Note to parent or teacher: “Gratitude and Contentment” is a 30-minute lesson plan that focuses on the importance of having an attitude of gratitude and contentment, especially when things don’t go as planned.
Read “Grateful in All Things.”
Have each person take a turn saying something that he or she is grateful for. Remember, the things you are thankful for do not need to be something outstanding or unusual; there are many things in a day, big or small, that help to make it better and happier.
Watch “What Is Gratitude?”
Talk about why having an attitude of gratitude can make even a difficult situation seem better. Gratitude fills your heart with contentment; it helps you appreciate what you have rather than focusing on what you don’t have.
Perhaps you can relate a situation where you experienced gratitude helping you through a difficult situation, or maybe you know of a situation when your children had such an experience with gratitude during a difficult time. Talk about such times and experiences with your children.
Read “When Things Don’t Go as Planned.”
Watch “I’m Glad It Rained Today.”
Create an impromptu story together. The first person can start with an activity one would look forward to, for example by starting with, “Today we are going to the zoo!” The next person then adds something that could go wrong, such as, “Oh no, the car won’t start! How will we get to the zoo?” The next person could say something about how they feel about not being able to go to the zoo (e.g., “I’m sad that I will not able to see the rhinoceros.”). Continue going from person to person to add to the story with the goal of looking for the good in a situation and coming to a positive alternative, such as “Let’s walk to the park for a picnic with friends!” Reinforce how having a grateful attitude even when something doesn’t turn out as originally planned means that you can still enjoy your day and appreciate what you have.
Read “Dunkin.”
Memorize Psalm 34:1. Color the “Crazily Cool Card” that accompanies this verse. (Or select one of the other verses in this card set to memorize and color.)
Play ”Farmyard Praise Game.” (Note: You will need to prepare for this game in advance by printing out the board and getting a place marker for each player and a die.)
Additional materials:
Compiled by My Wonder Studio staff.Copyright © 2021 The Family International