Gratitude is a strong emotion that can shape how children view the world. By teaching gratitude, we show them to always appreciate what they have, recognize the kindness of others, and develop an overall positive outlook on life. As teachers and caregivers, you have the amazing opportunity to be the ones to engrave this important value in the children in your care. Read on to learn more about introducing gratitude in your classroom, along with helpful activities!
Why teach gratitude?
Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you.” It is all about seeing the good, even in challenging situations. According to Harvard Health Publishing, “…gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships. People feel and express gratitude in multiple ways.” By fostering gratitude in your classroom, you help children develop emotional resilience and reduce stress.
How can you teach gratitude in the classroom? Here are four activities to try!
The Gratitude Tree
The main goal for the gratitude tree is to help students visualize the things that they are thankful for!
- Create a large tree on a bulletin board or wall in your classroom. You can do this with paper or draw it on a whiteboard.
- Give each student a leaf-shaped cutout.
- Have them write or draw something they are grateful for on their leaf.
- Attach the leaves to the tree to create a fun display of gratitude.
As the tree grows with everyone’s beautiful work, discuss how it represents gratitude. Talk about how each child’s gratitude contributes to the classroom.
Thank-You Notes
Teaching students the importance of expressing gratitude to others engraves in their minds to be thankful for those who support them.
- Provide students with index cards.
- Have them write the name or draw someone who has made an impact on them. This could be a family member, friend, or teacher.
- Allow them to share out loud why they are thankful for that person.
Share stories of how receiving or giving thank-you notes can make a difference in someone’s day.
Gratitude Circle
This one’s important because it focuses on the importance of building a sense of community and appreciation within the classroom.
- Arrange the class in a circle.
- Begin by having one student say something they are grateful for about the person next to them.
- That person then shares something they are grateful for about the next person, and so on, until the circle is complete.
After the circle is complete, talk about how it felt to both give and receive these compliments. Highlight the importance of appreciating those around us and seeing the good in our peers.
Gratitude Walk
This is another great one for demonstrating gratitude in the classroom environment.
- Take the class outside for a short walk around the school.
- Ask students to observe their surroundings and find things they are grateful for, such as nature, the weather, or the company of friends.
Discuss how being mindful and present in our environment can help us find the good in small, everyday things.
Teaching gratitude in the classroom helps students develop a positive mindset and build strong, supportive relationships. By utilizing these activities into your lesson plans, you can create a classroom culture where thankfulness and kindness thrive! These skills will not only help the classroom environment but also extend beyond.
Reference: Harvard Health Publishing. (2021, November 23). *Giving thanks can make you happier*. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier
