Gratitude Grows Lesson Plan Gratitude Grows
Lesson Plan • 4th Grade SEL
30 Minutes
Tier 1 Classroom
Learning Objective
Students will be able to define gratitude, identify things they are grateful for, and express appreciation to others. Cultivating gratitude helps students develop a positive mindset and stronger social-emotional well-being.
The "Why"
Learning about gratitude helps students recognize and appreciate the good things in their lives, fostering resilience and stronger relationships.
Teacher Preparation
Review the Gratitude Grows Lesson Plan and all generated materials.
Print and cut out the Gratitude Charades Game Cards.
Print the Gratitude Leaf Activity Sheet (one per student).
Ensure whiteboard/projector and markers/pens are available.
Materials Needed
Whiteboard or projector
Markers or pens
Gratitude Grows Slide Deck
Gratitude Charades Game Cards
Gratitude Leaf Activity Sheet
Crayons or colored pencils
Scissors
Instructional Sequence
1
Warm-Up: What Makes You Smile?
5 Minutes
1. Begin the lesson by projecting the What Makes You Smile? slide.
2. Ask students to think about things that make them feel happy or thankful (big or small!).
3. Have a few students share their responses with the class.
4. Briefly introduce the concept of gratitude as being thankful and appreciative.
2
Intro to Gratitude
5 Minutes
1. Use the first few slides of the Slide Deck to define gratitude and explain why it's a "superpower" for our brains.
2. Facilitate a brief discussion using prompts like: "What does it mean to be grateful?" and "How does gratitude make you feel?"
3
Gratitude Charades Game
10 Minutes
1. Explain the rules: Divide the class into teams. One player acts out a 'grateful' scenario from the cards without using words.
2. The team that guesses correctly earns a point. Remind students to think about why we are grateful for these things as they guess.
4
Gratitude Leaf Activity
8 Minutes
1. Distribute Activity Sheets . Students write or draw something they are grateful for on each leaf.
2. Students cut out their leaves. Explain that these will be part of a Classroom Gratitude Tree to show how much "goodness" we have together.
5
Cool-Down: One Grateful Thought
2 Minutes
1. Use the Cool-Down slide. Ask students to silently reflect on one new thing they are grateful for.
2. Have a few volunteers share. Thank everyone for their mindful participation today.
Gratitude Grows Slide Deck Gratitude Grows
Appreciating the Good!
"What does it mean to be thankful?"
Teacher: Welcome students and introduce the topic of gratitude. Ask them to think about what makes them happy.
What is Gratitude?
Gratitude means being thankful for the good things in your life.
It's about noticing and appreciating all the positive things around you, no matter how big or small.
Teacher: Explain that gratitude is about noticing and appreciating the good things, big or small. Encourage students to think of examples.
Why is Gratitude Important?
Feel happier!
Notice more good things.
Be kind to yourself & others.
See the world positively!
Teacher: Discuss how gratitude can make us feel happier and help us see the good in challenging situations.
Gratitude Charades!
Get ready to act out things you're thankful for!
1
Divide into teams.
2
One person acts out a card without speaking.
3
Their team guesses what they're grateful for!
4
The team with the most points wins!
Teacher: Explain the rules. Remind them it's about acting out things we appreciate. Encourage enthusiasm!
Your Gratitude Leaf!
Time to get creative!
On each leaf, write or draw something you are grateful for.
Think about family, friends, pets, school, hobbies, nature... anything!
Carefully cut out your leaves.
We'll put them together to make a "Gratitude Tree" !
Teacher: Introduce the activity. Emphasize that each leaf is a chance to express appreciation.
Cool-Down
Take a moment to think...
What is ONE NEW thing you are grateful for today that you didn't think of before?
Share with a partner or the class
Teacher: Conclude by asking students to reflect silently. Reinforce that gratitude can be a daily practice.
Gratitude Charades Game Cards Gratitude Charades
Game Cards • Set of 12
Cut along dashed lines
Instructions: Print this page and cut out the cards below. Students will pick a card and silently act out what they are grateful for. Their team will guess what it is!
I am grateful for:
Your favorite food
I am grateful for:
A sunny day
I am grateful for:
Your best friend
I am grateful for:
A cozy blanket
I am grateful for:
Playing outside
I am grateful for:
Your teacher
I am grateful for:
Listening to music
I am grateful for:
Your family
I am grateful for:
A good book
I am grateful for:
A warm home
I am grateful for:
Your pet
I am grateful for:
Learning new things
Gratitude Leaf Activity Sheet My Gratitude Leaves
Name:
Date:
Think about all the wonderful things in your life. What are you grateful for? On each leaf below, write or draw something that you appreciate. It could be a person, a place, an animal, a favorite food, or anything that brings you joy!
Leaf 1
Leaf 2
Leaf 3
Leaf 4
Leaf 5
Leaf 6
Leaf 7
Leaf 8
When you're finished, cut out your leaves for the Gratitude Tree!
What Makes You Smile Warm-Up What Makes You Smile?
Morning Warm-Up
Take a moment to think about something that made you happy recently, or something you are thankful for today.
It could be something big, like a fun trip, or something small, like a yummy snack!
Jot down your thought here:
Be ready to share with the class!
One Grateful Thought Cool-Down One Grateful Thought
Closing Reflection
Take a quiet moment to think. After our lesson today...
What is ONE NEW thing you are grateful for that you hadn't thought about before?
Ready to share?
Think about how this new thought makes you feel in your body and mind.
