Gratitude with Cats

Audrey Eddins

Tier 2

Lesson Plan

Gratitude with Cats

Express gratitude through cat interactions

This lesson uses the theme of cats to help students in in-school suspension (ISS) explore and express gratitude. Through a combination of video, discussion, and creative activities, students will learn how animals can be a source of joy and comfort, fostering empathy and emotional well-being. By engaging with this lesson, students will develop a deeper understanding of gratitude and how it can positively impact their lives.

Audience

Students in ISS

Time

30 mins

Approach

Express gratitude through cat interactions

Materials

Pictures or videos of cats, Paper, Colored pencils, and Gratitude Journal Worksheet

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin with a discussion on what gratitude means.
Talk about how animals, like cats, can bring joy and comfort to our lives.

Step 2

Cat Video and Discussion

10 mins

Show a short, heartwarming video of cats interacting with humans.
Discuss how these interactions might make people feel grateful and why animals can be a source of gratitude.

Step 3

Creative Activity

10 mins

Ask students to draw a picture or write a short story about a cat they are grateful for or a time when a pet made them feel happy.
Encourage them to think about the qualities of cats that they appreciate.

Step 4

Gratitude Reflection

5 mins

Hand out the Gratitude Journal Worksheet.
Have students write about how they feel after watching the video and completing the activity, focusing on gratitude.

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Worksheet

Gratitude Journal Worksheet

A journal worksheet for students to document their gratitude reflections, focusing on how animals like cats can bring joy and comfort.

Write about a cat or pet you are grateful for and why.

Consider how this animal impacts your life or mood.

Reflect on a time when an animal made you feel happy or comforted.

Think about the situation and how it helped you.

Describe a quality of cats that you appreciate and why.

Consider their behavior, appearance, or interactions with humans.