The Secret to Excellence: Building a Culture of Gratitude in the Art Room
As a high school art teacher, one of the most frequent questions I get is, “How do you maintain such consistent excellence in student work?”
Side Note: For evidence of this excellence, feel free to visit our art room Instagram: @mrs_tfox.
The answer is simple—a safe, encouraging classroom community where excellence is the expectation. But how do we build that?
In education, there’s constant talk about “strategies” and “methods” for boosting engagement, promoting positive behavior, and increasing productivity. And while strategies are important (I’ve got plenty of my own), there’s one powerful tool that often gets overlooked: gratitude.
Why Gratitude?
Gratitude goes beyond polite words. It’s about creating a space where students feel seen, appreciated, and valued. This not only motivates them but also nurtures a culture of positivity and productivity.
When students know they’re appreciated, engagement soars. They work harder, focus more, and take pride in their efforts—whether they’re in the classroom or learning remotely.
Building a Culture of Gratitude
Whether teaching in-person or through distance learning, cultivating gratitude in your classroom can transform the learning environment. And let’s face it—this year has been a year of frustration. We’re constantly rethinking lessons, navigating virtual platforms, and dealing with emails that may never get read.
So how do we keep students engaged when they’re not physically with us?
Gratitude. Real, genuine, sincere gratitude—the kind that makes students feel appreciated, even from a distance.
Here’s How I Do It:
In the Classroom
When we were all in the same room (remember those days?), I made it a point to thank my students constantly.
Whether it was for working hard, staying on deadline, helping each other out, or just showing up on time, I expressed my gratitude openly and often.
In Distance Learning
Now, with distance learning, gratitude is just as important—maybe even more so. Students face countless distractions, isolation, and a lack of intrinsic motivation. Despite all this, many still show up and do the work. And for that, they deserve recognition.
Simple Acts of Gratitude
- Thank students for their hard work.
- Acknowledge deadlines met. Even something as simple as turning in assignments deserves a shout-out!
- Appreciate their effort to take and upload high-quality photos of their work.
- Recognize kindness and patience in the virtual classroom.
- Celebrate small wins, like responding to emails or participating in a Zoom call.
Why It Matters
For high school students especially, hearing small but genuine words of appreciation can be a powerful motivator. They’re dealing with their own challenges: isolation, social media distractions, and a general lack of structure. Despite all that, they still manage to produce excellent work.
My expectations haven’t dropped during distance learning, and neither has their ability to meet them. When students know they’re valued, they rise to the challenge—even under difficult circumstances.
Putting Gratitude into Action
Here’s what I suggest:
- Say it out loud. On your next Google Meet or Zoom call, give a few shout-outs. It could be for anything—from great art uploads to participation.
- Send “Thank You” emails. A personalized message goes a long way in making students feel appreciated.
- Post weekly shout-outs on social media. Highlight student work and efforts, and let them know they’re seen.
Explore More Resources and Stay Connected
1. Shop Mrs. T Fox’s Resource Store on TPT
Looking for creative tools to build a positive classroom culture? Visit Mrs. T Fox’s Resource Store on TPT for resources like Classroom Gratitude Prompts, Student Success Trackers, and Virtual Engagement Templates.
2. Learn with Mrs. T Fox’s Online Courses
Want to explore more strategies for creating a thriving classroom community? Check out Mrs. T Fox’s Online Courses for expert guidance and actionable lessons tailored for art educators.
3. Follow Mrs. T Fox on Social Media
Stay inspired with the latest tips, classroom stories, and shout-outs by following @mrs_tfoxresources on Instagram. Join a supportive community of art educators sharing fresh ideas for success.
