Learning from ‘Gratitude Groups’

At a time when schools have been challenged to stay connected to their communities when they can’t be together in person or allow parents inside the buildings, the International Academy of New York on East 90th Street has created “Gratitude Groups” with parents. One recent Gratitude Group was a drive to help the homeless. The group collected donations of supplies for hygiene care kits, which the students then added to bags during class time, to be delivered to the Coalition for the Homeless. Each kit contained soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, body lotion, lip balm, hand sanitizer, wipes, a first aid kit, a shaving kit - and the children were asked to add love to every bag they packed. It was an opportunity for parents and teachers to work together - and allow students to understand how to help those who don’t have their same advantages in life.