lenny

Gratitude in Action

user image

Lesson Plan

Gratitude in Action

Understand and demonstrate gratitude

This lesson introduces middle school students to the concept of gratitude and its positive impact on well-being. Through restorative practices and collaborative learning, students will explore the power of gratitude and practice expressing it. This lesson is important as it fosters a positive classroom environment and enhances students' social-emotional skills.

Audience

Middle School Students

Time

25 min

Approach

Restorative Practices, Collaborative Learning, Active Learning

Materials

Post-it notes, Pens, Gratitude Discussion Questions, Dice for Gratitude Game, and Video: The Gratitude Experiment

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

  • Begin with a brief explanation of gratitude and its benefits.
  • Discuss how gratitude improves physical health by strengthening the immune system, reducing symptoms of illness, lowering blood pressure, and improving sleep quality.
  • Explain how gratitude enhances psychological health by increasing positive emotions and reducing anxiety and depression.
  • Highlight how gratitude strengthens social connections by making relationships stronger and fostering compassion and forgiveness.
  • Show the video The Gratitude Experiment to introduce the concept.
  • Ask students to share one thing they are grateful for today.

Step 2

Gratitude Circle

5 mins

  • Arrange students in a circle.
  • Each student shares a moment when they felt grateful recently.
  • Encourage active listening and respect for each speaker.

Step 3

Group Discussion

5 mins

  • Use the Gratitude Discussion Questions to facilitate a conversation about how gratitude can impact relationships and personal well-being.
  • Encourage students to share their thoughts and experiences.

Step 4

Gratitude Dice Game

8 mins

  • Introduce the Gratitude Dice Game.
  • Each student takes turns rolling a die.
  • Based on the number rolled, the student shares:
    1. A person they are thankful for
    2. A place they are thankful for
    3. A thing they are thankful for
    4. A food they are thankful for
    5. An animal they are thankful for
    6. Anything they are thankful for
  • Encourage creativity and sharing.

Step 5

Closure

2 mins

  • Invite a few students to share their favorite part of the game.
  • Conclude with a reminder of the importance of expressing gratitude regularly.
lenny
0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Discussion

Gratitude Discussion Questions

A set of questions to guide a discussion on the impact of gratitude.

How does expressing gratitude make you feel?

Encourage students to reflect on personal experiences and emotions. Possible answers: It makes me feel happy, connected, and appreciated.







Can you think of a time when gratitude improved a relationship?

Guide students to consider how gratitude can strengthen bonds. Possible answers: Saying thank you to a friend improved our friendship, or expressing gratitude to a family member made us closer.







Why is it important to express gratitude regularly?

Discuss the long-term benefits of gratitude on mental health and relationships. Possible answers: It helps build stronger relationships, improves mood, and creates a positive environment.







What does gratitude mean to you?

Encourage students to define gratitude in their own words and share personal interpretations. Possible answers: Gratitude means appreciating what I have, recognizing the good in my life, or being thankful for others.







How do you show and express gratitude?

Discuss various ways to express gratitude, both verbally and through actions. Possible answers: Saying thank you, writing notes, helping others, or giving compliments.







lenny
lenny