Introduction

Gratitude, an emotion expressing thankfulness, is a vital topic to introduce to students. Studies show that people who express their gratitude regularly are happier and healthier than those who do not do so. As students grow up and face greater challenges, remaining focused on their gratitude can help them navigate obstacles in positive and healthy ways.

Grade 4 | Grade 5 | Grade 6

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Grade 4

Teacher guide

• Suggested lesson plan (45 min)
  Fully completed 45-minute lesson plan for public schools.
• Milwaukee Archdiocese religious education options
  Connecting lesson to Archdiocese Religious Education Curriculum Expectations and Closing Prayer.

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Grade 5

Teacher guide

• Suggested lesson plan (45 min)
  Fully completed 45-minute lesson plan for public schools.
• Milwaukee Archdiocese religious education options
  Connecting lesson to Archdiocese Religious Education Curriculum Expectations and Closing Prayer.

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Grade 6

Teacher guide

• Suggested lesson plan (45 min)
  Fully completed 45-minute lesson plan for public schools.
• Milwaukee Archdiocese religious education options
  Connecting lesson to Archdiocese Religious Education Curriculum Expectations and Closing Prayer.

Check-in activities

• Select an option from the collection of check-in activities

Opening activities

• Five senses (self-reflection, 10 minutes)
• Gratitude video (video, 10 minutes)

Main activities

• Defining gratitude (discussion, 15 minutes)
• Gratitude letters (self-reflection, 15 minutes)
• Gratitude quilt (community building, 15 minutes)

Closing activities

• Gratitude quiz (game, community building, 15 minutes)
• Gratitude visualization (self-reflection, 5 minutes)

Additional resources

• Parent information

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Toolkit access

Access to documents on each of the toolkit pages is restricted to Peace Works partners. If you are interested in becoming a Peace Works partner school or educator, please contact Sherri Walker. If you are already a Peace Works partner school or educator and have questions regarding the toolkit, please contact Macarena Correa.

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