrating to your children that you value the people who provide education, you are showing them that you value these people’s dedication, and the work your children do at school.

Public education is a gift to all of us, whether or not we have children or are products of a public school system ourselves. Because of public education, our country’s citizens are learning and growing, and experiencing a world beyond their homes.

Consider the gift of education, and what it means to you, as you enjoy your Thanksgiving weekend. I will be very grateful if you do.

A version of this news article first appeared in the K-12 Parents and the Public blog.