Grades 3-5
Grades 6-8
Art

Gratitude Gallery

Create a classroom gallery that displays students' artwork of something (or someone!) they are grateful for.

Activity Partner
Total time estimate:
60+ minutes
Activity Objectives
  • Students will practice gratitude by noticing the good things in their life and creating artwork that expresses their appreciation
  • Then, students will observe their classmates' artwork, and learn more about their each other's feelings, experiences, and perspectives
Materials
  • Paper, pencils, crayons, markers, paint, and other art materials

This activity supports the development of the following social-emotional skill: social awareness.

Create

Engage students in a discussion about gratitude. You might explain: "Gratitude is when we notice something special, like a person who helped us, an item or place that brings us joy, or a goal that we achieved. We think about what makes this so special to us, and how it makes us feel. Then, we show our appreciation."

Prompt students to think about who (or what!) they are grateful for, such as:

  • An accomplishment that they achieved, or something they are proud of
  • Something that makes them smile or laugh
  • A person or object that brings them comfort or joy, or makes them feel brave
  • A beautiful or peaceful place in their neighborhood
  • Their favorite food to make or eat
  • An activity that they enjoy doing with a friend or family member
  • A special tradition that they have

Ask students to create artwork to express their gratitude (e.g., by taking a photo, recording a video, writing poetry, painting or drawing a picture, creating a collage, or something else!).

Share

Facilitate a live virtual exchange with your Empatico class, and invite students to an art gallery walk. Share the link for a digital gallery using a tool like Flipgrid, Wakelet, or Padlet, or ask students to hold up their artwork during the video call.

Students might share more about their art, why they chose to highlight a particular subject or moment, and ask questions to learn more about each other's experiences and perspectives.

Reflect

Guide students through a post-activity reflection by asking the following questions:

  • Who (or what) did you express gratitude toward in your artwork?
  • What feelings did you experience, or did any specific memories come to mind, as you created your art?
  • What did you learn about your classmates through your Gratitude Gallery? What questions do you have for them? 
  • Do you see any similarities in what you and your classmates are grateful for?
Did you finish this activity? We'd love your input.