Lesson Plan
The Gratitude Garden Project
Students will cultivate a deeper appreciation for the positive aspects of their lives by identifying and expressing gratitude for people, experiences, and things, fostering resilience and a more optimistic outlook.
Practicing gratitude can significantly improve overall well-being, boost happiness, reduce stress, and strengthen relationships. This lesson provides students with practical tools to integrate gratitude into their daily lives.
Audience
6th-8th Grade Students
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Through guided reflection, journaling, and a collaborative art activity.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pens, Gratitude Garden Slide Deck, Gratitude Journal Prompts, Large sheet of paper or poster board for the 'Gratitude Garden' (or individual sheets of paper), and Art supplies (colored pencils, markers, crayons, glue, optional: construction paper, magazines for cutouts)
Prep
Prepare Materials
15 minutes
- Review the Gratitude Garden Lesson Plan and Gratitude Garden Slide Deck.
- Print or prepare the Gratitude Journal Prompts.
- Gather art supplies and a large sheet of paper/poster board for the 'Gratitude Garden' activity. If doing individual gardens, ensure each student has paper.
- Set up the projector/whiteboard for the slide deck.
Step 1
Introduction & Warm-Up: What is Gratitude?
10 minutes
- Begin with a brief discussion: 'What does gratitude mean to you?' and 'When do you feel grateful?'
- Introduce the concept of a 'Gratitude Garden' as a place where we grow our appreciation for the good things in our lives. (Refer to Gratitude Garden Slide Deck - Slide 1-2)
Step 2
Journaling: Planting the Seeds of Gratitude
20 minutes
- Distribute the Gratitude Journal Prompts.
- Explain that students will spend time reflecting and writing about things they are grateful for. Guide them through a few prompts, encouraging them to be specific.
- Play calm background music during this reflective writing time. (Refer to Gratitude Garden Slide Deck - Slide 3)
Step 3
Activity: Cultivating Our Garden
25 minutes
- Introduce the 'Gratitude Garden' activity. Students will create a visual representation of their gratitude.
- Option 1 (Collaborative): As a class, create one large 'Gratitude Garden' poster. Students draw or write what they are grateful for on individual 'leaves' or 'flowers' and add them to the garden.
- Option 2 (Individual): Each student creates their own 'Gratitude Garden' on a sheet of paper.
- Encourage creativity and remind students to reflect themes from their journal entries. (Refer to Gratitude Garden Slide Deck - Slide 4-5)
Step 4
Share & Reflect: Harvesting Our Thanks
5 minutes
- Invite students to share one thing from their Gratitude Garden or journal entry (voluntary).
- Conclude by emphasizing the importance of regularly practicing gratitude and how it can positively impact their lives. (Refer to Gratitude Garden Slide Deck - Slide 6)
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
Welcome to the Gratitude Garden!
What does gratitude mean to you?
When do you feel grateful?
Welcome students and start with a quick icebreaker question about something small they are grateful for today.
What is a Gratitude Garden?
A place where we grow our appreciation for the good things in life!
It helps us:
- See the positive
- Feel happier
- Be more resilient
Explain that a 'Gratitude Garden' is a metaphorical place where we cultivate and grow our appreciation for the good things in our lives. It helps us focus on the positive.
Planting Seeds: Your Gratitude Journal
Take some time to reflect and write.
Think about:
- People you're grateful for
- Experiences that made you smile
- Things you appreciate in your daily life
Be specific and let your gratitude grow!
Introduce the journal activity. Emphasize specificity in their answers. Play soft, calming music during this time.
Cultivating Our Garden: Activity Time!
Let's create our own Gratitude Garden!
Option 1: Collaborative Class Garden
- Draw or write what you are grateful for on a "leaf" or "flower"
- Add it to our class garden poster!
Option 2: Individual Gratitude Garden
- Create your own garden on a sheet of paper
Explain the collaborative art activity. Show an example if possible or sketch ideas on the board. Explain that students will be adding their 'gratitude' (leaves, flowers) to a collective garden.
Let Your Creativity Blossom!
Use colors, words, and pictures to show your gratitude.
Think about what you wrote in your journal!
Circulate and offer encouragement and support as students work on their garden creations. Remind them to think about their journal entries.
Harvesting Our Thanks: Reflection
Share one thing you added to your garden or wrote in your journal.
Remember:
- Gratitude is a superpower!
- Practice it often to grow a happier you!
Allow a few students to share their gratitude if they feel comfortable. Reinforce the key message about regular gratitude practice.
Journal
Gratitude Journal: Planting Seeds of Thanks
Take some time to reflect on the good things in your life. Use these prompts to help you think about and write down what you are grateful for. Be as specific as possible!
Prompt 1: People Who Matter
Think about someone in your life who you are grateful for. What do you appreciate about them? How do they make your life better?
Prompt 2: Experiences to Cherish
Recall a recent experience that made you happy or proud. What happened? Why are you grateful for that moment?
Prompt 3: Everyday Joys
What are three simple, everyday things that you often take for granted but are grateful to have? (e.g., a warm bed, your favorite snack, a sunny day)
Prompt 4: Learning & Growing
Think about something you learned recently, or a challenge you overcame. How has this helped you, and why are you grateful for the experience?
Prompt 5: Your Happy Place
Describe a place where you feel safe, happy, or peaceful. What is it about this place that makes you feel grateful?
Activity
Gratitude Garden: Cultivating Our Thanks
It's time to bring our gratitude to life! You will create a visual representation of your own Gratitude Garden.
Instructions:
Option 1: Collaborative Class Garden
- Get your materials: You will receive a "leaf" or "flower" cutout and art supplies.
- Reflect: Think about what you wrote in your Gratitude Journal Prompts. What are you most grateful for today?
- Create your piece: On your cutout, draw or write something specific you are grateful for. You can use words, pictures, or a combination!
- Add to the garden: Once your piece is complete, you will add it to our large class "Gratitude Garden" poster, helping it grow and bloom with thankfulness.
Option 2: Individual Gratitude Garden
- Get your materials: You will receive a blank sheet of paper and art supplies.
- Design your garden: Create your own personal "Gratitude Garden." This could be a tree with many leaves, a field of flowers, or a vibrant landscape.
- Fill your garden with thanks: For each element in your garden (a leaf, a flower, a fruit), write or draw something specific you are grateful for. You can refer to your Gratitude Journal Prompts for ideas.
- Be creative! Use colors, shapes, and images to make your garden unique and beautiful.
Reflection Questions (Think about these as you work):
- How does it feel to visually represent your gratitude?
- What new things did you realize you are grateful for as you worked on your garden?
Activity
Gratitude Garden: Cultivating Our Thanks
It's time to bring our gratitude to life! You will create a visual representation of your own Gratitude Garden.
Instructions:
Option 1: Collaborative Class Garden
- Get your materials: You will receive a "leaf" or "flower" cutout and art supplies.
- Reflect: Think about what you wrote in your Gratitude Journal Prompts. What are you most grateful for today?
- Create your piece: On your cutout, draw or write something specific you are grateful for. You can use words, pictures, or a combination!
- Add to the garden: Once your piece is complete, you will add it to our large class "Gratitude Garden" poster, helping it grow and bloom with thankfulness.
Option 2: Individual Gratitude Garden
- Get your materials: You will receive a blank sheet of paper and art supplies.
- Design your garden: Create your own personal "Gratitude Garden." This could be a tree with many leaves, a field of flowers, or a vibrant landscape.
- Fill your garden with thanks: For each element in your garden (a leaf, a flower, a fruit), write or draw something specific you are grateful for. You can refer to your Gratitude Journal Prompts for ideas.
- Be creative! Use colors, shapes, and images to make your garden unique and beautiful.
Reflection Questions (Think about these as you work):
- How does it feel to visually represent your gratitude?
- What new things did you realize you are grateful for as you worked on your garden?