Difficulty: Explorer (Level 1)
As a new year begins, it is a wonderful time to talk about gratitude. When you appreciate someone or something special, it can create a warm, happy feeling. Noticing the good things you have – no matter if they are big or small – will make your heart smile.
Acrostic poem
A fantastic way to share your feelings is by writing a type of poem called an acrostic. It is like a puzzle made with the letters of a word.
Instructions
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You can start with an easy word with only six letters, like “Thanks”. Or you could choose “Gratitude” or “Thankfulness”. Write one letter per line on the left side of the lines on this activity.
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Brainstorm! For each letter, think of a word or short sentence about what you are thankful for this year. For example, if you are writing something for the letter “G” in “Gratitude”, you can write “Gifts make me happy”.
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Continue writing your acrostic poem until you have reached the last letter. Share it with your loved ones to spread the joy of gratefulness.
Gratitude garland
Let’s create a beautiful paper chain that’s full of thankful thoughts! This garland is a special decoration that shows all the things you’re thankful for.
Materials
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strips of colourful paper (about 5cm tall and 20cm long)
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markers
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tape or glue
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string
Instructions
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In the centre of each paper strip, write one thing you are grateful for in big letters. It could be “my family”, “warm socks” or “a sunny day”. Decorate it with doodles!
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Curl a strip into a circle, and tape the ends together. Make sure your doodle and writing can be seen on the outside of the loop you made.
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Loop the next strip through the first circle, and tape it shut so that it is linked to the other strip. Keep linking each new loop to the last one.
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Once your chain is done, hang it up with string to decorate your home. You can continue adding more thankfulness loops throughout the year as a reminder of all the blessings you have.
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