Anna May Thurchak, an English teacher at the Academy of the Holy Angels, devised a simple and powerful way to remind students to connect with nature and count their blessings. Her lesson was particularly poignant since it took place shortly after the Academy launched distance learning to help halt the spread of COVID-19.
Her students had just finished an online discussion of William Wordsworth’s “The World Is Too Much with Us,” a sonnet that criticizes the materialistic desires that separate humans from the natural world. Mrs. Thurchak asked her class to take a walk outside for a few minutes, even if that meant simply stepping out onto a porch or deck. While you're there, think about something you are thankful for. When you come back, share your gratitude with the rest of us,” Mrs. Thurchak instructed her class.