Gratitude Mural Lesson Plan Gratitude Mural
Lesson Plan
Social-Emotional Learning & Art
Grades 3-5 • Two 45-Min Sessions
Why This Matters
Encourages social-emotional learning by having students reflect on gratitude, build empathy, and strengthen classroom community through a shared art project.
Time
Two 45-minute sessions
Approach
Guided reflection & collaborative art-making
Learning Objective
Students will collaboratively design and create a classroom gratitude mural over two sessions, expressing things they appreciate through art to foster teamwork, reflection, and gratitude.
Materials Needed
Large Roll of Butcher Paper
Tempera Paint Set & Brushes
Markers & Colored Pencils
Old Magazines & Scrapbook Paper
Glue Sticks & Safety Scissors
Calligraphy Pens or Markers
Aprons/Smocks & Sticky Notes
Slides & Printouts (included)
Setup & Prep (15 min)
• Review Slide Deck and talking points.
• Print/cut Role Cards and Reflection Prompts .
• Secure butcher paper to a wall/board at student height.
• Arrange art stations with paints, brushes, and collage supplies.
• Cover tables/floor with newspaper for easy cleanup.
1
Session 1: Brainstorm & Planning
45 Minutes
0-10 min
Introduction & Warm-up
Lead a brief discussion: "What does gratitude mean to you?" Use Slides 1–3 to introduce project goals and timeline.
10-20 min
Individual Reflection
Distribute the Gratitude Reflection Prompts . Allow 10 minutes for individual written responses.
20-30 min
Small Group Sharing
Students share reflections in small groups (4–5 students). Assign roles using the Gratitude Group Roles Cards (Sketcher, Color Lead, etc.).
30-45 min
Concept Sketching
Groups sketch their mural concepts on scrap paper, focusing on symbols or words representing gratitude. Collect sketches at the end.
2
Session 2: Mural Creation & Reflection
45 Minutes
0-5 min
Role & Plan Review
Brief review of group roles and brainstormed ideas from the previous session.
5-10 min
Outline Transfer
Groups transfer their sketches onto the butcher paper with light pencil outlines.
10-30 min
Mural Execution
Distribute paints, markers, collage supplies, and calligraphy pens. Students work in their assigned roles to fill the mural.
30-40 min
Gallery Walk & Final Touch
Rotate groups to view each other's work. Students place one-word gratitude notes (sticky notes) along the mural border.
40-45 min
Clean-up
Return art supplies, remove smocks, and leave the classroom tidy.
Facilitation Tip
Circulate to support collaboration. If a group is stuck, ask: "What's a small thing you noticed today that made you smile?" Encourage them to turn that feeling into a symbol or word.
Gratitude Mural Slide Deck Collaborative Gratitude Mural
A creative project to express thanks and build our classroom community.
TEACHER NOTES: Welcome everyone! Today we’re kicking off our Collaborative Gratitude Mural project. Introduce the title and get students excited about expressing thanks through art.
What is Gratitude?
The Definition
Recognizing the good in our lives
Feeling and showing thankfulness
Think About It...
"Think of a time you felt truly grateful – what made you feel that way?"
TEACHER NOTES: Define gratitude and invite a few students to share their own examples. Emphasize that gratitude is a mindset we practice daily.
Why Gratitude Matters
Happiness
Boosts happiness and personal well-being.
Community
Strengthens friendships and empathy between us.
Creativity
Encourages positive focus and creative thinking.
TEACHER NOTES: Explain why gratitude benefits us socially and emotionally. Relate each point to how it will support their teamwork on the mural.
Project Overview
Timeline
Art Toolkit
Paints
Collage
Calligraphy
Markers
TEACHER NOTES: Give an overview of the two-session structure and materials. Show the butcher paper and art supplies in the room as you speak.
Session 1: Brainstorming
Today's Focus
01
Discuss: “What does gratitude mean to you?”
02
Complete your individual reflection prompts
03
Share ideas in small groups and assign roles
04
Sketch mural concepts on scrap paper
TEACHER NOTES: Walk through each bullet, clarifying what brainstorming looks like and how sketches will inform the final mural.
Session 2: Mural Creation
Coming Next
Transfer sketches lightly onto butcher paper
Paint, collage, and add calligraphy
Take a Gallery Walk to appreciate our work
Add one-word sticky-note reflections
Gratitude Reflection Prompts Gratitude Reflection
Session 1: Heart-to-Art Planning
Name:
Date:
Think deeply and be honest as you respond. Your ideas will help your group design a mural that shows what our class is truly thankful for!
What am I most grateful for today?
Which classmate makes me feel supported? Why?
How can I use art to show my gratitude?
(Think about symbols like sunshine, hearts, trees, or special colors...)
What is one small way I can show gratitude this week?
How does expressing gratitude make me feel?
Gratitude Mural Role Cards Gratitude Group Roles Cards
Teachers: Cut along the dotted lines and distribute one card to each group member. These roles help structure collaboration and ensure everyone contributes their art skills!
Sketcher
Your Role
Draw the light pencil outlines of your group’s design on scrap paper and later on the mural butcher paper.
Responsibilities:
Translate ideas into simple shapes.
Keep outlines clear for teammates.
Erase gently and adjust as needed.
Color Lead
Your Role
Choose and apply paints or markers to bring your mural to life using the class palette.
Responsibilities:
Select and coordinate colors.
Coordinate with the Sketcher.
Mix paints and clean brushes.
Collage Lead
Your Role
Add elements like magazine cutouts and textures that show what you are grateful for.
Responsibilities:
Gather images that fit the theme.
Trim pieces neatly with scissors.
Distribute glue and secure pieces.
Calligrapher
Your Role
Write titles, gratitude words, and decorative lettering on the final mural.
Responsibilities:
Choose and practice font styles.
Use markers with steady strokes.
Add borders and flourishes to words.
Teacher Tip: Rotate roles in future projects so every student practices each art skill! For this project, encourage students to swap ideas but stay focused on their specific responsibility to keep the group organized.
Gratitude Mural Project Guide Project Guide
Collaborative Gratitude Mural
Upper Elementary • Grades 3-5
Project Overview
Students in Grades 3–5 will work in small teams over two 45-minute sessions to design and paint a large classroom gratitude mural. Through structured roles, guided reflections, and collaborative art-making, they will practice empathy, teamwork, and creative expression.
Objectives
Encourage social-emotional growth through reflection on gratitude.
Build collaboration skills by assigning and rotating group roles.
Develop art techniques: sketching, painting, collage, and calligraphy.
Create a cohesive, visually appealing mural that captures class gratitude.
Timeline & Sessions
Session 1 (45 minutes)
Brainstorming & Planning
Introduce gratitude concepts, individual reflection, group sharing, and concept sketching.
Session 2 (45 minutes)
Creation & Reflection
Transfer sketches to butcher paper, execute art (paint/collage/lettering), gallery walk, and closing reflection.
Materials Checklist
Butcher Paper
Tempera Paint
Magazines
Glue Sticks
Calligraphy Pens
Sticky Notes
Step-by-Step Process
01
Setup: Cover surfaces, secure paper, lay out materials.
02
Introduction: Use slide deck to define gratitude and project steps.
03
Reflection: Distribute Prompts; students write and share ideas.
04
Roles: Hand out Role Cards and clarify student duties.
05
Concept: Groups sketch ideas on scrap paper; teacher reviews.
06
Transfer: Lightly draw approved sketches on butcher paper.
07
Execution: Students add paint, collage, and lettering in roles.
08
Gallery Walk: Rotate groups; provide positive peer feedback.
09
Sticky-Notes: Add one-word gratitude notes around border.
10
Cleanup: Return materials; debrief on collaborative growth.
Expectations & Norms
Respect each other's ideas and artwork.
Share materials fairly and keep space tidy.
Encourage peers with positive, specific feedback.
Practice patience during group decisions.
Extensions
• What surprised you about your peers’ ideas?