Studies have shown that gratitude results in benefits that include...
Increased happiness
Reduced stress and sadness
Stronger relationships
Better sleep
Stronger immune systems
What will students do during their Gratitude Lesson?
Students will be read the book The Secret of Saying Thanks by Douglas Wood.
Students will then be guided through a Gratitude Brainstorm.
Gratitude Brainstorm
Start with a Mindful Body
Notice your mood right now and think about your happiness in this moment.
Close your eyes and imagine sitting in a large room that is completely empty.
Begin to imagine filling the room with all of the things that you are grateful for. Picture the people, things, and memories you love filling the room.
Continue to fill the room with small things you might not always think of such as clean water, food, sunshine, etc.
If you are not already smiling, try putting a small smile on your face and continue to imagine yourself in your special room. Take 30 seconds to enjoy this.
Assess your feelings of happiness as you start to open your eyes.
Gratitude Journey Activity
Students will draw or write with pencil at least one thing they brought into their Gratitude Brainstorm that they are grateful for on paper leaf. We will then finish with the following activity.
Start the Journey: Stand up in front of the group, with the Thankfulness Tree in clear view. Explain that you are all going on a trip to the Grateful Garden, but to get there you have to go through three places we won’t like to stay! The Thankfulness Tree will help you get through each one so you can make it to the Grateful Garden.
The Frowny Forest: The first stop is the Frowny Forest. Have the kids all mimic you as you frown, cross your arms, and hunch over. There is a lot of wind in the Frowny Forest, so mimic being tossed about by the wind, turning back and forth as if you are trying to fight it. The only way to leave the Frowny Forest is to feel happy again, so ask the kids to shout out things they are grateful for (using the Thankfulness Tree as a prompt). After they have named a few things, mimic great relief, with a big smile.
The Sad Swamp: But, oh no! Just beyond the Frowny Forest is the Sad Swamp! Hunch over again, swing your arms down low, and walk (in place) in big, heavy steps, as if walking through mud or water. Again, have the kids shout out things they are grateful for, so you can all leave the Sad Swamp.
The Mad Mountain: Past the Sad Swamp is the Mad Mountain. Have them imitate you as you pretend to climb up the mountain with great effort, making angry faces. Again, have the kids shout out things they are grateful for, so you can all feel happy again.
The Grateful Garden: Finally, you have all arrived at the Grateful Garden! What a good job they have done! To celebrate, everyone can do a Happy Hop!