Gratitude in Action

Dannah Rogers

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Gratitude in Action

Show gratitude to others

This lesson focuses on teaching students how to express gratitude to others through engaging activities and meaningful discussions. The lesson is important as it helps students develop social-emotional skills, fostering a sense of empathy and appreciation in their interactions.

Audience

Kindergarten - 5th Grade

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Active Learning, Inquiry-Based Learning, Collaborative Learning

Materials

Gratitude Cards, Markers, Discussion Guide, Large Paper Tree, Colored Leaves Cutouts, and Scenario Cards

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin by discussing what gratitude means and why it's important to show gratitude to others.
Share examples of how we can express gratitude in everyday situations.

Step 2

Discussion

10 mins

Use the discussion guide to facilitate a conversation about gratitude.
Encourage students to share their thoughts on how showing gratitude can make a difference in relationships.

Step 3

Gratitude Card Activity

10 mins

Provide each student with a gratitude card and a marker.
Ask them to write or draw a message of gratitude for someone in their life.
Have students share their cards with the class and discuss how it feels to express gratitude.

Step 4

Gratitude Tree Activity

10 mins

Set up a large paper tree on the wall.
Give each student a colored leaf cutout.
Ask students to write something they are grateful for on the leaf and attach it to the tree.
Discuss how the tree represents the collective gratitude of the class.

Step 5

Role-Playing Exercise

10 mins

Provide students with scenario cards depicting different situations where they can express gratitude.
Have students role-play the scenarios in pairs or small groups.
Discuss how it felt to express and receive gratitude in these scenarios.

Step 6

Closure

5 mins

Recap the lesson by highlighting the importance of showing gratitude to others.
Encourage students to practice expressing gratitude in their daily interactions.

Discussion

Gratitude Discussion Guide

This guide will help facilitate a discussion on the concept of showing gratitude.

What does it mean to be grateful?

Discuss the definition of gratitude and its importance.

How does it feel when someone shows gratitude to you?

Explore the positive emotions associated with receiving gratitude.

Can you think of a time when you showed gratitude to someone? What happened?

Encourage students to share personal experiences and reflect on the outcomes.