Thankful Hearts Tree

Tim Partlow

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Thankful Hearts Tree

Nurture a culture of gratitude

In this lesson, students will create a 'Thankful Hearts Tree' by writing what they are thankful for on heart-shaped paper and adding them to a classroom tree. This activity encourages students to recognize and appreciate the positives in their lives, fostering a sense of gratitude and community. By engaging in this creative and reflective exercise, students will develop social-emotional skills and learn the importance of gratitude.

Audience

Students in Grades K-5

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Nurture a culture of gratitude

Materials

Heart-shaped paper, Markers or crayons, Tape or glue, Large paper tree outline, and Discussion questions

Step 1

Introduction to Gratitude

5 minutes

Begin by asking students if they know what it means to be thankful.
Explain that being thankful means appreciating the good things in our lives.
Share a personal example of something you are thankful for.

Step 2

Creating Thankful Hearts

15 minutes

Distribute heart-shaped paper and markers to each student.
Instruct students to write or draw something they are thankful for on their heart.
Encourage creativity and offer help with writing if needed.

Step 3

Building the Thankful Hearts Tree

5 minutes

Have students come up one by one to attach their heart to the large paper tree outline using tape or glue.
As each student adds their heart, ask them to share what they wrote if they feel comfortable.

Step 4

Discussion and Reflection

5 minutes

Gather students around the completed tree and discuss the variety of things they are thankful for.
Use discussion questions to guide reflection on the importance of gratitude and how it makes them feel.

Step 5

Closure

5 minutes

Thank the students for their participation and contributions.
Encourage them to think about gratitude in their daily lives and share it with family and friends.

Discussion

Thankful Hearts Discussion

A guided discussion to reflect on the Thankful Hearts Tree activity and the concept of gratitude.

What are some things you are thankful for?

Encourage students to share their thoughts and listen to others.

How does it feel to think about things you are thankful for?

Discuss the positive emotions associated with gratitude.

Why is it important to be thankful?

Explore the benefits of gratitude, such as improved mood and relationships.