LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Identify a range of health benefits associated with gratitude; distinguish facts from myths about gratitude; describe a variety of ways to make gratitude a habit.

HEALTH ED STANDARDS

NHES 1: Comprehend concepts to promote health and disease prevention.

CASEL COMPETENCY: Self-management, self-awareness

KEY VOCAB

interaction

region

Lesson Plan: Your Body on Gratitude

You don’t need turkey and pumpkin pie to enjoy the benefits of giving thanks.

PREPARING TO READ

Before you read the article “Your Body On . . . Gratitude,” ask your students the following pre-reading question:

How might expressing thankfulness affect your mind, body, and mood?

READING AND DISCUSSION

  • Have your students read the article “Your Body On . . . Gratitude” independently; read the article out loud to them; or have students partner-read the article out loud.
  • After they’ve read the article, revisit the pre-reading question. Have their answers changed?

BUILDING COMPREHENSION AND VOCAB

Check students’ comprehension of and engagement with the story with the following assessment tools:

  • Comprehension Quiz
  • Vocab Builder

EXPANDING SEL OPPORTUNITIES

Continue the learning journey with the following writing prompt:

Time for your students to get thankful with a GRATITUDE JOURNAL! In this activity, they should put the things they learned into practice by writing a one-to two-page journal entry describing something they are thankful for, such as a situation that turned out better than they expected, or reflecting on a recent interaction that made them feel appreciated. Have them end by reflecting on how journaling their gratitude made them feel. After they complete the activity, encourage students to continue the habit throughout the year!

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