The Resilience Project:

 

  Gratitut

💛 G is for Gratitude – Building Resilience, One Thought at a Time 

At our school, we are proud to be embedding The Resilience Project’s key principles of Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness (GEM) to help our students build positive mental health and emotional resilience. 

This month, we’re focusing on the G in GEM – Gratitude. 

🌟 What Is Gratitude? 

Gratitude is about noticing the good things in our lives—big or small. It could be a smile from a friend, a sunny day, playing a fun game at recess, or getting help when you need it. 

When children regularly reflect on what they are grateful for, they begin to shift their focus away from what’s going wrong and towards what’s going right. 

🧠 Why Is Gratitude So Important? 

Gratitude has been shown to: 

• Improve mood and overall happiness 
• Increase optimism and positivity 
• Reduce stress and anxiety 
• Support better sleep and focus 
• Build stronger relationships 

When children practise gratitude regularly, it helps rewire their brains to look for the good—something that is proven to build long-term emotional resilience. 

💬 Gratitude in Action at School 

As part of The Resilience Project, students are: 

• Completing daily or weekly Gratitude reflections 
• Sharing moments of joy in classroom discussions 
• Using Gratitude Journals to write or draw about what they’re thankful for 
• Practising GEM time to reflect on Gratitude, Empathy, and Mindfulness 

These simple routines have a lasting impact, helping students notice and appreciate more of the good in their lives. 

🏡 How Families Can Support Gratitude at Home 

Gratitude isn’t just a school-based skill—it’s something that can grow even stronger when practised at home. Try these simple ideas: 

🌙 Gratitude at bedtime:  Ask: “What was something good that happened today?” 

📦 Gratitude jar:  Each family member writes something they’re grateful for each day. Read them together once a week. 

👨‍👩‍👧 Model gratitude out loud:  Let your child hear you express thankfulness—even for little things like a hot cup of tea, a kind email, or help with the dishes. 

💛 Final Thought 

Gratitude doesn’t ignore the tough stuff—it helps us balance our view of the world. By noticing what’s going well, we support our children’s mental health, optimism, and capacity to bounce back from challenges. 

Together, at school and at home, we are helping our students develop habits of happiness and resilience for life. 

✨ Want to learn more?  Visit www.theresilienceproject.com.au to explore free parent resources and stories that show how Gratitude, Empathy, and Mindfulness are changing lives. Together, we can help our young people thrive—resilient, connected, and ready to shine. 

Why Are GEM Chats Important?

GEM Chats play a crucial role in building emotional literacy and resilience. By regularly engaging in these conversations, individuals can develop a deeper understanding of their emotions and learn strategies to manage them effectively. This practice contributes to improved mental health and a greater sense of connection within families, schools, and communities.

If you're interested in starting GEM Chats in your community or family, The Resilience Project provides resources and support to help you implement these conversations effectively.