A Big Thank You! Lesson Plan

What We Are Learning

gratitude

thankful, big, small, critters

group discussion, critical thinking, vocabulary, science knowledge

I Am Thankful by Sheri Wall is a heartwarming book that showcases seasonal traditions to be grateful for. As you read, ask children about some of the seasonal traditions they enjoy with their families.

Little Hands—BIG Thank You!

Materials: large sheet of white oaktag or poster board, tempera paint, plates for paint, paper towels, paper, glue, markers

Help children use their little hands to send a BIG message of gratitude to class families.
Gather children on the rug. Ask how their families help them every day. Explain that they will thank the class families for all they do with a BIG card!
Pour a small amount of paint onto plates, and put the plates near the poster board. Keep paper towels or wet wipes nearby.
Have children come over one at a time. Guide them as they dip each hand into the paint. Then help them make handprints along the perimeter of the poster board to create a border. Wipe the excess paint from their hands, and have them wash their hands as the next child begins the process.
Once the paint dries, attach a note of gratitude to families to the center of the poster board. You can even have children sign their names.
Place the poster in a prominent place for all to see! gratitude

Materials: empty tissue box, tempera paint, small pieces of paper, markers and colored pencils

Help students practice gratitude with this thoughtful activity.
Begin by guiding students as they decorate a recycled tissue box. Have groups of two or three students decorate a box. You can also decorate multiple boxes and place them throughout your classroom and school community.
Put a small stack of paper next to the gratitude box, along with a few colored pencils and markers.
Encourage students to take a few minutes each day to draw a picture of someone or something in school that they are grateful for.
At the end of each day, bring the gratitude box(es) to the meeting area and “read” the notes of gratitude with your class. Ask the author of each note to share their inspiration. Who or what are they grateful for? Why did they create the note of gratitude? How does showing gratitude make them feel? fine-motor skills/gratitude