Gratefulness

Gratefulness is “showing appreciation for what I have.” This means recognizing what others have done for you and showing your gratitude. This kind of positive and thankful attitude makes someone pleasant to be with—especially compared to an ungrateful person who takes things for granted. No matter what your circumstance, you can always find something to be grateful for—if you look for it!

Children can develop gratefulness by saying “thank you” for their food, clothing, shelter, and the many “extra” things they enjoy such as toys, books, a bicycle, games, music lessons, and the ability to live in a free country.

I Will:

1. Appreciate the people in my life.
2. Say "please" and "thank you."
3. Enjoy what I have instead of complaining about what I don't have.
4. Take care of my belongings.
5. Write thank you notes.

Discussion Starters:

• What are some things your parents and teachers did for you this week? How can you show appreciation?
• What is the opposite of gratefulness? (Being selfish, unthankful, grumpy, presuming, negative, or taking others for granted.)
• Why is it more fun to be around a grateful person than a selfish person?

(Permission granted to reproduce this lesson for educational use. Credit: CharacterFirstEd.com) 

Downloads

Supplement the curriculum with these reproducible sheets.
(Click each link to open or save PDF)

• Abraham Lincoln Story
• Family Connection
• Family Connection - Spanish
• Gratefulness Glasses Activity
• Gratefulness Tree
• Porcupine Coloring Page
• Round of Applause