Gratitude Garland

Justin Beechwood

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Gratitude Garland

Foster an appreciation mindset

In this lesson, students will create a decorative garland by writing down things they are grateful for on each piece. This art-infused activity fosters an appreciation mindset and visual expression of gratitude. It helps students recognize and appreciate the positive aspects of their lives, promoting emotional well-being and a positive classroom environment.

Audience

Grades K-5 Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Foster an appreciation mindset

Materials

Colored paper strips, Markers or crayons, String or yarn, Tape or glue, Scissors, and Gratitude Worksheet

Step 1

Introduction to Gratitude

5 minutes

Begin by asking students what they think gratitude means.
Discuss why it's important to be grateful and how it can make us feel happier.
Share a few examples of things you are grateful for to inspire students.

Step 2

Gratitude Brainstorm

5 minutes

Hand out the Gratitude Worksheet to each student.
Ask students to think about and write down 3-5 things they are grateful for on the worksheet.
Encourage them to think about people, places, or things that make them happy.

Step 3

Create the Gratitude Garland

15 minutes

Provide each student with colored paper strips, markers, and other materials.
Instruct students to write one thing they are grateful for on each paper strip.
Allow students to decorate their strips with drawings or patterns.
Help students attach their strips to a piece of string or yarn using tape or glue to form a garland.

Step 4

Reflection and Sharing

5 minutes

Invite students to share one or two things from their garland with the class.
Discuss how it felt to think about and share things they are grateful for.
Hang the garlands around the classroom as a reminder of gratitude.

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Worksheet

Gratitude Worksheet

This worksheet helps students brainstorm and list things they are grateful for before creating their garland. It is organized as a 2x2 grid with boxes labeled 'People,' 'Places,' 'Things,' and 'Activities' for students to organize their thoughts.

List people you are grateful for.

Think about family, friends, teachers, etc.

List places you are grateful for.

Consider your home, school, favorite park, etc.

List things you are grateful for.

Think about toys, books, or other items you cherish.

List activities you are grateful for.

Consider sports, hobbies, or family traditions you enjoy.