The Best Gratitude Lesson for Elementary Students
Looking for the best gratitude lesson for elementary students?
You’ll find loads of tips in this article.
But in case you’re in a rush and you just need the resource, you’ll find the best gratitude lesson here:
➡️ Click here to grab my gratitude lesson for elementary students.
About the Author
This post, crafted by Counselor Jess.
I love making lessons, activities, and other school counseling resources that are simple, engaging, and ready to use instantly. I know how busy school counselors are! I want to save you time so you can do the things you love and have a healthy work/life balance.
Introduction to Teaching Gratitude
In the daily hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy for kids to take the little things for granted.
That’s why teaching gratitude and thankfulness to our students is so important.
Gratitude isn’t just about saying "thank you"—it’s about helping kids appreciate the good things in their lives, big or small.
When we teach them to focus on what they’re thankful for, we’re giving them tools to build stronger friendships, feel happier, and create a positive vibe in our classrooms.
By nurturing these habits now, we’re setting them up to be kind, thoughtful individuals who can see the bright side, even on the tough days.
Why We Should Teach Gratitude to Elementary Students
Kids today have a lot going on, and sometimes they forget to appreciate the good stuff around them.
This is why we teach gratitude.
When we take the time to show our students how to be thankful, we’re not just teaching them good manners; we’re helping them build a mindset that can make them happier and more resilient.
Gratitude helps them see the silver linings, even when things get tough.
Plus, it’s a great way to build a positive classroom environment where everyone feels valued and connected.
It’s one of those life skills that’ll stick with them long after they leave our classrooms, and that’s a win in my book.
How to Foster an Attitude of Gratitude in the Classroom
Creating a culture of gratitude in the classroom doesn’t have to be complicated.
Start with the little things - like having students share something they’re thankful for during morning meetings or as a quick end-of-day reflection.
You could even set up a “Gratitude Wall” where kids can add sticky notes with things they appreciate.
Another fun idea is to keep a class gratitude journal where everyone can jot down their thoughts.
The key is to make it a regular part of your routine, so it becomes second nature for your students.
And don’t forget to model it yourself!
When they see you being thankful, they’ll be more likely to follow suit.
It’s all about creating those small, consistent moments that add up to a big shift in how they see the world around them.
The Best Gratitude Lesson for Elementary Students
If you’re looking for a no-fuss, impactful way to teach gratitude, this lesson on thankfulness is the way to go.
It’s perfect for the fall or Thanksgiving season, but honestly, you can use it anytime to help your K-5 students appreciate what they have.
The lesson is a companion to the book Pearl and Squirrel Give Thanks by Alice Hemming, which is a great story that gets kids thinking about what it means to be thankful.
Here’s what makes this lesson the best:
Story Review
It kicks off with a review of the book, which helps students connect with the theme of gratitude in a fun, relatable way.Mini Lesson
There’s a short, but powerful mini-lesson that dives into what it means to be thankful and why it’s important not to take things for granted.Thankfulness Game
The lesson includes a thankfulness game that’s super interactive. Plus, there’s a printable version so you can keep the game going even after the lesson is over.Cut and Paste Flipbook
To wrap it up, there’s a thankfulness cut and paste flipbook that students can create. It comes in both color and black-and-white versions, so you can choose what works best for your class.
This lesson is totally ready to go—just open it up, and you’re set.
It’s a great way to bring the concept of gratitude to life in your classroom, and your students will love the interactive elements.
➡️ Click here to grab my gratitude lesson for elementary students.
Tips for Teaching Gratitude
Teaching gratitude doesn’t have to be a big production.
It’s all about weaving it into the everyday moments in your classroom.
Here are a few simple tips to help make gratitude a regular part of your routine:
Kick things off with a daily or weekly gratitude check-in. Have students share one thing they’re thankful for, either out loud or in a quick journal entry. It’s a small practice that can make a big difference over time.
Kids learn by watching us, so make sure you’re modeling what gratitude looks like. Whether it’s thanking a student for their help or pointing out something you’re grateful for, your example will set the tone.
Whenever possible, tie gratitude into what you’re already teaching. If you’re reading a story, ask students what the characters might be thankful for. If you’re outdoors, take a moment to appreciate the natural world.
Create a gratitude wall or bulletin board where students can add notes about things they’re thankful for. It’s a great way to make gratitude visible and keep it top of mind.
Remind students that gratitude doesn’t have to be about the big stuff. Celebrating the little things—like a sunny day or a good recess—helps them see that there’s always something to be thankful for.
These tips are all about making gratitude an easy and natural part of your classroom culture.
The more you practice it, the more your students will start to see the world through a thankful lens.
More Great Resources
Life can get hectic, and sometimes it feels like there’s just too much going on.
But that’s exactly why teaching gratitude is so important, especially right now.
By helping our students focus on what they have, rather than what they’re missing, we’re giving them a tool that can help them navigate all the ups and downs that come their way.
Gratitude helps kids build resilience, strengthens their relationships, and creates a more positive classroom environment.
It’s not just a nice-to-have skill; it’s essential.
So, if you haven’t already made gratitude a part of your teaching, there’s no better time to start.
Your students, and your classroom, will be better for it.
