Thanks! A Strengths-Based Gratitude Curriculum for Tweens and Teens (Years 7-12)

Four lessons to help students understand the meaning of gratitude and how to cultivate it in their everyday lives using the VIA Character Strengths.

Author/ source: Greater Good Science Center

Last updated: 01/01/2017

Thanks! A Strengths-Based Gratitude Curriculum for Tweens and Teens (Years 7-12)
Format: Classroom lesson plan | Duration: 3 hours | Target audience: Secondary students (Years 7–12)
Objective

The Greater Good Science Center at UCI Berkeley developed this valuable gratitude curriculum for Tweens and Teens. Their freely available resource  includes four  lessons to help students understand the meaning of gratitude and how to cultivate it in their everyday lives, ready to use in your own context. The curriculum is built around the idea that varied gratitude practices, such as journaling, meaningful peer discussions, and character strength exercises, help students feel more socially connected, more satisfied with school, and more motivated about their future.

Why? 

Research consistently shows that people who practice gratitude report fewer symptoms of illness and depression, greater optimism and happiness, stronger relationships, and more generous behaviour. For young people specifically, grateful youth tend to be happier and more satisfied with their lives, report more hope and less envy and materialism. 

Preliminary evidence suggests the curriculum is helping to decrease depression, anxiety, and antisocial behaviour, while increasing hope, emotional regulation, and a sense of purpose. 

Contents include:

  • Introduction and how-to guide

  • Lesson 1: Discover Your Grateful Self   (45 mins)

  • Lesson 2: See The Good Challenge  including Gift of the Magi – Reading, Gratitude Challenge – Activity, Gratitude Journal – Activity, Good Week Reflection – Activity, Subtracting Good Things – Activity (45 mins)

  • Lesson 3: Seeing The Good In Others including Go Out And Fill Buckets – Activity (45 mins)

  • Lesson 4: Thank You For Believing In Me including Gratitude Letter - Activity (45 mins)