Before we ate — thanks to everyone who brought food and every parent who prepared food — we gave thanks. On a piece of paper folded like a greeting card, we drew a picture of ourselves and listed all we’re thankful for. Then we began to pass and each person at the table had to write why they were thankful for each other person by writing within their card. Twenty two people at the table…it took awhile.

Then we passed to the person to our right who had to share just ONE thing that was written.

Yeah, I know I like the paper-based activities, but I’d point out that only one of these cards was left behind, that all of them stayed with the students. The talk meant something — you could feel the l*ve around the table — but the cards definitely got kept.