Growing Gratitude: Big Thanks for Little Things ~ 012

Big Little Lessons

In this heartfelt episode, Jenny and Kristine explore what it really means to grow gratitude—not just during Thanksgiving season, but as a lifelong habit that brings more joy, connection, and contentment.

Drawing from their years of teaching and their own family experiences, they discuss how gratitude can be taught, modeled, and practiced—and why it matters for children and adults. Through stories and reflection, they remind us that happiness doesn’t come from material things—it grows when we notice the small, meaningful moments that surround us every day.

Gratitude grows when we notice, name, and nurture it.

• Notice what’s around you.

• Name what you’re thankful for—out loud, in writing, or through a shared ritual.

Nurture gratitude by repeating these small acts until they become habits.

Every year our students enjoy making a harvest candle for their family. It's easy to make and guaranteed success. Try making one this year! What you need to make 1 Harvest Candle:

• 8 oz disposable coffee cup
• mixed dried beans
• elmers glue
• a taper candle
• sandwich size Ziploc

Step 1: gather one cup of a colorful variety of beans/corn (corn, lentils, black eyed peas, split peas, kidney etc.) and dump them in a sandwich size Ziploc.

Step 2: To that bag add a generous amount of elmers glue (about ¼ cup). Press the air out and seal the Ziploc.

Step 3: Massage the beans until they are all covered with glue.

Step 4: Dump the beans into the cup (it helps to spray the cup lightly with some cooking oil).

Step 5: Place the candle in the middle of the beans and press it down until it hits the bottom of the cup.

Step 6: Allow it to dry for about 24 hours, then peel off the cup. Enjoy your Harvest Candle!

Out of respect for our students, we want to note that while the stories we share are real, names have been changed for anonymity. In fact, every student we mention is named “Charlie.” We use that name as a way to honor privacy while still sharing authentic classroom experiences.

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