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Reflect & Recharge

Lesson Plan

Reflect & Recharge Lesson Plan

Students will learn to notice and record daily moments of gratitude through guided journaling, fostering a positive mindset and empathy.

Gratitude journaling strengthens self-awareness, resilience, and emotional well-being by encouraging students to focus on positive experiences.

Audience

Grades 3–5

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Guided reflection and journaling

Materials

Reflect & Recharge Slide Deck, Reflect & Recharge Gratitude Journal Template, Paper Journals or Notebooks, Pens or Pencils, and Whiteboard and Markers

Prep

Review Materials and Setup

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up Discussion

5 minutes

  • Ask students to think of one thing they’re thankful for today.
  • Invite volunteers to share, and list responses on the whiteboard.
  • Emphasize that gratitude can be about people, events, or small daily moments.

Step 2

Introduction to Gratitude Journaling

5 minutes

  • Display Slide 1 of the Reflect & Recharge Slide Deck explaining what a gratitude journal is.
  • Discuss benefits: positive mindset, reduced stress, stronger empathy.
  • Show examples of simple journal entries on Slide 2.

Step 3

Journaling Activity

20 minutes

  • Distribute the Reflect & Recharge Gratitude Journal Template.
  • Instruct students to write three things they’re grateful for today.
  • Ask them to choose one item and write 2–3 sentences explaining why it matters to them.
  • Circulate to provide support and encourage detailed reflections.

Step 4

Sharing & Reflection

10 minutes

  • Have students pair up and take turns reading one journal entry to their partner.
  • Invite 3–4 volunteers to share their favorite entry with the whole class.
  • Acknowledge and praise thoughtful reflections.

Step 5

Cool-Down and Wrap-Up

5 minutes

  • Summarize key points: gratitude helps us notice good things and feel more positive.
  • Encourage students to continue daily journaling: suggest setting a regular time (e.g., after lunch).
  • Collect journals or instruct students to keep them in a designated spot for tomorrow’s session.
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Slide Deck

Reflect & Recharge: Gratitude Journals

Fostering gratitude through daily journaling to boost well-being and resilience.

Welcome students and introduce today’s focus. Emphasize that this lesson will help them notice and appreciate the good things in their lives.

What Is a Gratitude Journal?

• A personal notebook for noting daily moments of thankfulness
• Helps us focus on positive experiences and people
• Can be written in any style—sentences, lists, or drawings

Explain the concept of a gratitude journal: a place to record things you are thankful for each day.

Why Keep a Gratitude Journal?

• Builds a positive mindset
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Strengthens empathy and connection
• Boosts resilience when facing challenges

Discuss each benefit, inviting students to share ideas on how gratitude might help them.

How to Write in Your Journal

  1. Write today’s date at the top of the page.
  2. List three things you’re grateful for.
  3. Choose one item and write 2–3 sentences explaining why it matters.
  4. Draw a small picture or add a sticker if you like.

Walk students through the simple steps. Show the template on-screen if possible.

Example Entries

• “I’m grateful for my pet dog because she makes me laugh every morning.”
• “I’m thankful for my art class—painting helps me feel calm.”
• “I appreciate my friend Carlos for helping me with math today.”

Read through each example entry, pointing out specific details that make the reflection meaningful.

Your Journaling Activity

• Write three things you’re thankful for today.
• Pick one and explain why it matters in 2–3 sentences.
• Add a doodle or color if you wish.

(20 minutes)

Distribute the Reflect & Recharge Gratitude Journal Template now. Circulate to support students who need help getting started.

Sharing & Reflection

• Pair up and read one entry to your partner.
• Listen and ask one follow-up question.
• Volunteers share favorite entries with the class.

(10 minutes)

Model how to pair up and share. Encourage respectful listening and positive feedback.

Wrap-Up & Next Steps

• Gratitude journaling helps us notice the good around us.
• Try to journal every day—perhaps after lunch or before bed.
• Keep your journal in our class’s gratitude corner for tomorrow.

Reinforce the importance of consistency. Remind students where to store their journals and suggest a daily time.

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Journal

Reflect & Recharge Gratitude Journal Template

Date: ___________________________

1. Today I am grateful for:

2. Why this matters: (Write 2–3 sentences explaining one of the items above)







3. My Gratitude Doodle:

(Draw or decorate something that represents your gratitude.)












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