lenny

The Gratitude Project: Cultivating Thankfulness

user image

Lesson Plan

The Gratitude Project

Students will explore gratitude by reflecting on daily blessings and expressing thankfulness through journaling, discussion, and creative projects, fostering appreciation and well-being.

Cultivating gratitude builds emotional resilience, strengthens relationships, and boosts self-awareness by helping students focus on positives, leading to increased happiness and empathy.

Audience

Grades 3–12 (Upper Elementary to High School)

Time

65 minutes

Approach

Combines reflection, discussion, and creative art to identify and express gratitude.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Warm-Up

10 minutes

  • Display the Gratitude Slide Deck title slide and definition of gratitude.
  • Prompt students: “What are you thankful for today?” and collect brief responses.
  • Share a personal gratitude example to model openness.
  • Differentiate: For older students, ask them to list three unexpected things they appreciate.

Step 2

Guided Reflection

15 minutes

  • Distribute Gratitude Journal Worksheet.
  • Have students draw or write three things they’re grateful for.
  • Shuffle and distribute Gratitude Reflection Prompt Cards.
  • Ask students to select a card and respond in their journals (e.g., “A person who helped me recently”).
  • Encourage depth: older students write 2–3 sentences per prompt.

Step 3

Creative Gratitude Project

20 minutes

  • Introduce the creative task: design a thank-you card or gratitude poster using the Thank You Card Template or blank paper.
  • Provide art supplies; students illustrate or write messages.
  • Circulate to support and ask probing questions (e.g., “Why did you choose this person/event?”).
  • Differentiate: older students can write a short poem or letter.

Step 4

Gallery Walk & Share

10 minutes

  • Have students display their cards/posters around the room.
  • Organize a gallery walk; peers leave positive sticky-note feedback or verbal comments.
  • Select a few volunteers to share their creations and the story behind their gratitude.
  • Encourage respectful listening and empathy-building responses.

Step 5

Group Discussion & Conclusion

10 minutes

  • Reconvene as a whole class and discuss: “How did reflecting on gratitude make you feel?”
  • Highlight key insights from students and link back to well-being.
  • Challenge students to practice gratitude daily, perhaps by keeping a journal or sending thank-you notes.
  • Assign optional extension: share one gratitude entry at the next class meeting.
lenny
0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

The Gratitude Project: Cultivating Thankfulness

Grades 3–12 • 65 Minutes • Reflection, Discussion & Creative Art

Use a warm gradient background (#ffe6cc → #ffbb99). Greet students and introduce the lesson title.

What Is Gratitude?

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

Explain the definition clearly. Encourage students to think of examples in their life.

Why Gratitude Matters

• Builds emotional resilience
• Strengthens relationships
• Boosts happiness & empathy

Briefly share your own gratitude story for each bullet.

Today’s Objectives

• Reflect on things you appreciate
• Express thankfulness through writing and art
• Share and connect with peers

Read aloud each objective and clarify any student questions.

Warm-Up: What Are You Thankful For?

• Think of one thing you’re grateful for today.
• Share your idea with a partner or the class.

Prompt students verbally; differentiate by age—older list 3 unexpected items.

Guided Reflection

  1. Open your Gratitude Journal Worksheet
  2. Write or draw 3 things you appreciate
  3. Pick a Reflection Prompt Card and respond

Demonstrate how to fill out the first journal entry.

Creative Gratitude Project

• Use art supplies to design a thank-you card or poster
• Add images, words, or a short poem
• Think about who or what inspired your gratitude

Show examples of thank-you cards you’ve made. Offer support as they work.

Gallery Walk & Share

• Display your creations around the room
• Walk, observe, and leave kind feedback
• Volunteers share the story behind their work

Explain gallery walk format and how to leave positive notes.

Conclusion & Next Steps

• Reflect daily in your gratitude journal
• Send someone a thank-you note this week
• Be ready to share one gratitude entry next time

Encourage daily practice and preview the next class share.

lenny

Activity

Activity: Gratitude Creation

Description: A creative art activity where students design thank-you cards or gratitude posters to express thankfulness to people, places, or things they appreciate. Through art and writing, students personalize a message of gratitude and deepen their understanding of thankfulness.

Materials:

  • Thank You Card Template or blank cardstock/construction paper
  • Art supplies (markers, crayons, colored pencils, stickers, glitter, etc.)
  • Pens/Pencils
  • Ruler (optional)
  • Envelopes (optional)

Time: 20 minutes

Instructions:

  1. Introduce the Project (2 minutes)
    • Remind students of the purpose: to create a visual and written expression of gratitude.
    • Show a finished example thank-you card or poster to inspire ideas.

  2. Plan Your Design (3 minutes)
    • Ask students to choose a recipient (person, pet, place, or thing).
    • Prompt them to think of 2–3 reasons why they’re grateful and jot quick notes.

  3. Create Your Card/Poster (12 minutes)
    • Distribute templates or blank paper and art supplies.
    • Encourage students to include:

    • A clear message (“Thank you, ____. You…”)
    • Illustrations or decorative elements that reflect their gratitude
    • (Optional for older students) A short poem or letter style greeting.

  4. Share & Reflect (3 minutes)
    • In pairs or small groups, have students briefly show their design and explain:

    • Who they chose and why
    • How creating this card made them feel

Differentiation:

  • Grades 3–5: Focus on simple drawings and one or two sentences of thanks.
  • Grades 6–8: Add descriptive sentences, encourage use of color symbolism (e.g., blue for calm).
  • Grades 9–12: Challenge students to write a short free-verse poem or detailed letter, experiment with mixed media (collage, calligraphy).

Reflection Prompts (optional extension):

  • How did choosing specific colors or images help convey your feelings?
  • What surprised you about this activity?
  • How might you continue expressing gratitude in your daily life?













lenny
lenny