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Gratitude Growers

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Lesson Plan

Gratitude Growers: Cultivating Thankfulness

Students will be able to identify and express things they are grateful for, fostering a positive outlook and appreciation for others.

Developing gratitude helps young learners cultivate a positive mindset, improve their well-being, and strengthen their relationships with others by recognizing the good in their lives.

Audience

K-2 Students

Time

45-60 minutes

Approach

Through stories, discussion, journaling, and a collaborative activity.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

15 minutes

  • Review the Gratitude Growers Slide Deck and practice the script (if using one).
  • Print or prepare the Gratitude Journal Page for each student.
  • Gather materials for the Gratitude Garden Activity Materials: pre-cut paper leaves or flowers, a large paper or poster board to represent the garden, glue or tape, and coloring supplies.
  • Ensure technology for the slide deck is working correctly.
  • Review all generated materials as needed.

Step 1

Introduction to Gratitude (10-15 minutes)

10-15 minutes

  • Begin by asking students what makes them happy. Discuss their responses.
  • Introduce the concept of gratitude using the Gratitude Growers Slide Deck (Slide 1-3). Explain that gratitude is about being thankful for the good things in our lives.
  • Read a short story about gratitude (e.g., "The Thank You Book" by Mo Willems, or a similar age-appropriate story about thankfulness – teacher to provide).
  • Lead a brief class discussion using prompts like: "What are some things in your life that you are thankful for?" (Refer to Gratitude Growers Slide Deck Slide 4 for prompts).

Step 2

Gratitude Journaling (15-20 minutes)

15-20 minutes

  • Distribute the Gratitude Journal Page to each student.
  • Explain that they will draw or write about something they are grateful for today.
  • Provide examples to inspire them (e.g., "I am thankful for my family," "I am thankful for my favorite toy," "I am thankful for sunny days").
  • Circulate around the room to offer assistance and encourage students.

Step 3

Creating Our Gratitude Garden (15-20 minutes)

15-20 minutes

  • Introduce the Gratitude Garden Activity Materials.
  • Explain that as a class, you will create a "Gratitude Garden." Each student will write or draw one thing they are grateful for on a pre-cut paper leaf or flower.
  • Students will then glue or tape their leaf/flower onto a large paper or poster board to collectively create a vibrant "Gratitude Garden."
  • As students add to the garden, encourage them to share what they wrote/drew.
  • (Refer to Gratitude Growers Slide Deck Slide 5 for instructions).

Step 4

Wrap-up and Reflection (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Gather students to admire their completed Gratitude Garden.
  • Reiterate the importance of gratitude and how noticing positive things can make them feel happy.
  • Encourage students to continue thinking about things they are grateful for at home.
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Slide Deck

What Makes You Happy?

Share something that makes you smile! 😊

Welcome students and introduce the topic of happiness. Ask what makes them happy to activate prior knowledge.

What is Gratitude?

Being thankful for the good things in our lives!

It's like a happy feeling in your heart for something nice.

Introduce the word 'gratitude' and explain what it means in simple terms. Emphasize that it's about being thankful.

Things to be Thankful For!

  • Family and Friends
  • Pets
  • Favorite Toys
  • Yummy Food
  • Sunny Days
  • A cozy bed

Provide examples of things they might be grateful for to make the concept concrete.

What Are YOU Grateful For?

Think about...

  • Your family?
  • Your friends?
  • Your school?
  • Your favorite snack?
  • Something fun you did today?

Facilitate a class discussion. Encourage students to share their own ideas. Prompt them with the questions on the slide.

Our Gratitude Garden!

Let's create a garden where every leaf and flower shows something we are thankful for.

What will you add to our garden?

Explain the Gratitude Garden activity. Show a visual example if possible. Emphasize that everyone's contribution makes the garden beautiful.

Keep Growing Gratitude!

The more we notice good things, the happier we become!

Let's be thankful every day! ❤️

Conclude by reminding students to keep practicing gratitude.

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Journal

My Gratitude Journal

Name: ______________________ Date: _______________

Today, I am grateful for...

Draw a picture or write about what you are grateful for!













I am grateful for this because...







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Activity

Our Class Gratitude Garden

Objective: To create a visual representation of all the things our class is grateful for.

Materials Needed:

  • Pre-cut paper shapes (leaves, flowers, hearts, etc.) for each student.
  • Large piece of paper or poster board to be the "garden" background.
  • Crayons, markers, or colored pencils.
  • Glue or tape.

Instructions:

  1. Think and Draw/Write: Each student will take one pre-cut paper shape. On their shape, they will draw a picture or write a word/short sentence about one thing they are grateful for. Encourage them to be creative!



  2. Share (Optional): As students finish, invite them to share what they are grateful for with a partner or the class.



  3. Build the Garden: One by one, have students come up and glue or tape their gratitude shape onto the large garden background. We will watch our garden grow with thankfulness!



  4. Admire Our Garden: Once everyone has added their shape, we will stand back and admire our beautiful Gratitude Garden. See how many wonderful things we all have to be grateful for!

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