Extensive research has been done (and is still continuing) on happiness. The number 1 strategy to increase happiness is to write in a gratitude journal every day. Like many people, I have started such a journal and stopped using it within a week. I love writing so I decided that listing my gratitudes just does not work for me. I came up with many ideas for gratitude journals including lists since it does work for some people. I will include printables to glue or staple into the journals. We will use interesting layouts and foldables to create a journal that is unique for each student. 

Thanksgiving is a special time to remember to be grateful. It is the perfect time to offer this class! We will start with an ordinary notebook or blank journal. Size does not matter. I do think the notebooks that fit in the palm of your hand could be too small for the big ideas we will use creating the journals. We will use tape, glue, markers, stickers, and odds and ends to turn an ordinary notebook into a piece of usable art. The students' creativity makes the journal magical. 

Day 1: We will start with a fun scavenger hunt to increase our imaginations and gratitudes. Then we will start setting up our individual journals. I will show and give instructions on fun ways to make secret pages, flippable pages, and much more. Of course, we will enter in a few gratitudes also. 

Day 2: We will start with students showing their journals to each other. We will continue to create magical pages and prompts in our journals. We will also play a fun game because sitting too long does not increase happiness or creativity. 

Day 3: We will set up our journals for continuous use outside of this class. We will also write a letter, poem, or story of gratitude. We will end with a fun game.

This class is interactive. I will assist the students in conversations with each other. Students are welcome to give ideas, suggestions, and lead as much as they feel comfortable doing. Even though this class is so much fun, it is beneficial too. Students are writing! That is so important. Additionally, students are building a strategy to increase their happiness. Who doesn't need a little bit more happiness in their life? :) 

Returning Student Discount of $4 after enrolling to show my gratitude.