Surely, you have at least once been asked to list some of the things for which you are thankful. It is a common task given both in the classroom and around the turkey. Sometimes in our busy lives, we forget that we should be grateful for everything that we have. This activity is a chance for students to reflect on themselves and their priorities. While many students will certainly be thankful for video games or candy (as am I), students will undoubtedly come to realize people or things that are extremely important to them.
A spider map layout works very well with this activity because there is less emphasis on ordering than there is in a list. The Frayer Model layout works similarly well, but you are limited to exactly four items. However, for a more linear format, you may want to use a traditional storyboard.
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Student Instructions
Create a spider map illustrating what you are thankful for.
Stimulate meaningful responses by asking questions like, “What is something non-material you’re grateful for?” or “Who helps you feel safe or happy at school?” This approach moves students beyond surface-level answers and encourages them to think deeply about gratitude.
Share personal stories or examples of what you’re thankful for in your own life. Demonstrating vulnerability and sincerity helps students feel comfortable expressing honest, meaningful responses.
Offer multiple ways for students to express gratitude, such as drawing, writing, or using digital tools. This flexibility makes the activity more inclusive and allows all learners to participate in a way that suits their strengths.
Have students share their spider maps with a partner or in small groups before presenting to the class. This builds confidence and provides a supportive setting for discussing gratitude.
Create a bulletin board or digital gallery to showcase students’ gratitude maps. Celebrating their work publicly reinforces the value of gratitude and encourages ongoing reflection.
A spider map activity for thankfulness is a graphic organizer where students write things they are grateful for in separate bubbles radiating from a central idea. This visual format helps students reflect on and organize their thoughts about gratitude.
Encourage students to think about people, experiences, and simple joys in their lives. Prompt them with questions about family, friends, hobbies, and favorite activities to spark ideas for their gratitude lists.
A spider map lets students list many things they're thankful for in any order, while the Frayer Model limits them to four key items. A storyboard organizes thankful moments in a linear, story-like sequence.
Reflecting on thankfulness helps students build empathy, self-awareness, and a positive mindset. It encourages appreciation for what they have and fosters a respectful, inclusive classroom environment.
Try spider maps, gratitude journals, thank you notes, or group sharing circles. These activities are adaptable for any season and help students regularly practice expressing gratitude.