The Gift of Gratitude

lpignataro

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

The Gift of Gratitude

Students will be able to identify and express gratitude for people, experiences, and things in their lives, fostering a positive outlook, enhancing empathy, and building a sense of connection within the classroom community.

Cultivating gratitude helps students develop a positive mindset, recognize the good around them, and build stronger relationships. This skill is crucial for emotional well-being and creating a supportive classroom environment, especially as holidays approach.

Audience

Elementary School Students

Time

45-60 minutes

Approach

Through storytelling, discussion, and creative activities, students will explore and express gratitude.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pens, Gratitude Story Slide Deck, My Gratitude Journal Worksheet, Drawing supplies (crayons, colored pencils), and Construction paper or index cards (for 'Gratitude Jar' activity)

Prep

Review and Prepare Materials

15 minutes

Review the Gratitude Story Slide Deck and familiarize yourself with the content.
- Print copies of the My Gratitude Journal Worksheet for each student.
- Gather drawing supplies, construction paper or index cards.
- Ensure whiteboard or projector is ready for use.
- Briefly review the lesson plan to ensure a smooth flow.

Step 1

Warm-Up: What Makes You Smile?

5 minutes

Begin by asking students: "What is something that happened recently that made you smile or feel happy?"
2. Allow a few students to share their responses briefly.
3. Explain that today's lesson is about understanding these happy feelings and recognizing the 'gifts' in our lives.

Step 2

Introduction to Gratitude & Story Time

15 minutes

Introduce the concept of gratitude using the Gratitude Story Slide Deck. Explain that gratitude means being thankful for the good things we have.
2. Share an engaging story about gratitude (either from the slide deck or a pre-selected children's book on thankfulness).
3. After the story, lead a short discussion using prompts like: "How did the character show gratitude?", "What made them feel thankful?"

Step 3

My Gratitude Journal Activity

15 minutes

Distribute the My Gratitude Journal Worksheet to each student.
2. Explain that they will draw or write about things they are thankful for, encouraging them to think about people, experiences, and things.
3. Play some soft, inspiring music while students work.
4. Circulate around the room to offer support and encourage deeper reflection.

Step 4

Gratitude Jar/Wall Share

10 minutes

Have students pick one thing from their worksheet they are most grateful for.
2. Provide each student with a piece of construction paper or an index card.
3. Instruct them to write or draw that one thing on the card.
4. Collect these cards and either place them in a designated 'Gratitude Jar' or stick them on a 'Gratitude Wall' in the classroom.
5. Briefly share a few anonymous examples from the jar/wall, highlighting the diverse things people are grateful for.

Step 5

Cool-Down: Ripple Effect

5 minutes

Ask students to think about how expressing gratitude makes them and others feel.
2. Explain that gratitude can create a 'ripple effect' – when we are thankful, it often makes others feel good too.
3. Encourage students to practice gratitude at home and in school.

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Slide Deck

The Gift of Gratitude!

What makes you smile? What makes you happy?

Welcome students and set a positive tone. Ask them what makes them happy to activate prior knowledge.

What is Gratitude?

Gratitude is feeling thankful for the good things in your life.
It's like saying "thank you" with your heart for all the wonderful people, things, and moments around you.

Introduce the idea of gratitude simply. Explain that it's about noticing the good things.

A Story About Thankfulness

Let's read a story about a little bear named Barnaby who learned to be thankful.

Transition into the story. Explain that stories can teach us important feelings.

Barnaby Bear's Big Discovery

Barnaby Bear woke up grumpy. He thought, "Nothing special ever happens to me!"
But then, he noticed the warm sun on his fur, the sweet berries he found, and his friend, Rosie Rabbit, who always made him laugh.
Barnaby realized he had so many gifts all around him, even the small ones!
He felt a warm, fuzzy feeling in his chest. That feeling was gratitude.

Read the story aloud, emphasizing Barnaby's feelings and discoveries. This slide can be used to display key text or illustrations if the teacher is using a physical book, or the script for a verbal story.

Thinking About Barnaby

How did Barnaby start to feel happy?
What made Barnaby realize he had many gifts?
Have you ever felt like Barnaby, grumpy at first, but then noticed something good?

Facilitate a short discussion about the story. Connect Barnaby's experience to their own potential experiences.

What Are YOU Thankful For?

Think about:

People: Who makes you feel loved or safe?
Experiences: What fun things have you done?
Things: What do you have that you appreciate?

Encourage students to think about different categories of gratitude.

Your Gratitude Journal!

Now it's your turn to think about all the amazing things you are thankful for.
We'll use a special worksheet called 'My Gratitude Journal' to draw or write about them.

Explain the upcoming activity with the worksheet.

Gratitude Makes Us Happy!

When we think about what we're thankful for, it makes our hearts feel full and happy.
It also helps us notice all the good in the world, even on cloudy days!

Reinforce the positive impact of gratitude.

Worksheet

My Gratitude Journal

Being thankful for the good things in our lives can make us feel happy and loved! Think about all the wonderful things around you. Use this journal to draw or write about them.

1. People I'm Thankful For

Think about friends, family, teachers, or anyone who makes you smile!

2. Experiences I'm Thankful For

Think about fun times, special moments, or things you've learned.

3. Things I'm Thankful For

Think about toys, pets, nature, or anything you have that you appreciate.

Bonus: One Big Thank You!

Pick one thing you are super thankful for and draw or write about it in the box below!

Activity

Gratitude Jar/Wall Activity

Objective: To help students identify and publicly share one thing they are most grateful for, fostering a sense of community and shared appreciation.

Materials:

Small pieces of construction paper or index cards (one per student)
Pens or crayons
A jar, box, or a designated space on a wall (e.g., a large poster board) labeled "Gratitude Jar" or "Gratitude Wall"

Instructions:

Reflect and Choose (5 minutes):
- Ask students to look at their My Gratitude Journal Worksheet.
- Instruct them to choose one thing they are most grateful for today. It could be a person, an experience, or an object.
- Encourage them to think about why they are grateful for that particular thing.
Create Your Gratitude Note (5 minutes):
- Distribute one piece of construction paper or index card to each student.
- Ask them to either draw a picture or write a few words about the one thing they chose.
- Remind them to make it clear and simple so others can understand.
Contribute to the Jar/Wall (3-5 minutes):
- Have students, one by one, come up and place their gratitude note into the designated "Gratitude Jar" or stick it onto the "Gratitude Wall."
- As they do this, they can quietly say what they are thankful for, or just place it.
Share and Discuss (2-3 minutes):
- Once all notes are collected, reach into the "Gratitude Jar" (or point to some notes on the "Gratitude Wall").
- Read aloud a few anonymous examples, highlighting the variety of things students are thankful for.
- Ask: "How does it feel to see or hear about all these different things we are grateful for?" and "How do you think it makes others feel when you share what you're thankful for?"