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Cultivating Gratitude Journals

Lesson Plan

Cultivating Gratitude Journals

Encourage mindfulness and gratitude

In this lesson, students will create personal gratitude journals to express and reflect on things they are thankful for. This activity encourages mindfulness and positive thinking, which can improve emotional well-being. By focusing on gratitude, students can develop a more positive outlook and enhance their emotional resilience.

Audience

Middle School Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Encourage mindfulness and gratitude

Materials

Notebooks or paper, Pens or pencils, Discussion Questions, and Gratitude Journal Prompts

Step 1

Introduction to Gratitude

5 minutes

  • Begin with a brief discussion on what gratitude means.
  • Ask students to share examples of things they are grateful for.
  • Explain the benefits of practicing gratitude, such as improved mood and emotional well-being.

Step 2

Creating Gratitude Journals

15 minutes

  • Distribute notebooks or paper to each student.
  • Provide students with prompts to help them start their gratitude entries (e.g., 'Today, I am thankful for...').
  • Encourage students to write freely and expressively about things they are grateful for.
  • Walk around the classroom to offer support and encouragement.

Step 3

Reflection and Sharing

10 minutes

  • Invite students to share one or two entries from their journals with the class.
  • Facilitate a discussion on how writing about gratitude made them feel.
  • Encourage students to continue using their gratitude journals at home.
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Discussion

Discussion Questions

A set of questions to guide the discussion on gratitude and its benefits.

What does gratitude mean to you?

Encourage students to think about gratitude in their own lives and share personal examples.







How can practicing gratitude improve our mood?

Discuss the psychological benefits of gratitude, such as increased happiness and reduced stress.







Why is it important to express gratitude regularly?

Highlight the long-term benefits of gratitude, including improved relationships and emotional resilience.







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Worksheet

Gratitude Journal Prompts

A worksheet with prompts to help students start their gratitude journal entries.

Today, I am thankful for...

Think about something or someone that made you happy today.







A person I am grateful for and why...

Consider someone who has positively impacted your life.







A moment this week that I appreciated...

Reflect on a recent experience that brought you joy.







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