October

Descriptor:

Recognizing what we have, including our differences
Coming from abundance rather than scarcity
Seeing the glass as half full rather than half empty
Thanksgiving
Recognizing all we have to work with i.e. freedom, choices, rights and freedom, responsibilities
Goal setting

Group Quality Characteristics identified might be strengths, talents, truths, and choices of the group.

Public Service Announcement:

We encourage everyone to recognize what strengths they have and look at situations from abundance rather than scarcity.

Thought for the Month:

“We can Do Anything” - Terry Kelly
“I am thankful for the gift of gratitude” - Terry Kelly
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched; they must be felt with the heart.” - Helen Keller
"If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt...we must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it." - President Lyndon B. Johnson, upon signing the Wilderness Act, 1964
“Get clear about the outcome and the path will show up. Focus your mind and the answer will appear.” - Charles Pellerin
“When we see what is valuable, constructive or wonderful in the present, we open the door wide for a positive future.” - Anonymous
“Every action, thought and feeling contributes to the sum total of the planet.” -Anonymous

Suggested Whole School Events/Activities:

Walk to the local food bank to deliver items each student has brought in for a donation.
Invite a motivational speaker such as Terry Kelly or Mark Black to speak to students.
Terry Kelly, blind since the age of two, he inspires people of all ages as he uses his own life experiences to motivate others. www.terry-kelly.com and coming to School District 6 this month.
In 2001, Mark was living in a hospital, waiting for a miracle. Now, after receiving a heart and double-lung transplant, Mark is "Living Life Huge" and is about to run his 2nd marathon! Contact Mark at: Mark@MarkBlackSpeaks.com or call him at 506-858- 9993. “The power of a positive perspective.”
Celebrate National Family Week October 2-8, 2006. Plan a family activity such as an after school picnic or potluck supper or games night.
Drama clubs could identify or develop plays with celebration message to get out to the community and/or take to younger grade.

Classroom Activities:

Write a thank you letter to someone for something you have received. It may have been a kind gesture or to a coach for helping coach your soccer team, etc.
Make a collage or a scrapbook with articles, photos, etc. of people who have accomplished challenging goals. These can be dramatic and public or personal victories.
Family Week Activity from www.familyservicecanada.org/nfw folder available at your school. Have students explore their family histories and learn more about the qualities that make their own families unique and special.
Celebrate National Family Week October 2-8, 2006. Plan a family activity with your class such as an after school picnic or potluck supper or games night.