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Gratitude Gardens

Melissa Hathaway

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Gratitude Gardens Lesson Plan

Students will plant seeds in small pots and create a personal “gratitude garden,” reflecting on things they’re thankful for. They’ll document plant growth and gratitude reflections to reinforce mindfulness and positive thinking.

Cultivating gratitude helps students develop a growth mindset, emotional awareness, and positive social skills. Hands-on gardening deepens connections to nature and supports mindful reflection.

Audience

Grades 2–5

Time

50 minutes

Approach

Hands-on planting paired with guided reflection and group discussion.

Materials

Construction Paper, Bean Seeds, Potting Soil, Small Pots, Watering Cans, Gratitude Gardens Slide Deck, Gratitude Reflection Sheet, Seed Observation Chart, and Markers and Pencils

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Collect enough small pots, potting soil, and bean seeds for each student
  • Fill watering cans with water and place near work area
  • Print or project the Gratitude Gardens Slide Deck
  • Make copies of the Gratitude Reflection Sheet and Seed Observation Chart
  • Arrange seats or mats for group circle time

Step 1

Introduction to Gratitude

5 minutes

  • Gather students in a circle and introduce the term “gratitude”
  • Ask volunteers to share simple things they’re thankful for
  • Explain how gratitude can grow in us like seeds grow into plants
  • Introduce the day’s theme: planting a gratitude garden

Step 2

Slide Deck Presentation

10 minutes

  • Launch the Gratitude Gardens Slide Deck
  • Discuss how plants thrive with care, just like gratitude blossoms with practice
  • Pause on slides to ask questions and highlight key ideas about mindfulness
  • Connect each slide to an interactive question or brief student response

Step 3

Planting Seeds Activity

20 minutes

  • Distribute pots, soil, and seeds to each student
  • Demonstrate each step: fill pot with soil, create a shallow hole, place seed, cover, and water
  • Students record planting date and predictions on the Seed Observation Chart
  • Encourage each student to name their plant and decorate a label on construction paper

Step 4

Gratitude Reflection and Sharing

10 minutes

  • Hand out the Gratitude Reflection Sheet
  • Prompt students to draw or write one thing they feel grateful for and explain why
  • Circulate and support quieter students as needed
  • Invite volunteers to share their reflections with the class

Step 5

Closure and Clean-Up

5 minutes

  • Ask students to state one action they’ll take to nurture their plant and gratitude daily
  • Remind them to water their plant and update the observation chart at home or in class
  • Collect charts and reflection sheets; tidy the planting area and materials
lenny

Slide Deck

Gratitude Gardens: Cultivating Positivity and Mindfulness

• Plant seeds of gratitude
• Watch them grow
• Reflect on what we’re thankful for

Welcome students and introduce the session. Explain that today we’ll learn about gratitude and how we’ll plant seeds to help both our gardens and our kindness grow.

Today’s Objectives

  1. Understand what gratitude means
  2. Connect gratitude to planting seeds
  3. Plant and care for your own seed
  4. Reflect and share what you’re thankful for

Read each objective aloud and relate to students’ experiences. Encourage them to think of one thing they’re grateful for as we go.

What Is Gratitude?

Gratitude is noticing and appreciating the good things in our lives. When we practice gratitude, we feel happier and more caring toward others.

Ask students: “What does gratitude mean to you?” Summarize responses and highlight key ideas in the definition.

Gratitude Grows Like a Garden

• Seeds need soil, water, and sunshine to grow.
• Gratitude needs practice, attention, and sharing to grow.
• Both grow stronger when we give them care every day.

Show a picture of a seed growing into a plant. Explain that gratitude also needs kindness, attention, and care to grow.

Materials You’ll Use

• Small pot, potting soil, bean seed
• Watering can or cup of water
• Seed Observation Chart (link)
• Markers and paper for plant labels

Briefly show the materials and point to each as you speak. Invite students to hold or look closely if possible.

How to Plant Your Seed

  1. Fill your pot with soil
  2. Make a small hole in the center
  3. Place your seed in the hole
  4. Cover gently with soil and water

Demonstrate each planting step slowly. Invite one volunteer to help plant the class seed so students see the process.

Recording Growth

Use your Seed Observation Chart to:
• Write the date
• Draw or note plant height
• Describe any changes you see

Show a sample chart entry. Explain how students will record date, plant height, and observations each day.

Reflecting on Gratitude

On your Gratitude Reflection Sheet:
• Draw or write one thing you’re grateful for
• Explain why it’s special to you
• Think about how you can nurture that gratitude

Model filling out one reflection. Encourage students to think about why that thing makes them happy or thankful.

Sharing and Growing Together

• Take turns sharing your gratitude drawing or notes
• Listen respectfully when friends share
• Celebrate each other’s ideas

Invite a few volunteers to share their reflections and plant labels. Reinforce positive listening and supportive comments.

Let’s Get Started!

• Find your work station
• Plant your seed and record your first entry
• Have fun growing your gratitude garden!

Encourage excitement and remind students of cleanup steps. Reinforce daily care and gratitude practice.

lenny

Activity

Gratitude Garden Activity

Part 1: Plant Your Seed 🪴

Follow each step and check it off when you’re done:

☐ 1. Fill your pot with soil until it’s almost full.

☐ 2. Use your finger or a pencil to make a small hole (~1 inch deep) in the center of the soil.

☐ 3. Place one bean seed into the hole.

☐ 4. Gently cover the seed with a little more soil.

☐ 5. Slowly pour water over the soil until it feels damp (not puddled).

☐ 6. Decorate a label with your plant’s name on construction paper and stick it in the pot.

Part 2: Record Your Seed’s Growth 🌱

Use your Seed Observation Chart to make today’s first entry.

Today’s Date: ___________________

In your chart, write or draw:

  • How tall is your plant (estimate in cm or inches)?
  • What do you notice about your soil or seed?







Part 3: Reflect on Gratitude ✨

Complete your Gratitude Reflection Sheet by answering:

  1. What is one thing you’re grateful for today?




  2. Why does this person, place, or thing make you feel thankful?





  3. How can you show or practice gratitude for it this week?






Part 4: Share & Care 🤝

  • Find a partner and take turns reading your reflection.
  • Listen carefully and say one kind thing about what your partner shared.
  • Remind each other to water your plants every day!

Part 5: Clean Up 🧹

  • Put markers and paper back in the center bin.
  • Return extra soil and seeds to the teacher’s table.
  • Place your pot on the classroom windowsill or designated growing area.

Great job growing your Gratitude Garden today! 🌼

lenny
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