How to Bring Gratitude Into Your Classroom

5 minute read

Originally Published SEL4OH: by Julie Braumberger, SEL4OH Leadership Team and Director of Mindfulness Education at Mind Body Align

Gratitude is one of those things that seems simple, but it can have a huge impact on the classroom environment. When practiced consistently, it doesn’t just change the mood for a day, it can transform the entire classroom culture. Students who regularly express gratitude start to develop positive habits that stick with them for life. 

Think of gratitude like a secret superpower that boosts self-esteem, resilience, empathy, and even academic success. Plus, it can help students build stronger relationships with their friends, families, and communities. Who wouldn’t want that for their kids?

On the flip side, gratitude also works wonders on reducing all the negative stuff we deal with daily: anxiety, sadness, fear, anger- you name it. Kids who focus on being grateful are less likely to lash out, seek negative attention, or constantly compare themselves to others. And let’s be real—we could all use a little less drama in the classroom!

The key here is consistency. Gratitude is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. If we make it a daily habit, it becomes second nature, and over time, you’ll notice a big shift in your students’ attitudes and behavior.

With the start of the new year, its a great time to start weaving gratitude into your classroom routine.  

Start the Day with Gratitude

Begin each morning with a gratitude check-in. It could be as simple as asking students to share one thing they’re thankful for—whether it’s something big, like a family vacation, or something small, like the sun shining. You can even give them a few minutes to write it down in a gratitude journal if you have time. Not only does this set a positive tone for the day, but it also gets students into the habit of recognizing the good in their live. If you love journaling, this gratitude journal is one of my favorites and the benefits of journaling are endless.

Create a Gratitude Wall

Designate a space in your classroom for a “Gratitude Wall” where students can add sticky notes or cards that say what they’re thankful for. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this space fills up! Over time, students will enjoy seeing all the things their peers are grateful for, and it creates a visual reminder of positivity. 

Gratitude Circles

Try setting aside a few minutes each week for a gratitude circle. Everyone, including you, sits in a circle, and each person shares one thing for which they’re grateful. It can be a great way to build community and encourage students to listen and appreciate each other’s perspectives. It’s also a chance for quieter students to express themselves in a safe and structured way. 

Thank You Notes

Encourage students to write thank-you notes to people who have helped or inspired them. This could be a classmate who shared supplies, a family member, or even school staff. Not only does this help students develop a habit of expressing thanks, but it also strengthens relationships within your classroom and the larger school community. 

Model Gratitude 

Students watch everything we do, so make sure you’re modeling gratitude in your own actions. Say “thank you” often—thank your students for their hard work, thank the custodians for keeping the school clean, and even thank yourself when you handle a challenging situation with grace. When students see gratitude in action, they’re more likely to adopt it themselves. 

Gratitude Jars

Place a jar in the classroom where students can anonymously drop in notes about things for which they’re grateful. Once a week (or whenever you need a mood boost), pull a few notes out and read them aloud. This can be a fun way to celebrate the little moments of joy that often go unnoticed. If you are looking for a wonderful story around this activity, you might like this: The Gratitude Jar.

Mindful Gratitude Practice

Incorporate a few minutes of mindfulness into your routine. Ask students to close their eyes, take deep breaths, and think of three things they’re grateful for in that moment. It could be the sound of birds outside, the taste of their lunch, or the feeling of sitting next to a friend. This helps students slow down and tune into the present moment. You could make this a daily or weekly practice.

Gratitude Stories

Once in a while, share stories or read books that center on themes of gratitude. Discuss the characters’ actions and how they demonstrated thankfulness. These stories can lead to great conversations about what gratitude looks like in real life and how students can apply it in their own lives. Some of our favorites books on gratitude are: The Thankful Book written by Todd Parr, Gratitude is My Superpower by Alicia Ortego, and Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson.

Incorporating gratitude into your classroom doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s about building small habits that, over time, create a culture where students feel more positive, connected, and ready to learn. The more you practice gratitude with your students, the more you’ll find yourself benefiting from it too. Who wouldn’t want to leave the classroom feeling a little more thankful at the end of the day?

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