A Writing Activity about Gratitude

By Marilyn Pongracz

The author, Melissa Kirsch, begins this “Personal History” article by mentioning her gratitude jar: every day noting something positive on a piece of paper and putting it into a jar to look at the end of each year. From that, her thoughts progress to a set of “wisdom cards”, pulling out one each day for inspiration. This leads her to think about the person who gave her the cards, and following that trail to the circumstances in which she met that friend. Then her memory goes back further to what and who brought her to that place.

Using this article, or parts of it, could be a wonderful writing activity for teen, college-age, and adult MLs. Having students read a text and use it as a source for writing, not only helps them acquire vocabulary and syntax, but also provides a basis for ideas and personal stories. Although students will need help with the grammar and vocabulary, which could be a source for additional lessons, this particular article sets a calming and positive tone, something that is also needed these days.

This is a sampling of Kirsch’s reflections. “We’re all connected, related, dependent on one another, but of course we forget this all the time. … We forget that we’re a factor in someone else’s circuit of gratitude, a link in innumerable chains. And so often we feel separate, lonely, disconnected. One way to challenge that feeling is to start with one small thing you’re grateful for. Then trace the gorgeous, improbable but very real sequence of variables that brought you the object of your gratitude. It may seem a little corny at first, but it works.”

Here’s the article tracing the author’s timeline of events.

Marilyn Pongracz is the NJTESOL/NJBE Technology Coordinator, the Bergen Community College ESL Tutoring Supervisor, and has taught ESL writing classes for many years.