Thankful Thoughts

Graciela.gutierrez

Tier 2

Lesson Plan

Gratitude Journaling Basics

Students will learn the basics of gratitude journaling and identify personal benefits of practicing gratitude.

Practicing gratitude consistently helps students develop positive reflection habits, improve emotional regulation, and foster a more optimistic outlook on life, which are crucial life skills for their social and emotional development.

Audience

7th Grade Group

Time

10 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, guided journaling, and reflective sharing.

Materials

Small whiteboards or paper, Markers or pencils, Cultivating Thankfulness Slide Deck, My Daily Grateful Log Journal, and Gratitude Prompts Worksheet

Prep

Review Materials & Setup

5 minutes

Review the Cultivating Thankfulness Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with the content.
- Prepare copies of the My Daily Grateful Log Journal (one per student) and Gratitude Prompts Worksheet if you plan to distribute them as physical handouts. Otherwise, ensure they are accessible digitally.
- Have small whiteboards or paper and markers/pencils ready for students.

Step 1

Introduction & Hook

2 minutes

Begin by asking students: "What does it mean to be grateful?" Allow for a few quick responses.
- Introduce the concept of gratitude journaling as a way to practice thankfulness daily. Use Cultivating Thankfulness Slide Deck (Slide 1-2).

Step 2

Why Gratitude?

3 minutes

Discuss the benefits of gratitude journaling. Use Cultivating Thankfulness Slide Deck (Slide 3-4) to highlight points like improved mood, better sleep, and reduced stress.
- Ask students to briefly share one thing they are grateful for today with a partner.

Step 3

Journaling Practice & Prompts

4 minutes

Introduce the idea of a gratitude journal. Explain that it's a personal space to write down things they appreciate.
- Distribute or display the My Daily Grateful Log Journal and Gratitude Prompts Worksheet.
- Guide students through writing one or two grateful thoughts using a prompt from the worksheet or their own ideas.
- Play calming music if appropriate for the classroom environment.

Step 4

Wrap-up & Reflection

1 minute

Briefly check in with students about their journaling experience.
- Emphasize that gratitude journaling is a personal practice they can continue.
- Conclude by encouraging them to try this practice regularly.

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Slide Deck

What is Gratitude?

What does it mean to be grateful?

Sharing what you appreciate.
Noticing good things.
Feeling thankful for things big and small.

Today, we're going to learn about a powerful way to practice gratitude called journaling!

Greet students and start with an engaging question to activate prior knowledge. Encourage a few quick, varied responses to get everyone thinking.

Gratitude Journaling Basics

A daily practice of thankfulness.

What is it? Writing down things you are grateful for.
When? Often done daily, morning or night.
How? A notebook, a dedicated app, or even just a piece of paper!

Explain that gratitude journaling is a simple yet powerful habit. Emphasize that it's a personal practice and there's no 'right' or 'wrong' way to feel grateful.

Why Practice Gratitude?

The Power of Being Thankful

Boosts your mood: Makes you feel happier.
Reduces stress: Helps you feel calmer.
Improves relationships: Appreciating others strengthens bonds.
Better sleep: A calm mind before bed can lead to better rest.
Increases empathy: Helps you see the good in others and the world.

Discuss the various benefits. Ask students if they can think of any personal benefits. Relate these to their own lives and experiences.

What Can You Be Grateful For?

It's all around you!

People: Friends, family, teachers, pets.
Experiences: A fun game, a good laugh, a sunny day.
Things: Your favorite book, a comfy bed, a tasty snack.
Skills/Abilities: Being able to read, play music, run fast.

It doesn't have to be huge or extraordinary!

Provide a simple example to make it concrete. Encourage them to think broadly about what they can be grateful for.

Your Grateful Log

Time to write!

We'll use the My Daily Grateful Log Journal to write down 1-3 things you are grateful for today.
Use the Gratitude Prompts Worksheet if you need ideas, or think of your own!
Take a few minutes to reflect and write.

Introduce the journal and worksheet. Give clear instructions on how they will use them for a short practice session. Reiterate that it's okay to start small.

Keep the Thankful Thoughts Flowing!

Make gratitude a daily habit.

Even a few moments each day can make a difference.
Notice the small good things.
Your brain will thank you!

Conclude by reinforcing the idea of making gratitude a regular practice. Encourage them to continue using the journal or other methods.

Journal

My Daily Grateful Log

Name: _________________________

Date: _________________________

Today, I am grateful for...

__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

How did writing this make you feel?

What is one positive thing you noticed today that you might not have noticed otherwise?

Worksheet

Gratitude Prompts

Sometimes it can be hard to think of things to be grateful for! Use these prompts to help you get started with your My Daily Grateful Log Journal.

People

Who made you smile today, and why?
Is there someone who helped you recently? What did they do?
Think about a friend or family member. What qualities do you appreciate about them?
Is there a pet you are grateful for? What makes them special?

Experiences & Moments

What is one small, positive moment from today you are thankful for? (e.g., a good song, a comfortable chair, a warm drink)
Did you learn something new today? What was it, and why are you grateful for that knowledge?
Think about something fun you did recently. What made it enjoyable?
What sound or sight brought you peace or joy today?

Things & Opportunities

What is something you own that makes your life easier or happier?
Are you grateful for a particular skill or talent you have? How do you use it?
Think about your favorite food or drink. Why are you grateful for it?
What opportunity did you have today that you appreciate (e.g., going to school, reading a book, spending time outside)?

Reflect and Write:

Choose one or more prompts to help you fill out your My Daily Grateful Log Journal. Remember, there are no right or wrong answers, just honest feelings!