Lesson Plan
Gratitude & Growth Journal Lesson Plan
Students will define gratitude and identify personal and vocational growth areas. They will practice expressing gratitude and reflecting on their progress through journaling and discussion.
Practicing gratitude enhances well-being, reduces stress, and promotes a positive outlook. Reflecting on growth fosters self-awareness, resilience, and goal-setting skills, which are crucial for personal development and future success.
Audience
High School Students
Time
50 minutes
Approach
Interactive lecture, guided journaling, and group discussion.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pens, Gratitude & Growth Slide Deck, Gratitude & Growth Journal, Gratitude & Growth Discussion Prompts, and Gratitude & Growth Activity
Prep
Review Materials
15 minutes
- Review the Gratitude & Growth Lesson Plan, Gratitude & Growth Slide Deck, Gratitude & Growth Journal, Gratitude & Growth Discussion Prompts, and Gratitude & Growth Activity.
- Ensure projector/whiteboard is ready.
- Print copies of the Gratitude & Growth Journal and Gratitude & Growth Activity for each student.
Step 1
Introduction & Warm-up (10 minutes)
10 minutes
- Begin with a brief welcome and an engaging question to activate prior knowledge about gratitude.
- Introduce the lesson objectives and the importance of practicing gratitude and reflecting on growth. Use Gratitude & Growth Slide Deck slides 1-3.
Step 2
What is Gratitude? (10 minutes)
10 minutes
- Lead a brief discussion on what gratitude means to students. Use Gratitude & Growth Slide Deck slides 4-6.
- Present examples of gratitude and its benefits.
- Distribute the Gratitude & Growth Journal and guide students through the first journaling prompt, focusing on personal gratitude.
Step 3
Exploring Growth (15 minutes)
15 minutes
- Transition to discussing personal and vocational growth. Use Gratitude & Growth Slide Deck slides 7-9.
- Have students complete the growth reflection section in their Gratitude & Growth Journal.
- Facilitate the Gratitude & Growth Activity in small groups, encouraging students to share one positive experience from the past year and one area of growth they are proud of.
Step 4
Group Discussion & Sharing (10 minutes)
10 minutes
- Bring the class back together for a whole-group discussion using the Gratitude & Growth Discussion Prompts.
- Encourage students to share insights from their journaling and group activity, emphasizing respectful listening. Use Gratitude & Growth Slide Deck slides 10-11.
Step 5
Wrap-up & Next Steps (5 minutes)
5 minutes
- Summarize key takeaways about gratitude and growth. Use Gratitude & Growth Slide Deck slide 12.
- Encourage students to continue their gratitude and growth journaling practice.
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Slide Deck
Welcome to Gratitude & Growth!
How do you feel about the end of the year?
It's a time for reflection and looking forward!
Welcome students and prepare them for a reflective session. Ask a warm-up question to get them thinking about positive aspects of their lives.
Today's Journey
- Define gratitude and its importance.
- Explore personal and vocational growth.
- Practice reflection through journaling.
- Share insights and learn from each other.
Introduce the main objectives of today's lesson. Explain what students will learn and why it's important for their well-being.
Why Does This Matter?
Practicing gratitude can:
- Boost your mood and happiness!
- Reduce stress.
- Improve relationships.
Reflecting on growth helps you:
- See how far you've come.
- Recognize your strengths.
- Plan for future success.
Emphasize the benefits of practicing gratitude and reflecting on growth. Connect it to their real-life experiences.
What is Gratitude?
In your own words, what does 'gratitude' mean to you?
Ask students for their initial thoughts on 'gratitude'. Encourage a few students to share their definitions.
Gratitude Defined
Gratitude is:
- The quality of being thankful.
- Readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
It's about noticing the good things, big and small!
Provide a simple definition and examples to clarify the concept of gratitude.
Expressing Gratitude
- Saying "thank you" sincerely.
- Writing a thank-you note.
- Acknowledging someone's effort.
- Taking time to appreciate nature.
- Journaling about things you're grateful for.
Offer practical examples of how gratitude can be expressed in daily life.
Let's Talk About Growth!
Growth isn't just about getting taller!
It's about:
- Learning new skills.
- Overcoming challenges.
- Developing your personality.
- Achieving goals.
Transition to the concept of growth. Prompt students to think about how they've changed over time.
Types of Growth
Personal Growth
- Becoming more resilient.
- Improving communication skills.
- Developing self-awareness.
Vocational Growth
- Learning a new subject.
- Improving study habits.
- Exploring career interests.
- Gaining teamwork experience.
Distinguish between personal and vocational growth with clear examples relevant to high schoolers.
Your Growth Journey
Think about the past year.
What are some areas where you've grown?
- Personally?
- Vocationally (academics, skills, future plans)?
Encourage students to think about their own experiences of growth.
Share Your Insights!
Now, let's discuss what you've journaled about.
Remember to:
- Listen actively.
- Respect different perspectives.
- Share openly (but only what you're comfortable with).
Explain the discussion activity and encourage active participation and respectful listening.
The Power of Reflection
Reflecting on gratitude and growth helps us:
- Appreciate the present.
- Learn from the past.
- Build a positive future.
Provide a concluding thought about the power of gratitude and growth mindset.
Keep Growing! Keep Grateful!
Make gratitude and reflection a regular practice!
It's a journey, not a destination.
Conclude the lesson by reinforcing the key message and encouraging continued practice.
Journal
Gratitude & Growth Journal
Section 1: Daily Gratitude
What are three things you are grateful for today? These can be big or small! (Think about experiences, people, opportunities, or even simple comforts.)
Why are you grateful for these things? How do they make a difference in your day or your life?
Section 2: Personal Growth Reflection
Think about the past year. What is one personal challenge you faced, and how did you overcome it? What did you learn about yourself in the process?
In what area of your personal life do you feel you've grown the most? (e.g., confidence, kindness, communication, resilience)
Describe a specific moment or event that highlights this growth:
Section 3: Vocational Growth Reflection
Reflect on your academic journey or skills development this past year. What is one new skill you've learned or improved upon?
How do you think this skill will help you in the future, whether in school, a job, or your personal life?
What is one goal related to your learning or future career that you hope to achieve in the next year?
Section 4: Looking Forward
How can you incorporate more gratitude and reflection into your daily life?
Activity
Gratitude & Growth Sharing Circle
Instructions:
- Form Small Groups: Get into groups of 3-4 students.
- Choose a Leader: One person in each group will be the facilitator, ensuring everyone gets a chance to speak.
- Share Your Gratitude: Take turns sharing one thing you wrote in your Gratitude & Growth Journal that you are most grateful for from the past year. Briefly explain why it stands out to you.
- Example: "I am most grateful for the support of my friends when I was struggling with a challenging project. It showed me the importance of teamwork."
- Share Your Growth: Next, take turns sharing one area of personal or vocational growth you identified in your Gratitude & Growth Journal that you are particularly proud of. Explain what this growth means to you.
- Example: "I've really grown in my public speaking confidence. I used to be terrified, but after presenting my research project, I feel much more comfortable."
- Listen Actively: While others are sharing, practice active listening. You can offer a brief, positive affirmation (e.g., "That's wonderful!" or "I can relate!") but avoid interrupting or giving advice unless asked.
- Reflect Together: After everyone has shared, briefly discuss any common themes or surprising insights that emerged in your group. What did you learn from listening to your peers?
Discussion
Gratitude & Growth Discussion Prompts
Whole Class Discussion Guidelines:
- Listen respectfully to your classmates.
- Share openly, but only what you are comfortable with.
- Refer back to your Gratitude & Growth Journal and the Gratitude & Growth Activity for insights.
Discussion Questions:
- What was one new insight you gained about gratitude today, either from your own journaling or from listening to your group members?
- Can you share an example of how recognizing something you are grateful for shifted your perspective or mood?
- What was the most surprising or impactful personal growth you observed in yourself or heard from a classmate during the Gratitude & Growth Activity? Why was it impactful?
- How do you think reflecting on your growth, both personal and vocational, can help you set goals for the future?
- What are some simple ways you can integrate more gratitude and reflection into your daily life moving forward?
- How can practicing gratitude and acknowledging growth help you navigate challenges or difficult times?