What are you grateful for?
With Thanksgiving approaching, Certified Recreation Therapist Elizabeth Kasimu asked the kids in C&FS’ Residential Services Program if they knew what the word “gratitude” means. They nodded and told her that it means to be thankful for something.
Elizabeth then asked the children, “What are you grateful for?”
The kids gave some responses that only children would think to mention, such as “my feet because they help me walk,” “my eyes because they help me see,” “music because it sounds good,” and “bed because it is cozy.” They also replied with more traditional responses, such as family, friends, food, and the C&FS staff.
While some of these answers might seem a little sillier than others, Elizabeth said that they are actually all important. “For children who are thankful for their eyes and music, these are things that they are not consistently aware of,” said Elizabeth. “This shows their ability to reflect on different aspects of their lives that don’t necessarily change, but still contribute to who they are as young children – especially when living away from their families.”
After their discussion, the kids made turkeys with colored paper and wrote the things for which they are grateful on the turkeys’ feathers. The fun did not stop there, as they also decorated cookies and played a game of turkey-themed Bingo.
Our team was grateful to see the smiles on the kids’ faces!