For the Classroom

Gratitude

Appreciating the support, opportunities, and kindness from others

Gratitude helps schools recognize the efforts that make learning possible.

When appreciation is expressed, morale rises and relationships deepen. Gratitude builds a positive and connected school culture.

Essay

Expressing Gratitude

by Jill Tomey

Expressing Gratitude exercises your Gratefulness muscles and makes you more aware of additional things for which to be Grateful. Having Gratitude practices in the classroom helps students to exercise their Gratefulness muscles, making them easier to use in other settings. How can you model Gratefulness with other teachers or your students? What can you do to help students be Grateful to their classmates, school personnel, families, coaches, and all the others that contribute to their life? It’s easy to be grateful this time of year, but the real challenge is setting the stage for the experience year-round.

How will you encourage Gratefulness?

Affirmations for the Classroom

I use kind words to show my friends I care.
I say “thank you” a lot because I really mean it.
I take care of my things because I’m thankful for them.
I am thankful for the people who help me.I
look for good things to smile about.

Gratitude Resource Library

The Links below will take you to Resources like activities, lessons, reflections, tools, and visuals you can use in the classroom or in homeschool to teach the Character Quality of Gratitude.

Featured

Reading List Roundup: Gratitude Picture Books

A curated reading list for teaching Gratefulness—plus a printable download and a link to the full Gratefulness bookshelf on Goodreads.

Gratitude as a Sidekick Quality

Descriptions of how Gratefulness supports the other qualities.

Gratitude as a Core Value

Descriptions of Gratitude as a Core Value and how the other qualities support it.

Fun with Character: Yuck Presents

Help students practice the art of Gratefulness with this "Yuck Presents" activity. By role-playing how to accept undesirable gifts with sincerity and kindness, students learn that true gratitude is about valuing the giver's thoughtfulness rather than the gift itself.

Fun with Character: Going Without

Help students cultivate genuine appreciation by reflecting on what it feels like to "go without" everyday comforts and loved ones. This discussion-based lesson challenges students to recognize things they take for granted and encourages them to express gratitude to others here and now.

Fun with Character: Links of Gratitude

Celebrate the power of appreciation by creating a visual "chain of gratitude" in your classroom. This hands-on activity encourages students to recognize the people they are thankful for and experience the positive impact of expressing that gratefulness out loud.

Connecting Gratitude to the History Curriculum

Use stories of Abraham Lincoln from your History curriculum to teach Gratefulness

Picture Book Pick: Apple Cake: A Gratitude

A featured Gratefulness picture book—Apple Cake—with a read-along link and ready-to-use classroom discussion questions.

No Matter How You Say It: Gratitude

A quick language-and-meaning snapshot of Gratitude, showing the word origins, sign language, and common idioms anyone can discuss.

Gratitude Quotes

Looking for reminders that Gratitude makes a difference? Explore the full collection of Gratitude Quotes and find the perfect line to share, post, or spark a conversation.

Quotes

Celebrate Character Qualities All Month

Use the holidays this month to celebrate our other qualities.

Featured

Juneteenth Activity

A simple Juneteenth activity.

June Character All Month

A list of classic and quirky holidays in June and their connection to a variety of character qualities.

Summersgiving

A simple Summersgiving activity.

Build Community in Your Classroom

Try these activities!

Featured

Getting to Know You: Fortunately, Unfortunately

This lighthearted Team Building activity uses stories to encourage people to express their identity and values in a fun, creative way—boosting connection, conversation, and a sense of belonging within any group or organization. Spark fun dialogue and collaboration, and help participants practice quick thinking, positive interaction, and group energy.

Getting to Know You: Read All About it!

This lighthearted Team Building activity uses paper to encourage people to express their identity and values in a fun, creative way—boosting connection, conversation, and a sense of belonging within any group or organization. Spark fun dialogue and collaboration, and help participants practice quick thinking, positive interaction, and group energy.

Gratitude

Appreciating the support, opportunities, and kindness from others

Gratitude helps schools recognize the efforts that make learning possible.

Expressing Gratitude

How will you encourage Gratefulness?

Affirmations for the Classroom

Gratitude Resource Library

Gratitude Quotes

Celebrate Character Qualities All Month

Build Community in Your Classroom

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