Gratitude Journals Reimagined

Maegen Curley

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Gratitude Journals Reimagined

Explore thankfulness creatively

In this lesson, students will create personalized gratitude journals, using art and creative writing to delve into thankfulness beyond surface-level acknowledgments. This exercise encourages students to reflect deeply on personal and community triumphs, fostering a sense of appreciation and mindfulness. By engaging in this activity, students will develop their creative expression and emotional intelligence, enhancing their ability to recognize and appreciate the positive aspects of their lives.

Audience

Grades 9-12

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Explore thankfulness creatively

Materials

Notebooks or blank journals, Art supplies (markers, colored pencils, stickers), Writing prompts handout, and Discussion questions

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

Begin with a brief discussion on the concept of gratitude and its importance in daily life.
Ask students to share one thing they are grateful for today.

Step 2

Creative Journaling

15 minutes

Distribute notebooks or blank journals to each student.
Provide art supplies for students to personalize their journal covers.
Hand out writing prompts to guide their reflections on gratitude.
Encourage students to write and decorate their journal entries, focusing on deeper reflections beyond surface-level acknowledgments.

Step 3

Group Discussion

5 minutes

Facilitate a group discussion using the provided questions.
Encourage students to share their reflections and insights from their journaling experience.

Step 4

Closure

5 minutes

Summarize the key takeaways from the lesson.
Encourage students to continue their gratitude journaling practice outside of class.

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Reading

Writing Prompts Handout

This handout provides writing prompts to guide students in their gratitude journaling, encouraging deeper reflection and creative expression.

Writing Prompts for Gratitude Journaling

Reflect on a recent challenge you overcame and what you learned from it.
Write about a person in your life who has positively impacted you and why you are grateful for them.
Describe a place that makes you feel at peace and why it is special to you.
Think about a community event or achievement that made you proud and grateful.
List three small things that brought you joy this week and why they matter to you.

Discussion

Discussion Questions

These questions are designed to facilitate a group discussion on gratitude, encouraging students to share their insights and reflections from the journaling activity.

What did you find most challenging about reflecting on gratitude?

Encourage students to think about any difficulties they faced in going beyond surface-level acknowledgments.

How did personalizing your journal affect your reflection process?

Discuss how the creative aspect of the activity might have influenced their thoughts and feelings.

Can you share a new insight or perspective you gained from this exercise?

Invite students to share any new understandings or appreciations they developed during the journaling.