_1724823379736.png)
Gratitude is a lovely way of looking at life and a priceless capacity for seeing and appreciating beauty. Hiba Academy Nantong's pupils, families, and teachers just celebrated an incredible Thanks Giving Event together yesterday.
This week, our pupils have begun thinking about who helps them in their everyday lives – ayis, catering staff, security team, bus monitors, teachers, family members and friends. During intentional teaching sessions, we have developed amazing plans of how to say meaningful ‘thank yous’ and decided on inviting families into Nursery to experience a variety of gratitude activities. The children created individual invitations for their family members with all the details of the event.
“我们的表达”
Pupil Interviews
On arrival to the event, families were able to hear children’s voices in the form of mini interviews, conducted in the lead up to the celebration. The interviews gave children the opportunity to share in their own words their understanding of the importance of gratitude, who they are thankful to and what they could do or make to show thanks. Including our children’s voices right at the start of the event gave families an individual context to their child’s learning and valuable personal reflections on the importance of the day.
鲜花集市
Flower Market
A flower market filled with all kinds of flowers and plants brings life and vitality to the Nursery. Roses given, fragrance in hand. Each flower was carefully chosen by the children, who then combined them into a bouquet to convey their blessings and gratitude to those around them. Children were encouraged to think deeply about the power of giving as a way to express thanks.
“感谢”的艺术表达
Works of Gratitude
The children had more options for expressing their gratitude than only a flower arrangement. The teachers also set up a display space for their acts of gratitude in the Nursery Lobby. Each piece of work captured a memorable moment. In their drawings and their kind words, the children kept a record of the things they want to thank the others for.
We were thrilled that the children began to look beyond the immediate for things to be thankful for, from their family and school to the grass, flowers, and trees in their surroundings. It was fantastic to see that the pupils being so aware of their surroundings and appreciating nature.
杯子蛋糕DIY
DIY Cupcakes
In addition to a piece of art and the invigorating scent of flowers, the Dining Hall of the Nursery also gave off the pleasant aroma of cupcakes. During intentional teaching sessions a main theme of giving food to thank those around us emerged. This was a key station to include in our Thanks Giving activities! The children put on their aprons and rolled up their sleeves. They put creamy evaporated milk, silky flour, and rich butter in a bowl and add the "thank you" magic spices. Freshly baked cupcakes with the children's hearts inside were placed on plates. Sharing these delicious treats with people who help and support us provided valuable learning opportunities.
瑜伽
Yoga
As part of thanking ourselves and our bodies, the children and family members took part in a gentle yoga experience. The atmosphere was calm and cosy. We said a big thank you to our body for helping us to learn every day. For getting stronger, running faster, climbing higher and jumping deeper. Through the yoga poses we also thanked the sun for shining, growing plants and keeping us warm. This movement session was a calming and restorative way to thank ourselves.
“都是温暖的时刻”
Warm Photos
At the end of the event, the teachers used photographs to record the beautiful and heart-warming day for the children and families. The pictures taken were a "secondary creation" by the children to give them a new energy and warmth. The children's creativity brought the Thanks Giving event to a successful conclusion.
