Grateful Ghosts

Julie Mathes

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Grateful Ghosts

Practice gratitude through art

In this lesson, students will create paper 'ghosts' or other autumnal symbols to express gratitude by writing down things they are thankful for. This activity combines art with gratitude practice, helping students recognize and appreciate the positives in their lives. It encourages creativity and reflection, fostering a positive mindset and emotional well-being.

Audience

Grades 1-5

Time

25 minutes

Approach

Practice gratitude through art

Materials

Construction paper, Scissors, Markers, Glue, and Gratitude Worksheet

Step 1

Introduction to Gratitude

5 mins

Begin by discussing the concept of gratitude with the students.
Ask students to share one thing they are thankful for.
Explain how expressing gratitude can make us feel happier and more positive.

Step 2

Art Activity: Creating Grateful Ghosts

15 mins

Provide each student with construction paper, scissors, markers, and glue.
Instruct students to cut out ghost shapes or other autumnal symbols from the paper.
Ask them to write or draw things they are thankful for on their paper ghosts.
Encourage creativity in decorating their ghosts.

Step 3

Reflection and Sharing

5 mins

Invite students to share their grateful ghosts with the class.
Discuss how it felt to think about and express gratitude.
Collect the ghosts to create a classroom display of gratitude.

Worksheet

Gratitude Worksheet

This worksheet helps students list things they are thankful for, which they will use to create their grateful ghosts.

List three things you are thankful for.

Think about people, places, or things that make you happy.

Draw a picture of one thing you are thankful for.

Use your imagination to illustrate your gratitude.