As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s a wonderful time to reflect on all the things we appreciate in our lives. A Family Gratitude Circle is an engaging activity that brings families together, and promotes communication for children with autism. In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of gratitude and provide step-by-step instructions on running a successful Gratitude Circle, along with helpful visual cues.
The Importance of Gratitude and Social Interaction
Research shows that practicing gratitude can enhance emotional well-being, boost self-esteem, and improve social connections. For children with autism, structured gratitude-sharing can develop social skills and emotional understanding. This activity offers a safe environment where family members can express their feelings and practice turn-taking in conversations.
How to Run a Family Gratitude Circle
Step 1: Gather Materials
You'll need:
- Visual aids: Pictures or symbols representing common things to be thankful for (family, food, friends, pets).
- Gratitude Cards: Pre-made cards for family members to write or draw what they are thankful for.
-Seating Arrangement: Create a comfortable seating setup to encourage everyone to see and hear each other.
Step 2: Set the Scene
Create a cozy atmosphere. Gather in a quiet space, free from distractions, and place a centerpiece representing gratitude (like a small pumpkin or bouquet) to engage everyone visually.
Step 3: Introduce the Activity
Start by explaining the purpose of the Gratitude Circle. Use simple language and visual aids to reinforce the explanation. For example, show a picture of family with a heart symbol and say, "Today, we will share what we love and appreciate!"
Step 4: Model Sharing
To set the tone, the adult can model the first turn. For instance, “I am thankful for our cozy home.” Pair your statement with a visual cue (like a picture of a house) to support understanding.
Step 5: Encourage Participation
Invite each family member to take their turn. If they need help, provide prompts such as:
- “What are you thankful for at school?”
- “Who makes you feel happy?”
Use a turn-taking visual, such as a talking stick or a token that the speaker holds. This enables children to anticipate their turn and helps manage any anxiety about speaking.
Step 6: Use Visual Supports
Have visual supports, such as a gratitude chart, to track what everyone shares. As each person contributes, add their gratitude items to the chart with pictures or words, reinforcing their statements.
Step 7: Wrap Up and Celebrate
After everyone has shared, conclude the circle by acknowledging each person’s contributions and expressing appreciation for each one. A tangible reward, such as a small dessert or a special family activity, can be announced as a celebration for everyone’s participation in the Gratitude Circle.
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Helpful Visual Cues to Create
1. Gratitude Cards: Provide blank cards decorated with headings like "I am thankful for..." for family members to fill out. They can be illustrated with simple images or symbols. Parents can even cut out pictures of some of their child’s favorite items and they can just paste them on the blank cards with assistance.
Kat's Kore on Teachers Pay Teachers posted a great free resource for a blank area to paste or draw the items. Check out the link here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/I-Am-Thankful-for-DrawingColoring-Page-FREEBIE-3502490
2. Visual Aids: Create a poster with images depicting common sources of gratitude (like family, pets, nature). This will help kids express themselves through choices.
3. Turn-Taking Visual: Use a colorful object that can be passed around (like a stuffed turkey or a talking stick) to signify whose turn it is to speak. You can even download this free "My turn" and "Your turn" visual created by Chloe Elizabeth SLP:
4. Gratitude Chart: Have a large sheet of paper or a whiteboard where everyone’s shared items are written or drawn. This visual representation helps children recall and remember what they shared.
-This simple tradition not only fosters gratitude but also cultivates a sense of belonging and connection, making your Thanksgiving celebration truly special. Happy Thanksgiving!
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