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Gratitude Quest: Building a Mindful Practice

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Lesson Plan

Gratitude Quest Lesson Plan

Students will develop a daily habit of noticing and expressing gratitude by participating in interactive quests and guided journaling exercises.

Cultivating gratitude supports emotional well-being, improves focus on positive experiences, and builds a resilient, growth-mindset. This lesson gives students practical tools to sustain a mindful practice beyond the classroom.

Audience

Elementary to High School Students

Time

45–60 minutes

Approach

Interactive presentation, journaling, and peer reflection.

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Kickoff Quest

5 minutes

  • Welcome students and introduce the idea of a “Gratitude Quest” to discover daily joys
  • Pose a guiding question: “What small moments today could be your treasure?”
  • Establish community norms: listen respectfully and share authentically

Step 2

Quest Map Presentation

10 minutes

  • Display Gratitude Quest Slides
  • Walk through key slides: definition of gratitude, benefits, journaling process
  • Pause after each slide for quick think-pair-share prompts (e.g., “Name one thing you’re grateful for right now.”)

Step 3

Gratitude Journaling Activity

20 minutes

  • Distribute notebooks or the printed Gratitude Journal Template
  • Prompt students to write down three things they’re grateful for today
  • Offer sentence starters or word banks for additional support
  • Encourage use of color or small drawings for younger learners

Step 4

Partner Share & Group Discussion

10 minutes

  • Pair students and invite them to share one journal entry each
  • Regroup and capture volunteer reflections on chart paper/whiteboard
  • Highlight common themes and celebrate unique discoveries

Step 5

Closing Ceremony

5 minutes

  • Ask students to choose one gratitude action to practice daily (e.g., journaling at bedtime)
  • Invite a few volunteers to share their commitment
  • Reinforce that gratitude is a lifelong quest and encourage continuity
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Slide Deck

Gratitude Quest

Building a Mindful Practice
45–60 minutes | All Grades

Welcome everyone! Introduce today’s “Gratitude Quest” and set an enthusiastic tone. Mention we’ll explore what gratitude is, why it matters, and practice journaling. Encourage active participation and authentic sharing.

Today’s Quest Map

• Kickoff Quest (5 min)
• Quest Map Presentation (10 min)
• Gratitude Journaling Activity (20 min)
• Partner Share & Group Discussion (10 min)
• Closing Ceremony (5 min)

Briefly walk through each part of today’s lesson so students know what to expect and stay engaged.

What Is Gratitude?

Gratitude is noticing and appreciating the good around us—big or small.

• Recognizing positive moments
• Naming people, places, or things we value

Define gratitude in simple terms. After reading, pause and ask students to give their own examples verbally or via chat.

Why Practice Gratitude?

• Boosts mood and overall well-being
• Improves focus on positive experiences
• Builds resilience during challenges
• Strengthens relationships and empathy

Explain each benefit briefly and invite students to nod or raise hands when they relate to a point.

How to Journal Gratitude

  1. Find a quiet moment
  2. Write down three things you’re grateful for today
  3. Elaborate: Why does this matter?
  4. (Optional) Add a small drawing or decoration

Walk students through the journaling steps on the screen. Model one example on chart paper or via share screen.

Gratitude Journal Template

Use this guided template to record today’s treasures:

Gratitude Journal Template

• Space for 3 entries
• Sentence starters & word bank

Distribute either paper journals or the printed template. Show students where to write and how to use sentence starters if needed.

Think-Pair-Share Prompt

Think: What’s one small moment you’re grateful for right now?

Pair: Share with your partner (1 min each)

Invite students to pause and reflect silently for 30 seconds, then pair up. Monitor pairs and prompt quieter students to share.

Closing Ceremony

Choose one daily gratitude action:

• Journal at bedtime
• Express thanks to someone
• Pause for a mindful gratitude moment

Who will share their commitment?

Ask for volunteer commitments. Record a few on the board to celebrate and remind everyone of the next steps.

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Activity

Gratitude Journal Template

Date: ____________________________

Instructions: Use the prompts below to record three things you’re grateful for today. Write words, add drawings, and decorate as you wish!

1. Entry One

I am grateful for…







Why this matters:





2. Entry Two

I am grateful for…







Why this matters:





3. Entry Three

I am grateful for…







Why this matters:





Supports & Extensions

Sentence Starters:

  • I am thankful for __________ because __________.
  • One small moment today that made me smile was __________.
  • Someone who brightens my day is __________.

Word Bank:
family · friends · nature · sunshine · laughter · kind words · creativity · learning · helpers

Optional Reflection:
How can you share your gratitude with someone else today?










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