The Gratitude Garden

Katherine Goldrick

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Growing a Grateful Heart

Students will understand the concept of gratitude, identify personal sources of gratitude, and begin to cultivate a regular gratitude practice to improve their overall wellbeing and perspective.

Practicing gratitude is a powerful way for students to foster optimism, build resilience, and improve mental health by focusing on positive aspects of their lives, counteracting negative thought patterns.

Audience

9th Grade Students

Time

25 minutes

Approach

Through discussion, reflection, and a guided activity.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Markers/pens, Planting Seeds of Thanks, My Daily Gratitude Harvest, and Gratitude Letter Template

Prep

Preparation Steps

10 minutes

Review the Planting Seeds of Thanks and familiarize yourself with the content.
* Print copies of the My Daily Gratitude Harvest for each student.
* Print copies of the Gratitude Letter Template for each student.
* Ensure projector/whiteboard is ready for presentation.
* Consider having extra pens/pencils available.
* Review all generated materials as needed to ensure comfort with the lesson flow.

Step 1

Introduction: What is Gratitude?

5 minutes

Begin by displaying the title slide of the Planting Seeds of Thanks.
Ask students: "What comes to mind when you hear the word 'gratitude'?" (1 minute)
Facilitate a brief class discussion, encouraging students to share their initial thoughts. (2 minutes)
Introduce the definition of gratitude from the slide deck, emphasizing it as an appreciation for what is valuable and meaningful in one's life. (2 minutes)

Step 2

The Science of Gratitude & Benefits

5 minutes

Transition to the slides on the benefits of gratitude from the Planting Seeds of Thanks.
Briefly explain how gratitude impacts the brain and overall wellbeing. (2 minutes)
Discuss concrete benefits: improved mood, better sleep, stronger relationships, increased resilience. Ask students to share if they've ever noticed these benefits in their own lives. (3 minutes)

Step 3

Personal Gratitude Reflection (Journal)

8 minutes

Distribute the My Daily Gratitude Harvest to each student.
Explain that they will take a few minutes to silently reflect and write down things they are grateful for in different categories. (1 minute)
Guide students through the prompts on the journal. Encourage them to think broadly – from big life events to small everyday moments. Play soft, calming music if appropriate. (7 minutes)

Step 4

Gratitude Letter Activity

5 minutes

Introduce the idea of expressing gratitude to others.
Distribute the Gratitude Letter Template.
Explain that students will begin writing a letter to someone they are grateful for. Emphasize that they don't have to finish or send it today, but the act of writing is powerful. (1 minute)
Allow students to start writing, providing support and encouragement. (4 minutes)

Step 5

Wrap-up & Ongoing Practice

2 minutes

Ask a few students to share (voluntarily) one thing they wrote in their journal or one person they are writing a letter to. (1 minute)
Emphasize that gratitude is a practice, like a muscle. Encourage them to continue using their My Daily Gratitude Harvest daily or weekly.
Conclude by reiterating the power of gratitude in their lives. (1 minute)

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Slide Deck

The Gratitude Garden

Planting Seeds of Thanks for a Happier You!

Welcome students and introduce the lesson title. Ask students to think about what 'gratitude' means to them. Encourage a brief discussion before moving to the definition.

What is Gratitude?

Gratitude is the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

It's about noticing and appreciating the good things in your life, no matter how big or small.

Present the definition of gratitude. Emphasize that it's about appreciation for both big and small things.

Why Gratitude Matters: The Science!

Studies show that practicing gratitude can actually change your brain!

It can lead to:

Increased happiness and positive emotions
Better physical health and sleep
Stronger relationships
Greater resilience to stress

Explain the scientific backing of gratitude. Connect it to positive emotions and overall well-being. Encourage students to think about how this applies to them.

My Daily Gratitude Harvest

Let's take some time for personal reflection.

You will receive a My Daily Gratitude Harvest journal to:

Think about different areas of your life.
Write down specific things you are grateful for today.

Introduce the journal activity. Give clear instructions and allow time for silent reflection. Reiterate that this is a personal exercise.

Expressing Thanks: A Gratitude Letter

Sometimes the best way to feel grateful is to express it to someone else!

You will start writing a letter to someone who has positively impacted your life. It could be a family member, friend, teacher, or even a pet!

Explain the gratitude letter activity. Emphasize the thought behind the letter, not necessarily sending it right away. Provide an example if helpful.

Keep Growing Your Garden!

Remember, gratitude is a practice.

The more you practice it, the more you will notice the positive things in your life and the happier you will become.

Conclude the lesson by summarizing the benefits and encouraging continued practice. Offer final thoughts on how gratitude can be a daily habit.

Journal

My Daily Gratitude Harvest

Take a few moments to reflect on the good things in your life today. What are you grateful for?

Today I am grateful for...

Something I saw:

Something I heard:

Something I felt (emotion or physical sensation):

Someone who helped me or made me smile:

A small everyday thing I often take for granted:

One thing I am looking forward to:

My overall feeling of gratitude today:

Activity

Gratitude Letter Template

Think of someone in your life who has made a positive impact on you. This could be a family member, a friend, a teacher, a mentor, or even a pet. Take some time to write them a letter expressing your gratitude.

To the person I am grateful for:

Dear

I am writing this letter because I am so grateful for you. Specifically, I want to thank you for...

One specific memory I have of your kindness/support is when...

Because of you, I have learned/felt/experienced...

You mean a lot to me because...

Thank you again for everything.

Sincerely,