November is the perfect time to teach gratitude, especially with Thanksgiving around the corner. Gratitude is more than saying “thank you”; it’s about recognizing and appreciating the kindness around us. For elementary students, learning to express gratitude builds empathy, kindness, and positive relationships. As a school counselor, social worker, or school psychologist, you have the opportunity to guide students in understanding gratitude in a fun, interactive way.
Everyday Speech offers a Gratitude Activity for November called “Gratitude Bingo.” This engaging activity encourages students to practice acts of kindness, express thankfulness, and reflect on what they’re grateful for. Let’s dive into how you can use Gratitude Bingo to teach gratitude in a meaningful way.
What is Gratitude Bingo?
Gratitude Bingo is an interactive activity where students complete various gratitude-focused tasks on a Bingo board. Each square includes an act of kindness or a reflection on gratitude. From “Telling someone you care about them” to “Drawing something you’re grateful for,” each task encourages students to practice thankfulness in different ways.
This Gratitude Activity for November is perfect for elementary school specialists who want to teach gratitude in a structured yet engaging manner. The activity helps students visualize their progress as they color in each completed square, making the learning experience rewarding.
Benefits of Using Gratitude Bingo in the Classroom
Gratitude Bingo provides multiple benefits for students, from improving social connections to enhancing emotional well-being. Here’s why this activity can be valuable in your sessions:
1. Encourages Positive Behavior
Gratitude Bingo prompts students to engage in acts of kindness, which promotes positive behavior. Simple tasks like “Give someone a compliment” encourage students to build positive interactions with their peers, strengthening their social skills.
2. Builds Self-Awareness
By reflecting on things they’re grateful for, students become more aware of their emotions and surroundings. Self-awareness is a key social-emotional skill that helps students understand their feelings and appreciate others.
3. Supports Mental Health
Practicing gratitude is linked to better mental health. Studies show that grateful individuals are often happier and less stressed. By engaging in a gratitude activity, students can experience these emotional benefits, leading to a positive mindset.
4. Creates a Sense of Community
Gratitude Bingo brings students together as they share their reflections and acts of kindness. This sense of community builds a supportive classroom environment where everyone feels valued.
How to Use the Gratitude Activity for November in Your Classroom
Incorporating the Gratitude Activity for November into your classroom is easy and impactful. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you maximize its benefits.
Step 1: Introduce Gratitude and its Importance
Start by explaining what gratitude means in simple terms. Use phrases like “Gratitude is when we feel thankful for things we have or people we care about.” Discuss why it’s important to express gratitude and how it makes us feel good.
Step 2: Hand Out the Gratitude Bingo Boards
Provide each student with a Gratitude Bingo board. Explain that each square represents an act of kindness or gratitude that they can complete over the next few days or weeks. Encourage them to try completing the entire board but remind them that each square they complete makes a difference.
Step 3: Complete Activities Leading up to Thanksgiving
Ask students to complete the activities in each Bingo square leading up to Thanksgiving. For example, one day they might “Tell someone you care about them,” and the next day, they might “Draw something they’re grateful for.” Encourage them to work at their own pace.
Step 4: Visualize Progress
Each time a student completes an activity, have them color in the square or place a sticker over it. This visual progress boosts motivation and gives students a sense of accomplishment.
Step 5: Optional Sharing and Reflection
Once the board is complete, offer an optional sharing session. Students can share their favorite activities with their classmates or teacher. Ask reflective questions like, “Which activity made you feel happiest?” or “How did helping others make you feel?” This discussion deepens their understanding of gratitude and its impact.
Unlock more seasonal social learning materials by signing up for your free trial today – no credit card required!
Access the full Social Communication Curriculum HERE!
Instant access to thousands of no-prep social skills activities, over 1000+ video lessons, and engaging games designed to enhance learning and development.
Why This Gratitude Activity Works
Everyday Speech’s Gratitude Activity for November is designed to make learning gratitude easy, engaging, and fun. With visual prompts and hands-on activities, students practice kindness, empathy, and self-reflection. This activity goes beyond simply teaching gratitude; it helps students feel the positive impact of gratitude on themselves and their peers.
Everyday Speech’s Gratitude Bingo is a flexible tool that you can integrate seamlessly into your lesson plans. Whether used in school counseling sessions or classroom activities, Gratitude Bingo fosters a positive learning environment, encouraging students to think beyond themselves.
Conclusion: Embrace Gratitude in November
November is the perfect time to teach students about the value of gratitude. Everyday Speech’s Gratitude Activity for November offers a unique way for students to express thankfulness and kindness, building essential social-emotional skills. With each completed square on the Bingo board, students gain a deeper understanding of gratitude and how it can improve their lives.
Incorporate this Gratitude Activity for November into your classroom to inspire students to reflect, share, and celebrate gratitude. By teaching them to appreciate the people and moments around them, you’re helping them build a foundation of positivity, empathy, and connection.
Sample Video
Students learn best by watching others their same-age model the behavior! Check out a sample video modeling lesson below. We offer our entire Social-Emotional Learning platform free for 14 days here!
