Activity 1: (25 minutes) GRATITUDE SCAVENGER HUNT

Pass out the Gratitude Scavenger Hunt handout to each student. Students can use an image or words to complete their scavenger hunt.

When you are done, spend some time sharing in small groups. Depending on time, maybe have each person choose 3 or 4 items to share. Use these to reflect on what you are grateful for.

Activity 2: (10 minutes) GRATITUDE QUESTIONS

Start a class discussion with the prompt: “Why don’t we ask for the things we need when it comes to gratitude?” If needed, use the following prompts:

• Is it out of a fear of vulnerability?
• Is there a shortage of gratitude?
• How do you teach someone to be more grateful?
• Where does gratitude come from?
• How could you show gratitude to someone in this moment?

Activity 3: (15 minutes) HAPPINESS

Watch the following video: Want to be happy? Be grateful by David Steindl-Rast. Have the students take note of key phrases or new ideas of gratitude that are discussed in the video.

Activity 4: (30 minutes) GRATITUDE SCHOOL PROGRAM

Break the class into 2 groups. Each group will be designing a gratitude program for the school. This includes activities, goals, and overall purpose of the program. If needed, have the students consider the following prompts:

• What are the students at our school struggling with the most?
• How could a gratitude program acknowledge that issue?
• By creating a gratitude program, what other issues could be acknowledged/helped?

Each group will then create a “Club Poster” advertising the program. Once the student groups have finished, have them each present to each other; compare the similarities and differences between the 2 programs.

Activity 5: (15 minutes) GRATITUDE QUOTES

Read the quote by Jimmy Carter and have a discussion:

• Do you agree or disagree?
• Does the historical context of the quote change its meaning?
• How does this quote apply to your current perspective of gratitude?

Activity 6: (10 minutes) THE SCIENCE OF GRATITUDE

Watch the video “The Science of Gratitude” by Tremendousness. After watching the video, have a discussion:

• What surprised you the most?
• What result of having gratitude is the most powerful?
• Why do you think gratitude is so powerful?

Activity 7: (25 minutes) A NOTE OF GRATITUDE

Share a story from your own life about someone that has mentored you or made a difference for you. Invite students to think about someone who has done the same in their own life. Tell them you are going to give them 15 minutes to connect with that person. They can write them a note, or step into the hallway to give them a call. Invite students to be specific about what they are grateful for in thanking their person. Have a class discussion:

• What did you learn through this experience?
• What surprised you the most?
• How do you feel?