Gratitude Circle
To develop gratitude awareness and positive thinking through structured appreciation sharing.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Personal, Social & Emotional
- Learning area: Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Expresses gratitude regularly
- Identifies diverse things to be grateful for
- Shows positive thinking
- Appreciates people and experiences
Materials
- Gratitude tree display
- Leaf-shaped paper
- Circle space
- Gratitude jar
Instructions
DAILY PRACTICE: 'Let's share our gratitude! I'm grateful for the sunshine today and for all of you! What are YOU grateful for? What made you happy?'
WRITING ON LEAVES: 'Write or draw what you're grateful for on a leaf and add it to our gratitude tree! Our tree is growing so many grateful leaves!'
EXPANDING GRATITUDE: Move beyond objects: 'You're grateful for your toys—that's lovely! Can you think of a PERSON you're grateful for? Or a FEELING? Or something in nature?'
DISCUSSING THE IMPACT: 'When we think about things we're grateful for, it makes our brain happy! Scientists have discovered that grateful people feel happier. How do YOU feel after our gratitude circle?'