Finding Peace in Gratefulness

With whirling emotions, 3rd-5th graders assembled for Gathering on Wednesday. This time, their activity was to reflect on the meaning of gratefulness and write a communal poem. In preparation for this particular Gathering, the day after election day, members of the Gathering Committee recognized an opportunity to nurture a sense of community, appreciation, and gratitude with the students.

 

Gathering began with excerpts from the book The Circle of Thanks: Native American Poems and Songs of Thanksgiving by Joseph Bruchac. From the poems and songs, an idea emerged: giving thanks can happen anytime and can create a sense of unity. Afterwards, 3rd through 5th graders divided into mixed-age groups. As they brainstormed ideas and personal connections, students listened to others younger and older than themselves. “Some kids who never speak at Gathering spoke up,” observed Librarian Christine McDaniels. Together, members of each group then wrote a stanza for the poem.

 

When the groups reassembled, the poem was read aloud. “We wanted the activity to be interactive and reflect student voice,” said Director of Primary School Jason Novak. The collaborative effort also gave students a chance to hear multiple perspectives and create something new and positive after a challenging election season.

 

“The process was as powerful as the product…. The energy in the space and intention felt different,” Christine noted. “Gathering always carries forth a mission of supporting, honoring, and teaching our whole community,” Jason added. Finding peace in difficult times isn’t passive: “it’s found within action.”