Gratitude Jar Activity: Planting Seeds of Appreciation

Objective

To create a tangible representation of gratitude by collecting notes of appreciation, fostering a habit of noticing and valuing positive experiences.

Materials

• A clean, empty jar or container (one per student or one for the class)
• Small slips of paper or sticky notes
• Pens or pencils

Instructions

Step 1: Introduction (5 minutes)

• Teacher: Explain the concept of a "Gratitude Jar." This is a place where we collect notes about things we are thankful for. It helps us remember all the good things in our lives, especially when we might be feeling down.
• Teacher: Explain that everyone will get a slip of paper and will write down one thing they are grateful for. It can be something big or something small that happened recently or that they are currently experiencing.

Step 2: First Gratitude Note (10 minutes)

• Students: Each student receives a slip of paper or sticky note.
• Students: Think about one specific thing you are grateful for right now. It could be:
  • A person (friend, family member, teacher)
  • An experience (a fun moment, a delicious meal, a good night's sleep)
  • A possession (your phone, a favorite book, a comfy hoodie)
  • A feeling (peace, happiness, comfort)
• Students: Write down what you are grateful for on your slip of paper. Be specific! For example, instead of "my family," write "my sister for helping me with my homework" or "my mom for making my favorite dinner."
• Teacher: Model writing one if students seem unsure.

Step 3: Share (Optional, 5 minutes)

• Teacher: Ask for volunteers to share what they wrote down with the class or with a partner. Emphasize that sharing is optional and there's no pressure to do so.
• Teacher: Facilitate a brief discussion about how it felt to identify something specific they were grateful for.

Step 4: Add to the Jar (5 minutes)

• Students: Fold your slip of paper and place it into the designated Gratitude Jar.
• Teacher: If using individual jars, instruct students to place it in their own.
• Teacher: Explain that this jar will be a living collection of positive moments. Encourage them to add to it regularly (e.g., daily, weekly).

Step 5: Continuing the Practice

• Teacher: Discuss how students can continue this practice at home. Suggest keeping a small jar by their bed or desk.
• Teacher: Explain that the jar can be opened and read when they need a reminder of all the good in their lives, or at a specific time (e.g., end of the semester, New Year's Eve).

Extension Ideas

• Gratitude Wall: Instead of a jar, create a classroom "Gratitude Wall" where students can post their notes publicly.
• Gratitude Chains: Write gratitudes on paper strips and link them together to create a visual chain of appreciation.
• Gratitude Share Out: Periodically, take a few minutes to pull notes from the jar and read them aloud (anonymously or with permission) to remind the class of the collective gratitude.

My Gratitude Journal: Cultivating Appreciation

Instructions

This journal is your personal space to explore and deepen your gratitude. Take a few moments each day or week to reflect on the prompts below. There's no right or wrong way to do it – just be honest and open with yourself.

Journal Prompts

Prompt 1: The Daily Three

List three specific things that you are grateful for today. They can be big or small, simple or profound. Explain why you are grateful for each one.

Prompt 2: People Who Matter

Think about someone in your life who has positively impacted you recently. What did they do, and how did it make you feel? Write a thank-you message to them (you don't have to send it, but you can if you want!).

Prompt 3: Simple Pleasures

What are some simple pleasures or everyday moments that often go unnoticed but bring you joy? Describe one of these moments and why it's special to you.

Prompt 4: Overcoming Challenges

Think about a challenge you recently faced. How did you overcome it? What positive things came out of that experience? How can you be grateful for the lessons learned?

Prompt 5: Looking Ahead

What are you hopeful or optimistic about for the future? What positive experiences are you looking forward to? How can cultivating gratitude help you embrace these future moments?

Your Own Reflections

Use this space to write about anything else you feel grateful for or any thoughts on your gratitude journey.

Gratitude Reflection Worksheet: My Gratitude Garden

Name: _____________________________
Date: _____________________________

Instructions

Take some time to reflect on the different aspects of your life. For each section, list specific things, people, or experiences that you are genuinely grateful for. Try to think beyond the obvious and dig a little deeper.

1. People in My Life

Who are the people you are grateful to have? Think about family, friends, teachers, mentors, or even friendly acquaintances. What specific qualities or actions of theirs do you appreciate?

2. My Environment & Surroundings

What aspects of your physical environment are you grateful for? This could be your home, school, neighborhood, nature, or even simple comforts like a warm bed or a favorite quiet spot.

3. Personal Strengths & Abilities

What are some of your own strengths, talents, or abilities that you are grateful for? This could be anything from being a good listener to being artistic, athletic, or a quick learner.

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4. Learning & Growth

What opportunities for learning or personal growth are you grateful for? Think about classes, experiences, challenges you've overcome, or new skills you've gained.

5. Simple Pleasures & Daily Joys

What are the small, everyday things that bring you a moment of happiness or comfort? This could be a good meal, a favorite song, sunshine, a pet, or a funny meme.

6. Looking Forward

What are you grateful for that is yet to come? This could be a future event, a goal you're working towards, or simply the potential for new positive experiences.

Reflect and Share (Optional)

What was one new thing you realized about gratitude or yourself while completing this worksheet?