My Gratitude Journal

This journal is your special place to record all the things, big and small, that you are grateful for. Take a few minutes each day to reflect and write down your thoughts.

Entry 1: Today I am Thankful For...

What are three things you are grateful for right now, today? Why are you grateful for them?

Entry 2: People Who Make a Difference

Think about someone who has helped you or made you smile recently. What did they do, and how did it make you feel? Write a thank you note to them (even if you don't send it).

Entry 3: Small Joys

What are some small, everyday things that often go unnoticed but bring you joy or comfort? (e.g., a warm blanket, a favorite song, a sunny day, a good snack).

Entry 4: Overcoming Challenges with Gratitude

Think about a challenge you faced. What did you learn from it? Can you find anything to be grateful for in that experience, even if it was tough at the time?

Entry 5: Looking Ahead with Thanks

What are you looking forward to? What hopes or dreams do you have that you are grateful to be able to pursue?

Gratitude Tree Activity: Planting Our Collective Thanks

Objective

To collaboratively create a visual representation of the class's gratitude, fostering a sense of community and shared appreciation.

Materials

• Large piece of paper or poster board for the tree trunk and branches
• Construction paper in various colors (greens, yellows, oranges, reds for leaves)
• Markers, colored pencils, or crayons
• Scissors
• Glue or tape

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Leaves (5-7 minutes)

1. Each student will receive several pieces of construction paper cut into leaf shapes.
2. On each leaf, write one thing you are grateful for.
3. Encourage students to be specific and thoughtful. Examples: "I am grateful for my dog, Max, because he always makes me laugh," or "I am grateful for warm sunny days when I can play outside."
4. You can write a different item on each leaf.

Step 2: Decorate Your Leaves (5-7 minutes)

1. Decorate your leaves with colors, patterns, or small drawings that represent what you've written.
2. Make your leaves unique and colorful, just like the things you are grateful for!

Step 3: Build the Gratitude Tree (5-10 minutes)

1. As a class or in small groups, you will work together to create a large tree trunk and branches on a designated wall space or poster board.
2. One by one, or in small groups, come up and attach your completed gratitude leaves to the branches of the

My Gratitude Worksheet: Growing Thankfulness

Part 1: Reflecting on Gratitude

1. Think about the benefits of gratitude we discussed. Which benefit do you think is most important for you right now, and why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Describe a time when you expressed gratitude to someone. How did you feel? How do you think the other person felt?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Describe a time when someone expressed gratitude to you. How did you feel? What did that experience mean to you?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Practicing Gratitude

1. List three new ways you could incorporate gratitude into your daily routine. Be specific!

   • Example: Every morning, I will think of one thing I am grateful for while eating breakfast.
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2. Who is one person you could thank this week? What would you say or do to show your appreciation?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. The "Gratitude Tree" activity helped us see what our class is thankful for. What was your favorite leaf on the tree (besides your own)? What did you like about it?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 3: Your Gratitude Challenge

Write down your personal gratitude challenge for the next week. What specific action will you take to cultivate thankfulness?

My Gratitude Challenge: