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Session 06: Gratitude Gifts 🦃

Overview

Grades: 1-2 | Duration: 30 minutes | Session: 6 of 17

Students express thankfulness by designing and creating handmade gifts for people they appreciate.

Session 06: Gratitude Gifts

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will:

  • Express gratitude for people in their lives

  • Design a meaningful gift for someone

  • Create a handmade item with intention

  • Connect giving to Catholic social teaching

Session 06: Gratitude Gifts

Materials Needed

  • 🎨 Craft supplies (paper, markers, ribbons)

  • 📦 Card-making materials

  • 🖼️ Small frames or photo holders (optional)

  • 📓 Design Detective journals

  • ❤️ Heart shapes

Catholic Integration

Saint Connection

St. Thérèse of Lisieux — She believed in doing small things with great love. Even little gifts can show big love!

Scripture

"Give thanks in all circumstances." — 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Opening Prayer

Dear God, we have so much to thank you for! Help us remember all the people who help us. May our gifts today show our love and gratitude. Amen.

Lesson Procedure

Opening Circle (5 minutes)

  1. Gratitude Circle — Each person shares one thing they're thankful for
  2. People Who Help Us:
  3. Family
  4. Teachers
  5. Friends
  6. Church community
  7. Neighbors
  8. St. Thérèse — "Little things done with love matter most!"
  9. Today's Project — "Design a gift to show gratitude!"

Main Activity: Gift Design & Creation (19 minutes)

Part 1: Design Thinking (4 minutes)

  • Who will receive your gift?

  • What do they like?

  • What would make them smile?

  • Sketch your gift idea

Part 2: Create Your Gift (13 minutes)

Option A: Thank You Card

  • Decorated card with personal message

  • Include: Why you're thankful for them

  • Add drawings, stickers, hearts

Option B: Bookmark

  • Decorated bookmark

  • "Thank you for..." message

  • For teachers, librarians, readers

Option C: Picture Frame/Holder

  • Decorate a small frame

  • Add: "I'm thankful for you!"

  • Gift to family member

Option D: Custom Design

  • Student's own gift idea

  • Must express gratitude

  • Created with care

Part 3: Reflection (2 minutes)

  • How does it feel to make something for someone else?

  • How do you think they'll feel?

Design Detective Journal (4 minutes)

  1. Draw the gift you created
  2. Write: "I made this for ___ because..."
  3. Write: "Giving makes me feel..."

Closing Circle (2 minutes)

  1. Gift Preview — Show what you made (keep recipients secret!)
  2. Giving Joy — "It's better to give than receive!"
  3. Closing Prayer — "Thank you, God, for everyone who loves us. Help our gifts bring joy. Amen."

Assessment

Observation Checklist:

  • Identified someone to thank

  • Designed with recipient in mind

  • Created gift with care

  • Expressed gratitude through work

Differentiation

For Students Who Need Support

  • Choose from 2 options

  • Template for card design

  • Work alongside teacher

For Advanced Students

  • Make gifts for multiple people

  • Write longer messages

  • Create original gift design

Wonder at Home 🏠

Family Activity: Have a family gratitude night! Each person makes a gift for another family member. Share what you're thankful for about each person. Start a "Thankful Jar" for November.

Teacher Notes

  • Time gift completion for family events

  • Consider class gift for school staff

  • Display gratitude art on bulletin board

  • Connect to school Thanksgiving activities

Previous: Session 05 — Garden Engineers
Next: Session 07 — Star Makers