Gratitude Reflection Prompts

Instructions for Teachers:
Provide each student with this reflection sheet at the beginning of Session 1. Allow about 10 minutes for students to respond in complete sentences. Encourage them to think deeply and be honest in their reflections.

1. What am I most grateful for today?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Which classmate makes me feel supported? Why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. How can I use art to show my gratitude?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. What is one small way I can show gratitude this week?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. How does expressing gratitude make me feel?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Gratitude Group Roles Cards

Purpose: Each student takes on one of these roles to help your group plan and create the gratitude mural. Print one card per student, cut along the lines, and distribute at the start of Session 1.

Sketcher

• Role: Draw the light pencil outlines of your group’s mural design on scrap paper and later on the butcher paper.
• Responsibilities:

• Translate your group’s ideas into simple shapes and symbols.
• Keep sketches clear so classmates can add color and collage.
• Erase gently and adjust outlines as needed.

Color Lead

• Role: Choose and apply paints or markers to bring your mural to life.
• Responsibilities:

• Select colors from the palette (#B0E0E6, #ADD8E6, #87CEEB) and any complementary hues.
• Coordinate with the Sketcher to stay within the lines.
• Mix paint carefully and clean brushes when switching colors.
• Encourage teammates to share paint stations fairly.

Collage Coordinator

• Role: Add collage elements (magazine cutouts, scrapbook paper) that illustrate things you’re grateful for.
• Responsibilities:

• Gather images and decorative paper that match your group’s gratitude theme.
• Trim pieces neatly with scissors.
• Distribute glue sticks and adhere collage elements securely.
• Label or caption collage pieces if needed for clarity.

Calligrapher

• Role: Write titles, words of gratitude, and decorative lettering on the mural.
• Responsibilities:

• Choose fonts and styles (block letters, cursive, bubble letters) that fit the design.
• Practice on scrap paper before writing on the mural.
• Use calligraphy pens or markers with steady, even strokes.
• Add small details (borders, flourishes) around words for emphasis.

Teacher Tip: Rotate roles in future projects so every student practices each art skill!

Project Guide: Collaborative Gratitude Mural

Project Overview

Students in Grades 3–5 will work in small teams over two 45-minute sessions to design and paint a large classroom gratitude mural. Through structured roles, guided reflections, and collaborative art-making, they will practice empathy, teamwork, and creative expression.

Objectives

• Encourage social-emotional growth through reflection on gratitude
• Build collaboration skills by assigning and rotating group roles
• Develop art techniques: sketching, painting, collage, and calligraphy
• Create a cohesive, visually appealing mural that captures class gratitude

Timeline & Sessions

Session 1 (45 minutes): Brainstorming & Planning
– Introduce gratitude concepts
– Individual reflection (Gratitude Reflection Prompts)
– Small-group sharing and role assignments (Gratitude Group Roles Cards)
– Sketching mural concepts on scrap paper

Session 2 (45 minutes): Creation & Reflection
– Transfer sketches onto butcher paper
– Execute mural with paint, collage, and calligraphy
– Gallery walk and peer feedback
– Add one-word sticky-note gratitude notes
– Clean up and group reflection

Materials & Resources

• Gratitude Mural Lesson Plan
• Gratitude Mural Slide Deck
• Butcher paper, tempera paints, brushes, markers
• Old magazines, scrapbook paper, glue sticks, scissors
• Calligraphy pens or markers, colored pencils
• Sticky notes, aprons or smocks

Roles & Responsibilities

Assign each student one role per session. Encourage rotation in future activities.

• Sketcher: Light pencil outlines of design
• Color Lead: Selects/applies paint and markers
• Collage Coordinator: Cuts and glues magazine/scrapbook elements
• Calligrapher: Adds titles, words, and decorative lettering

Step-by-Step Process

1. Setup: Cover surfaces, secure butcher paper, lay out materials.
2. Introduction: Use slide deck to define gratitude and project steps.
3. Reflection: Distribute Gratitude Reflection Prompts; students write and share.
4. Role Assignment: Hand out Gratitude Group Roles Cards; clarify duties.
5. Concept Sketch: Groups sketch ideas on scrap paper; teacher reviews.
6. Outline Transfer: Lightly draw approved sketches on butcher paper.
7. Art Execution: Students add paint, collage, and lettering in role groups.
8. Gallery Walk: Rotate groups; prompt positive feedback.
9. Sticky-Note Gratitude: Each student adds a one-word note around the border.
10. Cleanup & Reflection: Return materials; debrief: “How did working together deepen your gratitude?”

Expectations & Norms

• Respect each other’s ideas and artwork
• Share materials fairly and keep workspace tidy
• Encourage peers with positive, specific feedback
• Practice patience during collaborative decision-making

Assessment Criteria

Use the rubric below to evaluate teamwork, creativity, and craftsmanship. Share criteria with students in advance.

Reflection & Extensions

• Class Discussion: How did gratitude enhance your teamwork?
• Journaling: What surprised you about your peers’ ideas?
• Extension Project: Turn the mural into a digital slideshow or video narration of gratitude stories.

By following this guide and using the linked materials, teachers can lead an enriching, collaborative art project that deepens students’ appreciation and community spirit.