Gratitude Jars: A Creative Reflection

Brigette Sayles

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Gratitude Jars: A Creative Reflection

Foster appreciation and contentment

In this lesson, students will create and decorate Gratitude Jars to hold their daily or weekly gratitude notes. This activity encourages students to focus on positive experiences and emotions, fostering a culture of appreciation and contentment. By engaging in this creative process, students will learn to recognize and express gratitude, which can enhance their emotional well-being and social interactions.

Audience

Grades 3-5 Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Foster appreciation and contentment

Materials

Empty jars (one per student), Art supplies (markers, stickers, paint), Paper strips for notes, and Discussion questions

Step 1

Introduction to Gratitude

5 minutes

Begin by asking students what they think gratitude means.
Discuss the importance of recognizing and appreciating positive experiences.
Explain that they will be creating Gratitude Jars to help them focus on things they are thankful for.

Step 2

Decorating the Jars

15 minutes

Distribute one jar to each student along with art supplies.
Encourage students to decorate their jars in a way that makes them feel happy and reflective.
Walk around to offer help and engage with students about their designs.

Step 3

Writing Gratitude Notes

5 minutes

Provide students with strips of paper to write down things they are grateful for.
Encourage them to think of specific events, people, or things that made them feel good recently.
Have them place their notes inside their decorated jars.

Step 4

Reflection and Sharing

5 minutes

Invite students to share one thing they wrote on their gratitude note with the class.
Facilitate a brief discussion on how it feels to express gratitude and hear others' positive experiences.

Step 5

Closure

5 minutes

Summarize the activity by highlighting the benefits of practicing gratitude regularly.
Encourage students to continue adding notes to their jars at home or in class.

Discussion

Gratitude Jars Discussion

A discussion to help students reflect on the concept of gratitude and its impact on their lives.

What does gratitude mean to you?

Encourage students to think about times they felt thankful and why.

How did it feel to decorate your Gratitude Jar?

Discuss the creative process and how it relates to personal expression.

Why is it important to focus on positive experiences?

Guide students to understand the emotional and social benefits of gratitude.