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Appreciating Others

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Lesson Plan

Appreciating Others Lesson Plan

Students will learn the importance of appreciating others and practice expressing gratitude by creating a birthday card for a teacher.

This lesson fosters social skills and empathy, helping students understand that small gestures can make a big impact.

Audience

Special Education Middle School Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Group discussion and hands-on card-making activity.

Materials

Appreciating Others Lesson Plan, and Birthday Card Crafting Template

Prep

Preparation

5 minutes

  • Review the Appreciating Others Lesson Plan for guidance.
  • Gather all supplies needed for the birthday card activity (paper, markers, stickers, glue, etc.).
  • Set up a materials station for easy access during the lesson.

Step 1

Introduction and Discussion

10 minutes

  • Begin with a brief discussion on why showing appreciation is important.
  • Ask students to share examples of times someone appreciated them or someone else.
  • Facilitate a short conversation, making sure to validate all responses and keep the discussion focused on positive interactions.

Step 2

Birthday Card Activity

15 minutes

  • Explain the activity: students will create a birthday card for their teacher to express appreciation.
  • Demonstrate a simple card design using the Birthday Card Crafting Template as a guide.
  • Allow students time to craft their cards, encouraging creativity and personal messages.
  • Circulate among students to provide support and praise their efforts.
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Activity

Appreciating Others Activity

This activity is designed to guide special education middle school students through a creative process where they express appreciation by creating a birthday card for their teacher. The activity is part of the "Appreciating Others" lesson and promotes both artistic expression and social-emotional learning.

Objectives

  • Understand the importance of showing appreciation
  • Practice expressing gratitude through a creative art project
  • Enhance fine motor and communication skills

Materials Needed

  • Paper or cardstock for the card
  • Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
  • Stickers, glue, and other decorative supplies
  • Birthday Card Crafting Template (Use this as a guide for layout and design ideas)

Steps

  1. Introduction (3 minutes):

    • Briefly discuss with the students why it is nice to appreciate others and how a small gesture can brighten someone's day.





  2. Exploring the Template (2 minutes):

  3. Creative Time (10 minutes):

    • Allow students to use the template as a guide to create their own birthday card for their teacher. Encourage them to add personal touches such as their own drawings, messages, or decorations.





  4. Sharing and Reflection (5 minutes):

    • Invite students to share their cards with the group. Ask them to explain what they created and why they chose those particular designs or words.





Follow-Up Questions

  • What feelings do you think your teacher will have when they receive your card?





  • How can small acts of appreciation like making a card make a big difference in someone’s day?





  • Share a time when someone made you happy with a kind word or gesture. How did that make you feel?





This activity not only allows for creative expression, but it also reinforces the important social-emotional lesson of showing appreciation. Enjoy this expressive time and remember that your creative gift can brighten someone's day!

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