Thankful Thoughts

Science tells us that people who practice gratitude experience more positive emotions, sleep better, and even have stronger immune systems. Taking a moment to be grateful will improve our mental, emotional, and physical health, and will also set us up to better reach our goals.

1. Have students write (or draw) thank you notes to someone who has done something kind for them that week.
2. Have students post these notes in a designated spot in the classroom (e.g., a “Gratitude Corner”) where these notes are displayed publicly. In online settings, consider using a classroom website to post notes. Let students know they can also share their notes privately.

• How did you feel before doing this activity? After?
• Do you normally keep track of the people/things you’re grateful for? What are some ways you express gratitude for these people/things? If we talked to your classmates or family, what are some things about YOU they might be grateful for?
• Who else can you show gratitude for today?
• How would you change this activity for the next time we play?

For primary school students:

• Invite students to express gratitude using different materials (e.g., crafts/models/sculptures, etc.) or to give thanks in a creative way (e.g., performing a short theater play, singing a song, etc.).
• Invite the students to create a “gratitude circle”: one child goes/sits in the center of the circle, and the other participants express what they are grateful for. Make sure that every child can hear the words of gratitude from others.
• Create a list of ways to express gratitude (e.g., writing notes, telling a story, doing something nice for another person, etc.). Remind students of this list every day, encouraging them to choose different ways to express gratitude.
• Create individual or classroom “gratitude journals” in which students can record their thoughts about being grateful to others. At the end of the week, invite students to read their own journal entries if they wish.
• Invite students to expand the circle of gratitude and think about what they can be grateful for in themselves, and encourage them to pay attention to other people in their lives who they are grateful for (e.g., school staff, family/community members, etc.) *Invite students to draw a good deed that others have done for them, and share “I am grateful ___ for (a good deed, such as reading my favorite bedtime story).” After that, join in a circle, share the images and express gratitude.

For students in grades 5-6:

• Extend the activity by encouraging students to write “notes of gratitude” to themselves. Then, in a brainstorming format, students can think about what good deeds they can do for other people, choose one idea and implement it into reality this week (for example, wake up earlier and make breakfast for your younger sister).