Being Grateful

Use the Why Gratitude handout to support your introduction with background theory, research insights and practical examples. Start by introducing the concept of gratitude: what it is, why it matters, and how it can contribute to emotional balance, resilience and a more positive mindset.

Emphasise the long-term benefits of developing a gratitude habit, especially in a world that often highlights what is lacking or could be improved. Introduce journaling as a simple yet effective method to practise gratitude in daily life.

Invite students to take a quiet moment to breathe deeply and settle into the present moment. Guide a brief check-in, encouraging them to become aware of their body and to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Then, ask students to silently recall a few specific things they feel grateful for today.

Finally, invite volunteers to share with the group, emphasising a supportive and safe classroom environment.

Introduce three journaling formats for students to choose from:

• A letter to someone (real or imaginary);
• A personal journal entry;
• Short notes for a gratitude jar to revisit later.

Ask students to discuss in pairs which format they feel most drawn to and why. Then, invite them to choose a format and begin writing, allowing approximately 20 minutes for the activity. 

Hand out the journaling guide with instructions and reflection prompts. Students can also use this for continued practice at home.

At the end of the writing time, guide a short reflective check-in. Invite students to sit quietly, take a few deep breaths, and observe any shifts in their thoughts or feelings since they began writing.

Encourage silent reflection on their experience:

• What arose during the exercise?
• What do they notice now?

Students may jot down private notes if they wish, with no pressure to share.

Facilitate a group discussion to reflect on the journaling experience:

• What was it like to write about gratitude?
• Did anything feel surprising or unexpected?
• What else did you notice during the process?

Then, lead the group in a discussion on building a gratitude habit:

• What could help make this a regular practice?
• What obstacles might arise?
• What support or resources would you need to maintain it?

Invite students to write down one intention for the coming week: one small, manageable step they can take to make gratitude a regular part of their daily life.

Assessment as learning aims to strengthen the learning process and the development of metacognitive skills. It empowers students to direct their own learning and to become independent, critical self-assessors.

Self-assessment

Self-regulated learning

Weekly reflection log, reflective essay