Gratitude Journals: Cultivating Positivity

Adriana Hollifield

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Gratitude Journals: Cultivating Positivity

Enhance positivity through gratitude

In this lesson, students will learn about the importance of gratitude and how keeping a daily gratitude journal can enhance positivity and improve mental well-being. By focusing on appreciating small joys, students will develop a habit that can lead to a more positive outlook on life.

Audience

Grades 3-8 Students

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Enhance positivity through gratitude

Materials

Notebooks or paper, Pens or pencils, and Discussion Questions

Step 1

Introduction

3 minutes

Begin by asking students if they know what gratitude means.
Explain that gratitude is about being thankful for the good things in our lives, big or small.
Share a personal example of something you are grateful for.

Step 2

Discussion

4 minutes

Use the provided discussion questions to engage students in a conversation about gratitude.
Encourage students to share things they are grateful for and why.
Discuss how focusing on gratitude can make us feel happier and more positive.

Step 3

Journaling Activity

6 minutes

Hand out notebooks or paper and pens to each student.
Instruct students to write down three things they are grateful for today.
Encourage them to think about small things, like a sunny day or a kind friend.
Remind them that this is a personal exercise, and they can choose to share or keep it private.

Step 4

Closure

2 minutes

Ask if any students would like to share one thing they wrote about.
Encourage students to continue this practice daily to cultivate a habit of gratitude.
Thank students for participating and remind them of the positive impact of gratitude.

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Discussion

Gratitude Discussion Questions

A set of questions to guide a discussion on gratitude and its benefits.

What does gratitude mean to you?

Encourage students to think about the concept of being thankful and how it applies to their lives.

Can you share something you are grateful for today?

Guide students to think about both big and small things they appreciate.

How do you feel when you focus on things you are grateful for?

Discuss the emotional impact of gratitude and how it can improve mood and outlook.