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Gratitude Gardeners

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Lesson Plan

Gratitude Gardeners

Students will actively recognize and express gratitude, fostering a positive mindset and stronger community connections.

This lesson is important because it cultivates emotional intelligence and encourages students to appreciate the good in their lives, leading to increased happiness and improved relationships.

Audience

K-12 Students

Time

45-60 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, reflective journaling, and a creative activity.

Materials

Whiteboard or Projector, Gratitude Gardeners Slide Deck, Paper or Gratitude Worksheet, Writing Utensils, Art Supplies (crayons, markers, colored pencils), and Optional: Gratitude Blooms Activity Guide

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15-20 minutes

  • Review the Gratitude Gardeners Lesson Plan and all generated materials (Slide Deck, Worksheet, Activity).
    - Prepare the classroom space for discussion and individual work.
    - Gather necessary materials: whiteboard/projector, paper/worksheets, writing utensils, and art supplies.
    - (Optional) Print the Gratitude Worksheet if not using blank paper.
    - (Optional) Review the Gratitude Blooms Activity Guide for optional extension.

Step 1

Introduction: What is Gratitude?

10 minutes

  • Begin by displaying the title slide from the Gratitude Gardeners Slide Deck.
    * Ask students: "What does 'gratitude' mean to you? When do you feel grateful?" (5 minutes)
    * Facilitate a brief class discussion, encouraging students to share their initial thoughts. (3 minutes)
    * Introduce the concept of a 'Gratitude Garden' – a place where we grow and nurture our appreciation. (2 minutes)

Step 2

Exploring Gratitude: Seeds of Thanks

15 minutes

  • Transition to the next slide, prompting students to think about things they are grateful for. (2 minutes)
    * Distribute paper or the Gratitude Worksheet.
    * Instruct students to spend 10 minutes writing or drawing things they are grateful for in different areas of their lives (family, friends, school, nature, hobbies, etc.). Provide examples to get them started. (10 minutes)
    * Encourage reflection:

Step 3

Sharing Our Harvest

10 minutes

  • Invite students to share one or two things from their worksheet/drawing with a partner or the whole class. (7 minutes)
    * Emphasize that gratitude can be big or small, and every expression is valuable. (3 minutes)

Step 4

Cultivating Gratitude: The

15-20 minutes

  • Introduce the Gratitude Blooms Activity Guide (or explain the activity).
    * Explain that students will create a 'gratitude bloom' – a drawing or craft representing something they are grateful for.
    * Provide art supplies and allow students to work on their blooms. (10-15 minutes)
    * As students work, circulate and offer encouragement and prompts for deeper reflection.
    * (Optional) If time allows, create a class 'Gratitude Garden' display where students can 'plant' their blooms.

Step 5

Conclusion: A Growing Garden

5 minutes

  • Bring the class back together.
    * Ask students how they felt practicing gratitude today. (2 minutes)
    * Reinforce the idea that practicing gratitude regularly helps our inner 'garden' grow and makes us happier. (2 minutes)
    * Encourage them to continue being 'gratitude gardeners' in their daily lives. (1 minute)
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Slide Deck

Gratitude Gardeners

Nurturing a Thankful Heart

What does 'gratitude' mean to you?
When do you feel grateful?

Let's grow our appreciation together!

Welcome students and introduce the concept. Ask guiding questions to get them thinking about gratitude.

Seeds of Thanks

What are the wonderful things in your life?

Think about:

  • Family & Friends
  • School & Learning
  • Nature & World
  • Hobbies & Fun

Let's plant some gratitude!

Explain the concept of 'seeds of thanks' as things we are grateful for. Prepare to distribute the worksheet or paper.

Sharing Our Harvest

Who wants to share a 'seed of thanks' from their garden?

Every act of sharing helps our gratitude grow bigger!

Encourage students to share with a partner or the class. Emphasize that all expressions of gratitude are valid.

Cultivating Gratitude: Your Bloom!

Now, let's create a 'Gratitude Bloom'!

Draw or craft something that represents what you are grateful for.

What will your gratitude look like?

Introduce the 'Gratitude Bloom' activity. Explain that they will create something to represent their gratitude.

Your Growing Garden

How did it feel to think about and share your gratitude today?

Remember, the more you practice gratitude, the more your inner garden blooms!

Keep being a Gratitude Gardener!

Conclude by reinforcing the benefits of gratitude and encouraging continued practice.

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Worksheet

My Gratitude Garden: Planting Seeds of Thanks

Think about all the wonderful things in your life. What are you grateful for? In the sections below, write or draw at least one thing you are thankful for.

My Family & Friends












My School & Learning












The World Around Me (Nature, Community, etc.)












My Hobbies & Fun Activities












Something Else I'm Grateful For












Challenge: Share one thing you wrote or drew with a classmate!

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Activity

Gratitude Blooms: Cultivating Our Thankfulness

Objective: To creatively express and represent something you are grateful for.

Materials:

  • Paper (construction paper, colored paper, or plain paper)
  • Crayons, markers, colored pencils
  • Scissors (optional, for shaping)
  • (Optional) Craft sticks or pipe cleaners for stems

Instructions:

  1. Choose Your Gratitude: Think about one specific thing or person you are really grateful for today. It could be something big or small! (e.g., "my pet dog," "the sun shining," "my favorite book," "my teacher").

  2. Design Your Bloom: On your paper, draw a flower or a plant that represents this gratitude.

    • Petal Power: Each petal could represent a reason why you are grateful for that thing.
    • Color Code: Use colors that remind you of your gratitude.
    • Details: Add details like leaves, a stem, or even a little drawing of what you're grateful for at the center of the flower.

  3. Write It Down: Somewhere on your bloom (on a petal, stem, or in the center), write down what you are grateful for. You can also add a short sentence explaining why.

    • Example: "I am grateful for my friend Maya because she always makes me laugh!"

  4. Cut and Grow (Optional): If you like, carefully cut out your gratitude bloom. You can even attach a craft stick to the back to make a stem.

  5. Share Your Garden (Optional): When you are done, be ready to share your gratitude bloom with the class or a small group. Explain what you made and why you are grateful for it.

This is your unique gratitude bloom! Every time you look at it, remember the joy and appreciation it represents.

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Gratitude Gardeners • Lenny Learning