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Gratitude Garden

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Lesson Plan

Gratitude Garden

Students will be able to identify personal sources of gratitude, understand the positive impact of gratitude on well-being, and practice expressing appreciation.

Cultivating gratitude helps students foster a more optimistic outlook, strengthen relationships, and build resilience against daily stressors. It's a key component of emotional intelligence and overall happiness.

Audience

Middle School Students

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Through journaling, discussion, and an activity, students will explore and express gratitude.

Materials

Smartboard or Projector, Markers or Whiteboard Pens, Gratitude Garden Slide Deck, My Gratitude Seed Packet Worksheet, and Gratitude Blooms Activity Guide

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: What Makes You Smile?

10 minutes

  • Display the first slide of the Gratitude Garden Slide Deck.
    - Ask students to briefly share one thing that made them smile recently or something they are looking forward to. (Think-Pair-Share)
    - Facilitate a brief class discussion to activate prior knowledge about positive feelings and things they appreciate.

Step 2

Introduction to Gratitude

10 minutes

  • Present the definition and benefits of gratitude using the Gratitude Garden Slide Deck.
    - Engage students with questions like: 'What does gratitude mean to you?' or 'How do you feel when someone thanks you?'
    - Explain that gratitude is more than just saying 'thank you'; it's about recognizing and appreciating the good things in our lives.

Step 3

My Gratitude Seed Packet Worksheet

15 minutes

  • Distribute the My Gratitude Seed Packet Worksheet.
    - Explain the concept of 'planting seeds of gratitude' and instruct students to fill out the worksheet, identifying various sources of gratitude in their lives.
    - Encourage them to think broadly: people, experiences, objects, skills, nature, etc.
    - Circulate and provide support as students work.

Step 4

Gratitude Blooms Activity

15 minutes

  • Introduce the Gratitude Blooms Activity.
    - Provide each student with construction paper, scissors, and art supplies.
    - Guide them to create a 'gratitude bloom' where each petal represents something they are grateful for and the center represents themselves.
    - Emphasize creativity and personal expression. They can use words, drawings, or symbols.

Step 5

Share & Reflect

10 minutes

  • Invite volunteers to share one or two items from their 'Gratitude Seed Packet' or 'Gratitude Bloom' with the class.
    - Facilitate a class discussion: 'How did it feel to focus on things you're grateful for?' 'What was surprising or interesting about this activity?'
    - Reiterate the importance of regularly practicing gratitude.
    - Assign a challenge: Encourage students to express gratitude to someone (verbally or in writing) before the next class.
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Slide Deck

Welcome to Our Gratitude Garden!

What makes you smile? Share one thing that made you happy recently or something you're looking forward to this week!

Welcome students and set a positive tone. Ask them to think about something good that happened recently. This is a quick warm-up to get them thinking positively.

What is Gratitude?

Gratitude is more than just saying 'thank you.'

It's noticing and appreciating the good things in your life, big or small.

What does gratitude mean to you?

Introduce the concept of gratitude. Define it simply and ask students for their initial thoughts. Connect it to everyday experiences.

Why Grow Gratitude?

Boosts Happiness: Makes you feel more positive.

Improves Relationships: Helps you connect with others.

Reduces Stress: Gives you a more optimistic outlook.

Builds Resilience: Helps you cope with challenges.

Discuss the benefits of practicing gratitude. Emphasize that it's a skill that can be developed and has real positive impacts on their lives.

Planting Seeds of Gratitude

Just like a garden grows from seeds, our gratitude can grow when we identify the good things in our lives.

Today, you'll start your own Gratitude Seed Packet to help you notice all the good 'seeds' around you!

Introduce the 'My Gratitude Seed Packet' worksheet. Explain that they will be planting 'seeds' of good things in their lives.

Your Gratitude Bloom

Now, let's create a visual reminder of your gratitude!

You'll make a Gratitude Bloom where each petal represents something you are grateful for.

Transition to the 'Gratitude Blooms' activity. Explain how each petal represents something they are grateful for.

Keep Your Garden Growing!

Gratitude is a practice. The more you practice, the more your 'Gratitude Garden' will flourish!

Challenge: Thank someone today for something you appreciate about them.

Conclude the lesson by reinforcing the idea of continuous gratitude practice. Encourage them to share and express their gratitude.

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Worksheet

My Gratitude Seed Packet

Instructions: Below are different categories to help you think about all the good things in your life. Write down as many things as you can think of that you are grateful for in each section. These are your "gratitude seeds"!

People

Who are the important people in your life? Who makes you feel loved, supported, or happy?











Experiences

What fun memories, special moments, or learning opportunities are you grateful for?











Things

What objects or possessions do you appreciate having? (e.g., a comfy bed, your favorite book, a warm coat)











Nature & Environment

What aspects of the world around you bring you joy? (e.g., a sunny day, trees, pets, a quiet space)











Skills & Abilities

What are you good at? What can you do that you are proud of?











Something Small Today

What is one small thing that happened today that you are grateful for?











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Activity

Gratitude Blooms Activity

Objective: To visually represent and reflect on the various aspects of your life for which you feel grateful.

Materials:

  • Construction paper (various colors)
  • Scissors
  • Glue sticks
  • Colored pencils, markers, or crayons

Instructions:

  1. Create Your Flower Center: On a piece of construction paper, draw a circle in the center. This circle represents YOU.

    • You can write your name or draw a small self-portrait inside.

  2. Cut Out Petals: Choose different colors of construction paper. Cut out 5-7 (or more!) petal shapes. These petals will represent the things you are grateful for.

  3. Fill Your Petals with Gratitude: On each petal, write or draw one thing you are grateful for. Think about the categories from your My Gratitude Seed Packet Worksheet or anything else that comes to mind.

    • Examples: My family, my pet dog, sunny days, my favorite book, learning to play soccer, my art class, good food, laughter with friends.

  4. Assemble Your Bloom: Glue your gratitude petals around the

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Gratitude Garden • Lenny Learning