💛 SELGrade 4Lesson 34
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Gratitude journal project

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Learning Objectives

  • 1Define gratitude and explain its effect on wellbeing
  • 2Identify ways gratitude strengthens relationships
  • 3Describe what self-awareness has to do with gratitude
  • 4Use journal prompts to reflect on positive experiences
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Mini Lesson

A gratitude journal is a daily or weekly practice where you write down things you are thankful for. Research shows that regularly noticing what is good in your life improves mood, reduces stress, and strengthens your relationships with others.

What is Gratitude?

Gratitude is the feeling of being thankful and appreciating the good things in your life, both big and small. It connects to self-awareness because you must first notice and reflect on your experiences before you can appreciate them.

Benefits of Gratitude

  • Improves your mood and reduces negative thinking.
  • Strengthens friendships — when you thank people, they feel valued.
  • Builds resilience — focusing on good things helps you cope with hard times.
  • Increases self-awareness by encouraging you to notice your emotions.
  • Improves sleep quality when practiced at bedtime.

Gratitude Journal Prompts

  1. Today I am grateful for... (name 1–2 specific things)
  2. Someone who helped me today was... (describe what they did)
  3. One thing that made me smile today was...

Gratitude and Relationships

Expressing gratitude to others — saying "thank you" and meaning it — makes people feel seen and respected. It builds trust, deepens friendships, and creates a positive atmosphere among your friends and family.

Gratitude Journal TemplateGratitude Journal Template1. Today I am grateful for...(Write 1-2 things)2. Someone who helped me...(Name and action)3. One thing that made me smile...(Big or small)
Gratitude and WellbeingGratitude and WellbeingGratitudePracticeBetter moodStronger friendshipsLess stressMore confidentBetter sleep
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Tip: try to write in your gratitude journal at the same time every day — morning or bedtime works best for forming a habit.

Vocabulary
gratitude
The feeling of being thankful for what you have.e.g. She felt gratitude for her familys support.
journal
A book where you write your thoughts and experiences.e.g. He writes in his gratitude journal each evening.
reflect
To think back on something carefully.e.g. She reflected on what made her happy that week.
wellbeing
Feeling healthy and content in body and mind.e.g. Sleep, exercise, and friendships all support wellbeing.
self-awareness
Knowing your own feelings, strengths, and needs.e.g. Self-awareness helps us notice why we feel grateful.
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