Gratitude Connection Facilitator Guide Small Group Facilitator Guide
The Gratitude Connection
60–90 Min Session
Social Circle • Zero-Prep
Group Size & Setting 4–10 members; circle seating on couches or chairs
Core Purpose Natural conversation, peer discovery, and shared warmth
Accessibility Mode Multi-modal: speech, AAC, pointing, or quiet presence
The "No-Pressure" Social Contract
Crucial Culture Builder
Announce early and reinforce often: "Everyone belongs here just by showing up. You can speak up, whisper to a partner, point to someone or an icon, pass at any time, or simply listen and enjoy being together."
Session Flow Pacing Flexible 60–90 Minutes
1. Little Things (12m)
2. People (18m)
3. Would You Rather (22m)
4. Our Club (15m)
5. Closing (10m)
1
The Little Things: Day-Brighteners
10–15 Minutes
Goal: Low-stakes entry point. Focus on sensory, everyday joys to activate conversation without pressure.
Facilitator Launch Prompt
"To kick things off, let's look at the little moments that make life brighter. It doesn't have to be huge—think about your morning coffee, a favorite cozy sweater, a track you put on repeat, or feeling the sun on your face. What's one small thing that cheered you up lately?"
Prompts & Follow-Ups:
"Who else loves having cozy quiet time?"
"What snack or warm drink never lets you down?"
"What song always puts you in a better headspace?"
Inclusive Access Supports:
Pass Option: "I'm passing for now, come back to me."Physical objects: Hold up a coffee cup or phone.Partner whisper: Tell a neighbor to share for you.
2
People Who Make a Difference
15–20 Minutes
Goal: Recognize social support systems (friends, staff, family, community members) in a comfortable way.
Facilitator Launch Prompt
"We all have people who help us out, make us crack up, or just make us feel safe. Who is someone in your world—here at Club, at home, or anywhere—that you appreciate? You can say their name, point across the circle, or tell us a quick memory."
Gentle Guiding Queries:
"What does this person do that makes you smile?"
"Did someone give you great advice or help recently?"
"Is there a staff member or peer you look forward to seeing?"
Participation Scaffolds:
AAC / Picture Boards: Select "Friend", "Family", "Staff".Direct Gesture: Point, wave, or high-five the person.Silent Affirmation: Facilitator reads peer shout-outs.
The Gratitude Connection • Facilitator Guide Page 1 of 2 • Parts 1 & 2
The Gratitude Connection •
Activity Progression & Facilitator Toolbox
Parts 3, 4, 5 & Support Strategies
3
Gratitude "Would You Rather?" (Interactive Voting)
15–20 Minutes
Goal: High energy, playful debate. Members vote using gestures, raising hands, standing up, or voice.
Dilemma 1
"A friend who makes you laugh OR a friend who really listens?"
Explore: humor vs comforting trust.
Dilemma 2
"A cozy relaxing day at home OR an energetic fun day out on the town?"
Explore: recharging vs adventure.
Dilemma 3
"Your ultimate all-time favorite song OR your all-time favorite movie?"
Explore: soundtracks vs visual stories.
Voting Choices: Left Hand (Option 1) vs Right Hand (Option 2) • Thumbs Up/Down • AAC switch
"Both! / Neither!" are valid votes!
4
One Thing About Club
10–15m
Deepens shared belonging by highlighting people, activities, or the vibe here.
"What's one thing you appreciate about our group or Club Challenge? Is it games, conversations, or just chilling?"
Support: Offer a menu: "Is it the laughter, the activities, or having people to sit with?"
5
The Closing Circle
10–15m
A relaxed send-off. Passing is honored with equal warmth and applause.
"As we wrap up our time together, let's go around once more: what's one feeling or thought you're taking with you today?"
Celebration: Group cheer or wave acknowledging everyone's presence and time shared.
Facilitator's In-The-Moment Support Toolbox
When Someone Passes
Normalize immediately with zero fuss: "Thank you for letting us know! Glad you're hanging out with us." Move to the next person smoothly so they don't feel spotlighted.
Quiet or Reluctant Peers
Pair-share first! Have members turn to one partner for 60 seconds before large group sharing. Invite members to share their partner's great answer.
Dominant or Long Talkers
Validate warmly, then redirect gracefully: "I love that story! Let's hold that thought so we make sure everyone who wants to share gets a turn."
Quick Mindset Check: Connection over perfection. No wrong answers, no forced participation, lots of smiles.
Have a wonderful session!
The Gratitude Connection • Facilitator Guide Page 2 of 2 • Parts 3, 4, 5 & Facilitator Strategies
Keepsake Collage Facilitator Guide Adult Keepsake Workshop • Facilitator Guide
Gratitude & Good Things
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Small Group • Vision Board Keepsake
Design Standard
Adult mood board aesthetic: neutral tones, linen cardstock, magazine lettering.
Accessibility Core
Zero writing/drawing required. Members cut, arrange, stick, or point.
Two Tangible Outcomes
1 personal take-home keepsake + 1 shared "Things We Appreciate" Club poster.
Materials Needed (Everyday Club Supplies)
Pre-sort into table baskets
Heavy cardstock mats
Old magazines & photos
Glue sticks & tape runners
Adaptive & regular scissors
Workshop Schedule 120 Minutes Total
10:00–10:15Inspiration
10:15–10:35Select Imagery
10:35–11:20Create Collage
11:20–11:40Share Creations
11:40–12:00Club Poster & Clean
1
Step 1: Start with Inspiration (10:00–10:15 AM)
15 Minutes
Open in a circle. Emphasize that gratitude includes small, quiet pleasures—not just grand milestones.
Conversation Prompts (Ask the Group)
• "What is one little thing that made your morning better?"
• "Who is someone you appreciate having in your corner?"
• "What place makes you feel relaxed and completely at ease?"
• "What is an activity, hobby, or song you always enjoy?"
Facilitator Framing: "Today we aren't making kid crafts or drawing pictures. We're creating personal mood boards—like something you'd see in an interior design studio—celebrating the good things in our lives."
2
Step 2: Choose What Represents Gratitude (10:15–10:35 AM)
20 Minutes
Members browse magazines, printed photographs, and the prepared gratitude word sheet.
Prepared Gratitude Words Bank:
Friendship Independence Laughter Music Peace Memories Belonging Family Kindness Coffee
Access & Selection Scaffolding:
Pre-cut words into small trays for members with motor needs.
Provide high-contrast images (landscapes, pets, food).
Encourage pointing: "Do you prefer sunsets or music?"
Gratitude Keepsake Collage • Facilitator Guide Page 1 of 2 • Steps 1 & 2
Keepsake Collage Words Kit Printable Cutout Sheet • Adult Vision Board Kit
Cut along dashed borders • Mix & paste onto collage mat
Keepsake Title Banners (Select One as Top Title)
THINGS THAT MAKE ME SMILE Keepsake Title
What Matters to Me
My Good Things
A Few of My Favorite Things
What I'm Thankful For
Core Gratitude Words (Magazine & Neutral Typography)
FRIENDSHIP
FAMILY
LAUGHTER
MUSIC
INDEPENDENCE
BELONGING
Peace of Mind
MEMORIES
COMMUNITY
KINDNESS
ADVENTURE
SUCCESS
Happiness
LOVE
OPPORTUNITY
COMFORT
Short Affirmation & Sentiment Strips
"Holding on to what is good"
"Grateful for everyday moments"
"Surrounded by supportive friends"
"Proud of how far I've come"
Cutout Kit • Page 1 of 2: Titles & Core Gratitude Words Neutral Palette • Adult Mood Board
Printable Cutout Sheet • The Little Things & Details
Snip and glue into collage clusters
The Little Things: Everyday Delights
Morning Coffee / Tea
Sunny Afternoon
Favorite Playlist
Cozy Blanket & Rest
A Delicious Meal
A Good Belly Laugh
Friendly Faces
Movie Night
Fresh Air & Nature
Club Challenge & Community Cutouts
Club Friendships People who know and support me
Fun & Games Laughter and shared activities
A Welcoming Space Where I can always be myself
Caring Staff & Mentors Always ready with a helping hand
Aesthetic Washi Tape Strips & Frame Accents
// GOOD VIBES //
// THANKFUL //
// TOGETHER //
// MEMORIES //
[ Paste photo or magazine cutout here ]
"Someone I'm Grateful For"
[ Paste photo or magazine cutout here ]
"A Place That Feels Like Home"
Cutout Kit • Page 2 of 2: Sensory Joys, Club Tokens & Frames Cardstock Craft Ready
Keepsake Collage Base Mat ✦ 01
EST. 2026 ✦
✦ KEEPSAKE
CLUB CHALLENGE ✦
Keepsake Board Title Plate
Gratitude & Good Things
"A curated collection of people, moments, and little joys that matter to me."
Created By: ___________________________ • Date: _________________
People I Appreciate ZONE A
Paste photos, names, or words for friends, family & staff
(Friendship • Kindness • Mentors • Belonging)
"Always better together"
The Little Things ZONE B
Paste everyday comforts & simple pleasures
(Coffee • Playlists • Sunny Days • Good Meals)
"Notice the small joys"
Places of Comfort & Peace ZONE C
Where do you feel calm, safe, or excited?
(Our Club • Home • Outdoors • Cozy Spaces)
"Safe space to recharge"
Words I Live By ZONE D
Paste magazine typography & affirmations
(Independence • Success • Adventure • Peace)
"Proud of my journey"
Display-Ready Keepsake Ready for fridge, bedroom wall, or desk framing
Gratitude & Good Things Keepsake Collage
