Give thanks this holiday season with the thoughtful Gratitude Game! Perfect for holiday celebrations in your classroom community and at home, this game encourages children to take a mindful moment to express gratitude for important people, memories, and more, that they're thankful for.
Boost social-emotional learning and support the practice of spreading kindness and giving thanks through this engaging game. Children will love reflecting on what they're thankful for and sharing with their classmates and families!
What Is The Gratitude Game?
The Gratitude Game is the perfect way to introduce children to the concept of being thankful and expressing gratitude. As students choose colorful feathers, each corresponding to a specific idea like "say a place" or "say a person," they're encouraged to reflect on what they're thankful for and express those ideas, experiences, and stories, aloud. Together, your students will cultivate strong bonds and explore how they can share gratitude with others in the classroom and the larger community!
Why Is Teaching Gratitude Important?
Gratitude is the act of being not only aware, but thankful for the good things that happen in life. Similar to learned emotions like empathy and compassion, the concept of gratitude is important to teach to children. If children do not learn about gratitude at an early age, they can easily begin to take things for granted or believe that they are entitled to certain items or treatment. Finding ways to encourage children to practice gratitude at school and at home is essential to their emotional development.
It is important to note that gratitude can be taught and practiced year round, not just during holidays like Thanksgiving. Incorporating gratitude into holiday activities helps provide children with a more concrete example of what gratitude is, but it can be implemented during non-holiday times as well.
How Can I Use This In My Lesson Plan?
Lessons on gratitude like those shared in the Gratitude Game are an inclusive and thoughtful alternative to traditional Thanksgiving activities. This mindful activity encourages children to establish meaningful connections with their classmates and can easily be extended into a larger class project focusing on making a difference in your community through expressions of gratitude through acts like volunteering.
Extend the lesson of gratitude beyond your classroom by encouraging students to share the Gratitude Game with their families and loved ones during their holiday celebrations. The opportunities to express gratitude and experience interdisciplinary learning are endless with this game—sharing what you're thankful for is just the beginning!
Download our FREE printable below!