Activity Overview
Surely, you have at least once been asked to list some of the things for which you are thankful. It is a common task given both in the classroom and around the turkey. Sometimes in our busy lives, we forget that we should be grateful for everything that we have. This activity is a chance for students to reflect on themselves and their priorities. While many students will certainly be thankful for video games or candy (as am I), students will undoubtedly come to realize people or things that are extremely important to them.
A spider map layout works very well with this activity because there is less emphasis on ordering than there is in a list. The Frayer Model layout works similarly well, but you are limited to exactly four items. However, for a more linear format, you may want to use a traditional storyboard.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a spider map illustrating what you are thankful for.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the headings, write something that you are thankful for.
- Illustrate each heading using appropriate scenes, characters, items, and dialogue.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visualizations | Images show creativity and care. | Scenes, characters, and items are appropriate for this purpose. | Images are confusing or do not make sense for this purpose. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading. |
Activity Overview
Surely, you have at least once been asked to list some of the things for which you are thankful. It is a common task given both in the classroom and around the turkey. Sometimes in our busy lives, we forget that we should be grateful for everything that we have. This activity is a chance for students to reflect on themselves and their priorities. While many students will certainly be thankful for video games or candy (as am I), students will undoubtedly come to realize people or things that are extremely important to them.
A spider map layout works very well with this activity because there is less emphasis on ordering than there is in a list. The Frayer Model layout works similarly well, but you are limited to exactly four items. However, for a more linear format, you may want to use a traditional storyboard.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a spider map illustrating what you are thankful for.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the headings, write something that you are thankful for.
- Illustrate each heading using appropriate scenes, characters, items, and dialogue.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visualizations | Images show creativity and care. | Scenes, characters, and items are appropriate for this purpose. | Images are confusing or do not make sense for this purpose. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading. |
How Tos about I am Thankful for ...
Encourage Deeper Reflection with Thoughtful Prompts
Stimulate meaningful responses by asking questions like, “What is something non-material you’re grateful for?” or “Who helps you feel safe or happy at school?” This approach moves students beyond surface-level answers and encourages them to think deeply about gratitude.
Model Gratitude by Sharing Your Own Examples
Share personal stories or examples of what you’re thankful for in your own life. Demonstrating vulnerability and sincerity helps students feel comfortable expressing honest, meaningful responses.
Differentiate the Activity for Diverse Learners
Offer multiple ways for students to express gratitude, such as drawing, writing, or using digital tools. This flexibility makes the activity more inclusive and allows all learners to participate in a way that suits their strengths.
Facilitate Sharing in Pairs or Small Groups
Have students share their spider maps with a partner or in small groups before presenting to the class. This builds confidence and provides a supportive setting for discussing gratitude.
Display Student Work to Foster a Grateful Classroom Culture
Create a bulletin board or digital gallery to showcase students’ gratitude maps. Celebrating their work publicly reinforces the value of gratitude and encourages ongoing reflection.
Frequently Asked Questions about I am Thankful for ...
What is a spider map activity for teaching thankfulness?
A spider map activity for thankfulness is a graphic organizer where students write things they are grateful for in separate bubbles radiating from a central idea. This visual format helps students reflect on and organize their thoughts about gratitude.
How can I help students brainstorm what they are thankful for?
Encourage students to think about people, experiences, and simple joys in their lives. Prompt them with questions about family, friends, hobbies, and favorite activities to spark ideas for their gratitude lists.
What is the difference between a spider map, Frayer Model, and storyboard for gratitude lessons?
A spider map lets students list many things they're thankful for in any order, while the Frayer Model limits them to four key items. A storyboard organizes thankful moments in a linear, story-like sequence.
Why is it important for students to reflect on thankfulness in the classroom?
Reflecting on thankfulness helps students build empathy, self-awareness, and a positive mindset. It encourages appreciation for what they have and fosters a respectful, inclusive classroom environment.
What are some quick gratitude activities I can use year-round?
Try spider maps, gratitude journals, thank you notes, or group sharing circles. These activities are adaptable for any season and help students regularly practice expressing gratitude.
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