Acts of Gratitude

As the end of the school year approaches, taking the time to review pupils’ success and growth is an important step in concluding the year. A crucial part of this review is coming to realize all the people it takes to build a successful school year. Whether it is parents, friends, relatives, school secretaries, principals, and/or counselors — there are many people responsible for creating a positive educational experience. A beneficial end-of-the-year activity is to guide your pupils in thanking those people who were helpful to them with an activity I call, "Acts of Gratitude." Besides the traditional thank-you note, students can participate in various actions and activities to recognize and show appreciation.

Celebrate with Gratitude Groups

To begin this activity, pupils are given a writing prompt that asks them to compose a list of people, at home or at school, who have provided help, support, or encouragement to them over the course of the school year. Next, they share their lists. In a whole-class-discussion format, we discuss how the people they chose to list have impacted their academic and personal achievement. Then we discuss the significance of showing gratitude and the different ways it can be accomplished. As a class, we divide the lists into two categories: people at school and people outside of school. The list for the people at school is compiled and pupils are divided into groups of three or four. These groups are called Gratitude Groups. Each group is responsible for choosing an act of gratitude, as described below, and completing it for their chosen people. As a class, we cover most school faculty and staff and give them a personalized thank you. Since the lists of people outside of school are normally more personal, and less accessible from the classroom, pupils work independently to complete their acts. We distribute these acknowledgements during the last few weeks of school. 

Celebrate with Acts of Service

Acts of service are defined as things we can do to show our thankfulness to someone who has assisted and supported us during the school year. Those on the list of people at school normally include teachers, aides, custodians, lunchroom staff, school nurse, and secretary. Acts of service may include cleaning lunchroom tables for the custodian, or taking the secretary his/her favorite beverage. My students give a thank you card created and signed by the class when they perform each act of service.

Celebrate with an Illustrated Journal

Another way pupils show gratitude is by constructing an illustrated journal. The journal is composed of drawing and/or photographs taken throughout the school year chronicling a special moment for pupils. Underneath each picture is a caption that describes the memory, and on the last page, a thank you letter is written and signed by the class.     

Celebrate with Poems

A poem is also an effective way for some gratitude groups to best display their appreciation for someone. The form of poetry for this activity is limitless — shape poems, acrostics, free verse. Using special writing paper and utensils makes this a more personal expression, and it feels more special for both the poet and the recipient.

Celebrate with a Decorative Letter

For those working independently, but not excluding groups, sometimes a letter is the most effective way to show sincere gratitude and appreciation. Letters to parents, teachers, principals, or counselors who may have provided support during the school year seem to make the best outlet for pupils to share honest feelings. For this act, pupils are encouraged to choose words carefully, and include specific examples of ways the recipient provided support. Again, special writing paper and utensils are provided. Students are also encouraged to add a picture of themselves or an illustration. 

Whether completing an act of service or creating a thank you project, recognizing those who have taken time to support the educational experience is a positive way to celebrate the conclusion of the school year. A greater benefit is letting those who help our pupils everyday know they are appreciated.  

Celebrate By Using These Resources: 

National Thank You Month and Letter Writing

This article relates practical tips and ideas for writing thank you letters and cards. The lesson ideas make for creative language arts lessons throughout the year as well.

Writing Informal and Formal Letters

In a series of worksheets, pupils distinguish both formal and informal writing phrases. The handouts can be used in multiple ways, as reinforcement, assessment, or as structural examples.

Thank You for the Terrible Dinner

A creative writing lesson where pupils imagine themselves as guests at a bad dinner party. Pupils write thank you letters to the imagined host. It includes role play and friendly letter review.