Gratitude Jar Exchange

Jessica Hunt

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Gratitude Jar Exchange

Foster community and appreciation

In this lesson, students will engage in a Gratitude Jar Exchange activity where they write notes of gratitude and place them in a class jar. At the end of the week, each student will draw a note to read aloud, fostering a sense of community and appreciation. This activity helps students recognize and express gratitude, enhancing their social-emotional skills and building a positive classroom environment.

Audience

Grades 1-4 Students

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Foster community and appreciation

Materials

Jar for collecting notes, Small pieces of paper, Pens or pencils, and Gratitude Reflection Worksheet

Step 1

Introduction to Gratitude

3 minutes

Briefly explain the concept of gratitude and why it's important.
Ask students to think about things they are thankful for in their lives.

Step 2

Writing Gratitude Notes

10 minutes

Distribute small pieces of paper and pens/pencils to each student.
Instruct students to write a note of gratitude to someone in the class or about something they appreciate.
Encourage them to be specific in their notes.

Step 3

Collecting Notes

2 minutes

Have students fold their notes and place them in the class jar.
Ensure everyone has contributed a note.

Step 4

Closure and Sharing

5 minutes

Explain that at the end of the week, each student will draw a note from the jar to read aloud.
Discuss how sharing gratitude can make us feel happier and more connected.

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Worksheet

Gratitude Reflection Worksheet

This worksheet helps students reflect on what they are grateful for before writing their notes. It includes prompts to guide their thinking.

List three things you are grateful for today.

Think about people, places, or things that make you happy.

Write a short note of gratitude to someone in your class.

Be specific about what you appreciate about them.