In this four-week series, kids ages 5-10 will explore the themes of gratitude, kindness, and appreciation through engaging stories, creative crafts, and thoughtful discussions. Each class includes a new book, a craft project, and a friendly group conversation to inspire kids to reflect on what it means to be grateful and kind. By the end of the series, children will have a greater understanding of how expressing gratitude and kindness can create positive change in their lives and communities.

Class Structure

Each 55-minute class follows a structured format to create a balanced and interactive learning experience:

Welcome and Introductions: A warm-up where students share something good that happened during their week.

Storytime: We read a selected picture book focused on gratitude, kindness, or thankfulness.

Discussion: Guided by thought-provoking questions, kids explore the themes of the story and share their own ideas and experiences.

Craft Activity: Kids participate in a hands-on craft that reinforces the lesson’s theme, with easy-to-find materials.

Wrap-Up and Sharing: Kids have the option to show their creations and talk about one thing they’re thankful for before saying goodbye.

TENTATIVE Weekly Themes and Activities 

Week 1: What is Gratitude?

Book: Gratitude is My Superpower by Alicia Ortego

Theme: Understanding gratitude and learning to notice the little things in life that bring joy.

Discussion: Kids share what gratitude means to them, how it feels to be thankful, and small things they are grateful for in their own lives.

Craft: Gratitude Jar. Kids decorate a jar or container and fill it with slips of paper where they can write or draw things they are grateful for throughout the week. This jar will be a special reminder for them to practice gratitude daily!

Week 2: Expressing Thanks

Book: Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora

Theme: Learning about the power of saying thank you and showing appreciation to others.

Discussion: We discuss why it’s important to say thank you and share different ways to show appreciation, like giving a compliment, making a card, or helping out.

Craft: Thank You Cards. Kids make handmade thank-you cards with drawings or messages for someone they appreciate—such as a family member, friend, or teacher. This activity helps reinforce the importance of expressing gratitude to others in thoughtful ways.

Week 3: Acts of Kindness

Book: Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller

Theme: Exploring the concept of kindness and how small actions can make a big difference.

Discussion: We brainstorm examples of acts of kindness kids can do for others, such as sharing, helping, or simply saying a kind word.

Craft: Kindness Rocks. Kids paint or decorate rocks with encouraging messages or images. They can leave these rocks in their neighborhood or around their home to spread kindness to others.

Week 4: Reflecting on Gratitude and Kindness

Book: Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts

Theme: Reflecting on what we’ve learned about gratitude and kindness over the past few weeks.

Discussion: Kids reflect on the past sessions and share their favorite moments or something new they’ve learned about being thankful and kind. We’ll discuss how gratitude and kindness can bring happiness to ourselves and others.

Craft: Gratitude Tree. Kids create a paper tree or branch and write things they’re grateful for on leaf cutouts, attaching them to their “tree.” This is a lasting keepsake they can add to over time, helping them continue to cultivate gratitude.

What to Expect

Positive Environment: Each class is a welcoming space where kids are encouraged to share, listen, and express themselves. The group setting fosters a supportive community where students can learn from each other and feel comfortable.

Creative Expression: The hands-on crafts are easy and fun, designed to help children remember each lesson in a memorable way. Each project uses materials that are easy to find at home.

Lasting Impact: By the end of the course, children will have a collection of crafts and a deeper understanding of gratitude and kindness. They’ll leave with tools and ideas to continue practicing these values in their daily lives.

This class series offers a unique blend of stories, discussions, and creativity that nurtures emotional growth, self-awareness, and positive social skills, providing kids with a foundation for a life filled with gratitude and kindness.