The book cover for Sharing Gratitude in the Classroom

Why Gratitude in the classroom

This journal is designed to refuel and encourage educators, sustaining them as they pour so much of themselves into their students. It goes beyond simple reflection, inviting teachers to put gratitude into action by recognizing and affirming each student’s unique strengths and gifts. When we focus on a child’s positive qualities—rather than solely on what they can achieve—we nurture authentic self-esteem and help them see their own value. In doing so, we may even help students recognize qualities in themselves that no one has affirmed before.

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Benefits of this Journal

When something new comes along, it’s easy to think, “I’m already stressed!” or “I don’t have time—I’m too busy!” But that’s often when practicing gratitude can be most powerful. In seasons of stress, pausing to reflect can help you step back, see the bigger picture, and reframe negative emotions. In fact, the times you least feel like journaling are often when you’ll gain the most benefit. Many of the ideas in this journal for bringing gratitude into the classroom can double as lesson-planning inspiration—offering fresh activities and perspectives that can be woven into the routines you already have.

This journal is about
  • Finding genuine moments of thankfulness
  • Sharing appreciation for others
  • Seizing opportunities to connect with colleagues, students, and administrators by acknowledging their personal strengths and gifts—not just their accomplishments


For Administrators

While individual teachers can certainly benefit from working through this journal on their own, it’s especially powerful when an entire school, team, or department experiences it together. Walking through the prompts and activities side-by-side creates natural opportunities for accountability, shared reflection, and encouragement. In this setting, the principles of gratitude begin to ripple outward—strengthening relationships, fostering connection, and contributing to a more positive and supportive school climate for everyone.



I also offer a lively, interactive professional development session to help educators launch Sharing Gratitude in the Classroom with confidence and enthusiasm. Together, we explore practical ways to weave gratitude into daily routines so it strengthens staff connections, supports teacher well-being, and enriches the classroom culture from day one. To keep the momentum going, I provide a free monthly newsletter filled with fresh ideas, activities, and inspiration to help educators continue putting gratitude into action all year long.

Please contact me for details and for bulk pricing.

Organization of this Journal

Monthly Themes

August/ September Refining Routines
October Growing Personal Strengths
November Cultivating a Community
December Keeping Centered
January Barriers and Renewal
February Being Light in the Darkness
March Sustaining and Self-Care
April Hidden Gratitude
May/June Reflection and Celebration

See Inside

Testimonials

Derek Wilson, MA
Social Studies Teacher, Roseville Area High School, Roseville, MN

Sometimes journals like these can feel heavy or like ‘work.’ Not this one. I truly enjoy these prompts. They don’t seem burdensome; rather, they feel uplifting and are excellent reminders to look for strengths in our students and in others around us.



Susan Young, MA MEd
International Elementary
Teacher and Principal, emeritus

Lisa’s gratitude journal invites one to pause, slow down, and connect to our inner life and wellness as a teacher. I definitely would have used this journal in my career as both a teacher and principal as I believe that gratitude truly does change our perspective and thus our lives. 

Rachel Seroka, ML
Teacher, St. Paul Intercultural Institute, St. Paul, MN

Reading this journal is like being embraced in a warm hug. As an experienced instructor, Lisa offers the perfect blend of insight, comfort, and support that teachers need in their classrooms and lives!

Matthew Arau, PhD

Author of Upbeat! Mindset, Mindfulness, and Leadership in Music Education and Beyond

Associate Professor of Music, Lawrence University

When we focus on what we are grateful for, we can shift our mindset and attitude from the negative to the positive realm and appreciate what is right in front of us. Lisa Bekemeyer's journal, Sharing Gratitude in the Classroom, provides a beautiful and serene space for educators to reflect and share gratitude and to encourage their students to develop habits of gratitude that can transform how they think, act, and feel. 

Michelle D. Sherman, PhD LP ABPP
Board certified couple/family psychologist

So grateful to Lisa for creating this welcoming and empowering journal for educators who give so much of themselves to their students. This journal reflects a sophisticated, nuanced understanding of the concept of gratitude. Working through this journal can make all the difference for teachers, and in turn, their students.

Rachel R. Jorgensen, PhD

Educator, Author and Consultant

As a teacher, it can be hard to remember to prioritize gratitude and to focus on the good stuff which is happening around us. This beautiful journal is well-designed in a way which walks me through topics for reflection in alignment with my personal needs as a teacher over the course of the school year. It reminds me to take better care of myself and focus on my strengths, as well as engage in critical self-care to sustain myself for my students and family. Taking the time to engage with this journal gives me space to breathe, relax and become more centered across all areas of my life.