Gratitude is HUGE in my life. I will go to the ends of the earth for someone as long as I know they are grateful! So, it’s very important for me to do all I can with my students to help develop their sense of gratitude in my classroom. This post is all about the Gratitude Jar – a simple classroom idea for students to focus on the positive events in their lives, encouraging a habit of reflection, gratitude, and joy.
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Why Start a Gratitude Jar?
The Gratitude Jar idea is simple: students write down one positive thing that happened each week on a small piece of paper and place it in the jar. Then, at the end of the school year {or month!}, they can reflect on all the wonderful moments they’ve experienced.
This activity helps students:
- Focus on positive moments, no matter how small.
- Develop a habit of gratitude.
- Improve their writing and reflection skills.
- Cultivate a growth mindset by acknowledging successes and joys – even during challenging times.
How to Set Up a Gratitude Jar in Your Classroom:
Find a Jar: Any clear container will work for this activity—a mason jar, plastic bin, or even a decorated box can do the trick. You can ask families to donate old spaghetti jars to the classroom or even purchase a class set of jars with lids.
Create a Writing Station: Set up a small area with colorful slips of paper or sticky notes and writing utensils where students can easily add their notes.
Incorporate it into Weekly Routine: Consider setting aside time every Friday or at the end of each week where students can reflect on the week and add a positive note to the jar. It can also be a great addition to your morning or closing circle routines.
Reading the Notes: You can decide when to read the notes together as a class. You could read the notes at the end of each month or at the end of the school year – or simply choose to have students share one note with you or a friend.
Involving Parents and Families:
Encourage students to continue this practice at home. Send home a note explaining your Gratitude Jar. You may even want to send home and suggest that families make their own at home, promoting positivity and reflection beyond the classroom.
I’ve also created a Thanksgiving version of the gratitude jar if you just want to spend a little bit of classtime on this activity. You can read more about the Thanksgiving gratitude jar here!
You can do an Anytime Gratitude Jar or just focus on the Gratitude Jar in the Fall.
Check out the Thanksigivng Gratitude Jar here.
And the Anytime Gratitude Jar here.
The Gratitude Jar is a simple yet powerful way to build a classroom culture of thankfulness, positivity, and reflection. It’s low-prep, meaningful, and encourages students to look for the good in every day, no matter how small. Start one this January and see the joy it brings to your students all year long!
Need more ideas? Check out this blog post all about unique ways to build up your students!
