I am Grateful Social Emotional Learning Craft
Ah, the importance of gratitude in everyday life! What exactly is gratitude? Put simply, it is the act of recognizing and appreciating the simple things in life, which often lead to a sense of satifisfaction, contentment and fulfillment.
Gratitude is core value and as such, should be a daily part of a child’s life. As educators, we can easily integrate gratitude activities throughout the school day either in an informal or formal way.
Here are 10 easy gratitude strategies that I use with my students:
- Teacher Think Alouds: We know that children learn from watching and listening to adults in their lives, so model gratitude in words and actions
- Morning Gratitude Circle: Encourage students to share one thing that they are thankful before starting the school day. This will give help them have positive and fulfilled mindset in the classroom and playground.
- I Am Grateful Notes: Encourage students to write one ‘I am grateful’ note to a peer (the next day, ask them to choose somebody different). By the end of the week, your whole class will have experienced immense gratitude that they can pay forward.
- Community: Engage in the school community by cleaning up the playground as a class, explaining to students that ‘we’re giving back because we are grateful to be part of this school community.’
- Children’s Literature: Read picture books that contain the theme of gratitude and being thankful.
- Gratitude Journal Writing Prompts: After Silent Reading in the afternoons, we write in our gratitude journals. It’s a time to reflect on one or two things that happened during the school day, so we can share with our families when we get home.
- Mindfulness: Relaxing music is an effective and immediate way to create a calming learning environment. It’s also an opportune time for children to practice being thankful while engaging hands on SEL crafts.
- Gratitude Crafts for bulletin boards as daily reminder of being thankful!
I am Grateful Social Emotional Learning Craft
If you’re looking for a no prep mindfulness or gratitude activity that you can also display on your class bulletin board or door decor, then this Gratitude Craft Spinner Template Activity is not only fun and visually appealing, but it’s a great way for students to share their gratitude with a peer! This resource consists of everything you need in one no prep packet! Suitable for kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd and 4th grade!
This no prep packet consists of:
- Teacher Notes/Teacher scripted lesson
- Suggested picture book mentor texts
- Step-by-Step work sample (project on your smartboard or print as an A3 Anchor Chart)
- Teacher Notes (for modeling activity)
- Spinner Wheel Template (option 1 – lined with graphics)
- Spinner Wheel Template (option 2 – lined)
- Spinner Wheel Template (option 3- blank)
How to use this resource:
Materials required
- Preferably cardstock paper
- Scissors
- Pencil, markers, colors
- Brass pin or paperclip
Instructions
- Students write and/or draw in the different sections of the circle
- Then they color in and personalize their wheel spinner
- Cut out both circles
- Use a pin fastener or paperclip in the center to attach both circles
- Once the wheel spinner is complete, encourage students to reflect and share with their peers
- Have students orally present their spinner activity – explain the process and what part was their favorite!
- Display on class bulletin board!
Click here for a Spring Craft Spinner
Click here for a St Patrick’s Craft Spinner
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