Cultivating Gratitude: A Path to Positivity

Crystal Sullivan

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Students will explore the power of gratitude and understand how expressing gratitude can enhance wellbeing and foster a positive mindset.

Cultivating gratitude helps students recognize and appreciate life’s small joys, leading to improved mood, relationships, and overall mental health.

Audience

High School Students (Grades 9 and 11)

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, reflection activities and journaling.

Materials

Slide Deck Gratitude, and Gratitude Journal Prompts

Prep

Preparation

15 minutes

Review the Slide Deck Gratitude to familiarize yourself with key discussion points and visuals.
Prepare copies or digital access to the Gratitude Journal Prompts for each student.
Set up a calm, inviting space for the reflection activity.

Step 1

Introduction and Discussion

15 minutes

Begin with an open discussion about gratitude: what it means and how it impacts well-being.
Ask students to share small moments or things they are grateful for.
Use the Slide Deck Gratitude to highlight key benefits and examples.

Step 2

Guided Journaling Activity

20 minutes

Distribute the Gratitude Journal Prompts and explain the journaling activity.
Encourage students to write about moments in their day or week that brought happiness or comfort.
Prompt students to reflect on their feelings about these moments and write a few sentences on why they are thankful.

Step 3

Group Sharing and Reflection

10 minutes

Invite students to share their reflections in small groups or with the whole class if they feel comfortable.
Facilitate a brief discussion on how recognizing gratitude might change their perspective on daily challenges.
Emphasize the importance of gratitude in strengthening community and kindness.

Step 4

Conclusion and Q&A

5 minutes

Summarize the key points on how gratitude contributes to wellbeing.
Address any questions students have about the activity or the concept of gratitude.
Encourage ongoing practice of daily gratitude beyond the classroom.

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Slide Deck

Cultivating Gratitude: A Path to Positivity

Explore the power of gratitude and its impact on wellbeing. Let's discover how appreciating small joys can lead to a happier, kinder life.

Introduce the lesson and set a positive tone. Emphasize that gratitude can transform our daily perspective and improve wellbeing.

What is Gratitude?

Gratitude involves recognizing the positive in our lives. It means acknowledging and appreciating the small moments and acts of kindness.

Discuss the concept of gratitude. Ask students what gratitude means to them and let a few share personal examples.

Benefits of Expressing Gratitude

• Enhances overall mood and mental health
• Strengthens relationships
• Fosters a positive mindset
• Encourages community and empathy

Highlight the benefits of gratitude on wellbeing, mental health, and relationships. Encourage students to think of personal benefits.

Everyday Moments of Gratitude

Notice the beauty in the routine: a smile from a friend, a kind gesture, or even a moment of peace can be reasons for gratitude.

Provide examples of everyday moments that can evoke gratitude. Encourage students to think of similar experiences in their own lives.

Guided Journaling Activity

Reflect on moments from your day or week that brought you happiness or comfort. Write about these moments and why you are grateful for them.

Explain the guided journaling activity. Instruct students to use the prompts and write about their personal moments of gratitude.

Wrap Up & Reflection

Gratitude enriches our lives and connects us with others. Continue to seek small moments to appreciate each day.

Summarize the key points and encourage students to share their reflections if they feel comfortable.

Journal

Gratitude Journal Prompts

In this journal activity, reflect on the power of gratitude and its impact on your personal wellbeing. Use the questions below as a guide to explore your thoughts and feelings about the moments that bring you joy and comfort.

Prompt 1: Daily Moments of Joy

Think about one small, positive moment from your day. What happened, and how did it make you feel? Why do you think this moment stood out in your day?

Prompt 2: Acts of Kindness

Recall a time when someone was kind to you, or you witnessed an act of kindness. Describe the event, your reaction, and how it affected your view of the people around you.

Prompt 3: Personal Growth Through Gratitude

Reflect on how practicing gratitude has changed your perspective over time. Can you identify ways in which being thankful has influenced your mood, relationships, or outlook on life?

Prompt 4: Expressing Thankfulness

Write a letter or note—even if you never send it—to someone who has positively impacted your life. Include details about what they did and how it made a difference in your life.

Prompt 5: Looking Forward

Consider how you might incorporate gratitude into your daily routine. What strategies can you use to remind yourself to appreciate the small moments, and how might this practice help you during challenging times?

Use these prompts as a starting point to guide your reflections. Take your time with each question and allow your thoughts to flow openly onto the page.