The Gratitude Tree: A Giving Thanks Story and Art Activity
Children will explore people and things that make them feel grateful as they read aloud and discuss "The Gratitude Tree," a Thanksgiving story by Julie Connor. Every student will create their own "gratitude tree."
Julie Connor, EdD
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(364)
What's included
1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. The project will be completed in class. Learners who do not complete the project can complete it for homework.Assessment
Class discussion, thumbs up / thumbs down, brainstorming, read aloud sharing, step-by-step art project "teacher-learner check-ins" to monitor progress throughout the class, guided practice to check for understanding, independent writing practice, and "show-and-tell."Class Experience
As learners listen to a story called "The Gratitude Tree" by Julie Connor, they will identify people and things that make them feel grateful. Dr. Julie Connor, Ed.D. is the author of the story, a master storyteller, and the teacher of this class. Learners will also create a "gratitude tree" art project. Materials include (1) brown, red, green, and yellow sheets of colored paper or construction paper, (2) one large sheet of white paper or poster paper (approximately 16" x 22"), (3) scissors, (4) pencil, (5) glue stick or glue, and (6) a black magic marker. Print copies of the "hands" and "arm tree trunk" pattern (see attachment). Prior knowledge needed: Learners must be able to: 1. Listen to a story and identify important details. 2. Participate in a class discussion. 3. Follow directions. 4. Define "grateful." 5. Name people and things that make them feel "grateful." 6. Trace the “tree" and "hands" with a pencil from the pattern provided before class. 7. Cut the “tree” and “hands” using scissors. 8. Use a magic marker for printing words.
Learning Goals
Learners will be able to:
1. Define "gratitude."
2. Describe details from a story they read aloud and listened to in class.
3. Identify 10 people or things that make them feel "grateful."
4. Trace and cut out 10 "hands" and "tree" using the pattern provided before class.
5. Write words that make them feel grateful on the "hand leaves."
6. Use glue or glue stick to attach "tree" to the white paper.
7. Use glue or glue stick to attach their "hand leaves" to the tree.
8. Show-and-tell individual "gratitude trees" and share aloud words they placed on their trees.
Thanksgiving Holiday Suggestions:
1. The poster can be used as a door or house decoration.
2. Learners can trace their own hands to create "hand leaves."
3. Individual "leaves" can be distributed to guests before the meal. Invite everyone to write down and share aloud something that makes them feel grateful. "Leaves" can be collected in a basket and placed in the center of the table.
4. Children can use the "hand leaves" pattern to create name tags at each place setting before a meal.
Other Details
Supply List
Materials include: 1. brown, red, green, and yellow sheets of colored paper or construction paper 2. one large sheet of white paper or poster paper (approximately 16" x 22") 3. scissors 4. pencil 5. glue stick or glue 6. black magic marker 7. copies of the "hands" and "arm tree trunk" patterns (see attachments that will come with the email after your child enrolls in the class)
2 files available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
* "The Gratitude Tree," a story by Dr. Julie Connor, Ed.D.
* "The Gratitude Tree" PowerPoint presentation
Joined June, 2020
4.9
364reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Teaching Certificates
Missouri Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Missouri Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education
3 Degrees
Doctoral Degree in Education from University of Missouri
Master's Degree in Education from University of Central Missouri
Bachelor's Degree in Education from University of Central Missouri
I am an engaging, interactive teacher who uses fun, hands-on activities to learn new concepts and practice new skills. I incorporate the creative arts into instructional experiences. I design activities that appeal to learners’ unique learning styles. I encourage discussion and offer opportunities for students to share their experiences and expertise with one another.
My doctoral degree is in education. My teaching certifications include elementary education (K-8) as well as secondary (grades 7-12) communication arts, English, speech and theater, and science education. I have more than 30 years of teaching experience in traditional and online classrooms in rural, urban, and suburban schools. As a student teaching supervisor, I equipped new teachers with creative interactive strategies I use as an instructor.
As a TED speaker and school assembly speaker, seasoned teacher, youth mental health consultant, I equip youth and adults with skills to talk about tough topics like communication, bullying, and conflict resolution at school assemblies and conferences throughout the country. I teach communication skills that help youth and adults strengthen relationships, set appropriate boundaries, and resolve conflict.
I empower youth with goal-setting strategies and peer leadership coaching. I equip teens and youth leadership teams with skills and tools to create powerful action plans with attainable goals. I am the author of an award-winning personal goal-setting book, Dreams to Action Trailblazer's Guide. Visit www.DrJulieConnor.com for more information.
Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$18
per classMeets once
50 min
Completed by 11 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
2-10 learners per class
