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Gratitude Grove Stories

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Lesson Plan

Gratitude Grove Stories

Students will identify people, places, and things they are thankful for, express their gratitude through stories or pictures, and share their reflections with peers to foster positive emotional connections and well-being.

This lesson helps students recognize and appreciate the positive aspects of their lives, fostering a sense of gratitude and improving their overall emotional well-being. It also encourages them to articulate and share these positive feelings.

Audience

1st Grade Students

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Through guided discussion, storytelling, and creative expression, students will explore and share their gratitude.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Gratitude Grove Slide Deck, Drawing paper or Gratitude Grove Journal, and Crayons, colored pencils, or markers

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

  • Review the Gratitude Grove Lesson Plan and all generated materials.
    - Prepare the whiteboard or projector for the Gratitude Grove Slide Deck.
    - Gather drawing paper or print copies of the Gratitude Grove Journal.
    - Ensure art supplies (crayons, colored pencils, markers) are available for students.
    - (Optional) Prepare a personal example of gratitude to share with the class to model the activity.

Step 1

Introduction: What is Gratitude?

10 minutes

  • Begin by asking students what gratitude means to them. Use the Gratitude Grove Slide Deck to guide the discussion.
    * Share a simple, age-appropriate example of something you are grateful for.
    * Introduce the concept of a "Gratitude Grove" where they will share their own stories of thanks.

Step 2

Brainstorming & Sharing

10 minutes

  • Lead a brief brainstorming session with students, asking them to think about people, places, or things they are thankful for. Provide prompts if needed (e.g., "Who helps you?", "What makes you happy at school/home?").
    * Invite a few students to share their ideas with the class. Encourage descriptive language and simple reasons for their gratitude.

Step 3

Gratitude Grove Activity: Draw and Write

15 minutes

  • Distribute drawing paper or the Gratitude Grove Journal and art supplies.
    * Explain that students will draw a picture of something or someone they are grateful for. Below or next to their drawing, they can write a simple sentence or two explaining their gratitude (teacher can assist with writing for younger students or those who need support).
    * Play calming music while students work.
    * Circulate around the room, offering support and encouragement.

Step 4

Sharing Our Grove

10 minutes

  • Once students have completed their drawings and writing, facilitate a sharing session. Students can voluntarily share their "Gratitude Grove Stories" with a partner or the whole class.
    * Emphasize active listening and positive comments from peers.
    * Conclude by reinforcing the importance of gratitude and how it makes us feel good.
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Slide Deck

Welcome to Gratitude Grove!

Today, we're going on an adventure to think about all the amazing things in our lives. 😊

Let's talk about being thankful!

Welcome students and set a positive tone. Introduce the day's topic: gratitude.

What is Gratitude?

It's a big word, but it just means being thankful for something!

When you feel happy about something good, that's gratitude!

Ask students what 'gratitude' means to them. Encourage them to share their initial thoughts.

I am grateful for...

I'll start! I am grateful for the sunshine today because it makes me feel happy.

What are YOU grateful for?

Share a simple, personal example of gratitude to model for the students. For example: "I am grateful for my warm coffee this morning because it helps me wake up!"

Who, What, Where?

Think about:
* People who care for you (family, friends, teachers)
* Places that make you feel safe and happy (home, park, school)
* Things that you love (toys, books, pets, food)

Guide students to think about different categories of things they might be grateful for: people, places, and things. Encourage a few verbal shares.

Your Gratitude Grove Story

Now it's your turn to tell a story with a picture and words!

Draw something or someone you are thankful for.
Write a sentence about why you are thankful. (I'll help with writing!)

Explain the activity. Students will draw and write in their Gratitude Grove Journal. Reinforce that simple drawings and words are perfect.

Sharing Our Grove

We'll share our Gratitude Grove stories!

Listen carefully to your friends.
Remember, being thankful makes our hearts feel full and happy! ❤️

Explain the sharing process. Emphasize kind listening. Conclude by reiterating the positive impact of gratitude.

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Activity

Gratitude Grove Activity: Draw and Write Your Thanks!

Objective: To express personal gratitude through drawing and simple writing.

Materials:

Instructions:

  1. Think and Choose: Think about one person, place, or thing you are very thankful for today. Close your eyes for a moment and picture it in your mind.

  2. Draw Your Gratitude: On your paper or in your Gratitude Grove Journal, draw a clear picture of what you are thankful for. Make it colorful and full of detail!

  3. Write Your Thanks: Below your drawing, write one or two sentences explaining your gratitude. For example:

    • "I am thankful for my mom because she reads me stories."
    • "I am thankful for the playground because I love to swing."
    • "I am thankful for my dog because he always plays with me."

    Don't worry about perfect spelling, just try your best! I will be around to help you with your words.

  4. Prepare to Share: When you are finished, be ready to share your drawing and your words with a friend or the class. We will celebrate everyone's gratitude! ❤️






























































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































* Review the Gratitude Grove Lesson Plan and all generated materials.

  • Gather drawing paper or print copies of the Gratitude Grove Journal.
  • Ensure art supplies (crayons, colored pencils, markers) are available for students.
  • (Optional) Prepare a personal example of gratitude to share with the class to model the activity.
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