Gratitude Tree Lesson Plan Gratitude Tree Reflection
Lesson Plan • Tier 1 Classroom
Duration
45-60 Minutes
Why This Matters
This lesson builds emotional awareness and gratitude, encouraging positivity while strengthening interpersonal connections among students. By visualizing collective gratitude, students feel a deeper sense of belonging and community.
Learning Objective
"Students will create a visual gratitude tree that highlights what they appreciate in their lives, fostering a sense of community and personal reflection."
Materials Needed
Gratitude Tree Slide Deck
Gratitude Leaf Templates
Large Poster Board/Wall Space
Markers, Scissors, & Glue
Brightly Colored Paper
Preparation
1 Review lesson plan and slide deck for pacing.
2 Draw or construct a large bare tree trunk on a poster board.
3 Prepare art supply stations for leaf creation.
Target Audience
Elementary Students
Instructional Steps
1
Introduction & Discussion
10 MINUTES
Begin with a brief discussion on gratitude and its impact on well-being.
Use the Slide Deck to introduce key concepts and examples.
Encourage students to share what gratitude means to them in a safe, supportive environment.
2
Gratitude Tree Creation
20 MINUTES
Distribute art supplies and the Leaf Templates to each student.
Instruct students to create a leaf representing something they are thankful for.
As students finish, have them come forward and glue/tape their leaf to the collective Gratitude Tree on the wall.
Allow students to share the story behind their leaf if they choose while pinning it.
3
Reflection & Sharing
10 MINUTES
Facilitate a group reflection: "What did you learn about our class by looking at the tree?"
Discuss how to incorporate gratitude into daily life (e.g., "Three Good Things" before bed).
Conclude by emphasizing the value of recognizing small, everyday blessings.
Teacher Pro-Tip
To foster deeper reflection, encourage students to think beyond material objects. Prompt them to think about people (family, friends), feelings (safety, joy), or even small moments (the sun shining, a good snack).
Gratitude Tree Slides Welcome to the Gratitude Tree
Today we explore the things that make us thankful. Let's think about what we appreciate in our lives.
Warm-up & Introduction
What is Gratitude?
Gratitude means recognizing and appreciating the good things in our lives.
"What does gratitude look like for you?"
Creating Our Gratitude Tree
1
Create
Design a leaf representing something you're thankful for.
2
Share
Tell the group about your leaf if you feel comfortable.
3
Grow
Place your leaf on our collective Gratitude Tree poster.
Reflection & Sharing
What new things about gratitude did you discover today?
How can we continue to show gratitude every day?
Thank You for Sharing
Your gratitude today helps build a supportive community. Keep appreciating the small blessings in life!
Gratitude Tree Activity Instructions Activity Instructions
Building Our Gratitude Tree
This activity guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions for creating your personal gratitude leaf. Follow the directions below and let your creativity shine through!
Materials Needed
Brightly colored paper
Markers, crayons, or pencils
Scissors and glue
Stickers (Optional)
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Prepare Your Area
Ensure you have a clean, comfortable space to work. Gather all your art supplies before you begin.
2
Create Your Leaf
Use the template or draw a large leaf. Write a word or phrase that represents something you are grateful for (a person, place, or experience).
3
Decorate & Personalize
Use colors and patterns to make your leaf unique! Make sure it reflects your personal feelings of gratitude.
4
Share Your Story
Place your leaf on the class tree. If you feel comfortable, tell your classmates why you chose that specific item to be thankful for.
Tips for Success
Be Creative: Use colors and shapes that resonate with you. There is no "wrong" leaf!
Think Deeply: Consider small moments that enrich your life, not just big objects.
Gratitude Leaf Template My Gratitude Leaf
Write • Decorate • Cut • Share
Name:
Date:
Inside each leaf, write something you are grateful for.
Main Gratitude Message
Small Blessing
A Special Person
Directions: Use your best handwriting to write your gratitude message inside the leaves. Color and decorate around your words. When finished, carefully cut along the dashed lines to prepare your leaves for the Gratitude Tree!
