Sequence of activities:

Introduction (5 -10 minutes)
What are you most grateful for?

• Why is it important to be grateful?
• How do you show your gratitude?

Create a list of the things you are grateful for (at least 6 items) (15 minutes)

Take the list you created and expand on every other line. Use similes and metaphors. (10 minutes)

Example:

I AM GREATFUL FOR MY FAMILY.
I AM GREATFUL FOR SUMMERDAYS THAT SMELL LIKE
LEMONAID AND SUNBLOCK

Read through the list and be sure you’ve written everything you want to say. Add more lines if not.

Use the heart PDF (see attached) as a guide to create your shape poem. (10 minutes)

• Take heart shape and cut it out (use any image that symbolizes your gratitude).
• Use construction paper or another paper to lay down first.
• Take cut out and lay it on top of background paper.
• Write words around the image while holding it in place (you can also use tape; be careful if you peel off the shape as it may rip background). See example.

Decorate image or leave it blank. (10 minutes)

Share it with someone you are grateful for.

Poem example:

I AM GREATFUL FOR MY FAMILY.
I AM GREATFUL FOR SUMMERDAYS THAT SMELL LIKE LEMONAID AND SUNBLOCK.
I am thankful for coffee at 6 am.
I am thankful for laughter that turns belly aches.
I am thankful for compassion.
I am thankful for time that slows like molasses, allowing us to savor these moments.