The holiday season is the perfect time to focus on gratitude and reflection. Everyday Speech’s Winter Holiday Gratitude Craft, Cup of Gratitude, offers elementary school counselors and social workers a fun and creative way to teach students about thankfulness. This hands-on activity engages students in reflecting on the people, experiences, and moments that bring them joy while building critical social-emotional skills.
By practicing gratitude, students learn to focus on the positives in their lives, fostering emotional well-being and stronger connections with others.
What Is the Cup of Gratitude Activity?
The Cup of Gratitude activity encourages students to create a “hot cocoa” cup filled with marshmallows of thankfulness. Each marshmallow represents something students are grateful for, helping them reflect on their lives in a meaningful way.
How It Works:
- Write Reflections on Marshmallows
Students fill out marshmallows with prompts such as:- I am grateful for…
- I want to thank…
- Something that made me happy today is…
- Create the Gratitude Cup
Students cut out and assemble a hot cocoa cup, decorating it with whipped cream and other creative touches. - Share with a Peer or Family Member
Once completed, students share their gratitude cups with a friend, family member, or the class, fostering connection and empathy.
Why Gratitude Is Essential for SEL
Gratitude plays a critical role in social-emotional learning (SEL). It helps students develop self-awareness, build empathy, and strengthen their relationships. The Winter Holiday Gratitude Craft is a tangible way to teach these skills in a festive and engaging format.
SEL Benefits of Gratitude:
- Enhances Self-Awareness: Students reflect on what matters most to them.
- Fosters Empathy: Sharing gratitude encourages students to think about others’ impact on their lives.
- Promotes Optimism: Recognizing the positives shifts focus from what’s missing to what’s present.
How to Use This Craft in Counseling or SEL Lessons
The Cup of Gratitude is easy to incorporate into individual or group sessions, making it a versatile tool for SEL-focused lessons.
1. Begin with a Gratitude Discussion
Start by defining gratitude and asking students what they’re thankful for. Use examples to guide the discussion.
2. Encourage Creative Expression
Provide a variety of art supplies for decorating the gratitude cups. Allow students to personalize their creations.
3. Facilitate Sharing
Have students share their gratitude marshmallows with a partner or the group. Discuss how it feels to express and hear gratitude.
4. Extend the Activity
Encourage students to share their completed gratitude cups with family members during the holiday season to spark meaningful conversations at home.
Tips for Success
- Use Prompts: Offer sentence starters to help students think about what they’re grateful for.
- Model Gratitude: Share your own marshmallow examples to inspire students.
- Celebrate Diversity: Highlight that gratitude looks different for everyone and all expressions of it are valuable.
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Everyday Speech: Supporting SEL Year-Round
The Cup of Gratitude is part of Everyday Speech’s comprehensive library of SEL tools, including video modeling lessons, interactive games, and creative activities. Designed to make SEL lessons engaging and impactful, Everyday Speech’s resources help educators foster emotional growth and positive relationships in their students.
Why the Holiday Season Is Perfect for Gratitude Lessons
The holidays are a time for reflection, connection, and giving. Teaching gratitude during this season reinforces these values and helps students focus on the joy of togetherness. The Winter Holiday Gratitude Craft is an ideal activity to guide students in expressing their thankfulness in a way that’s creative and meaningful.
Final Thoughts
Everyday Speech’s Winter Holiday Gratitude Craft, Cup of Gratitude, is a simple yet powerful way to teach students about thankfulness. By filling their cocoa cups with marshmallows of gratitude, students gain self-awareness, build empathy, and strengthen their relationships.
Bring this festive and impactful activity to your counseling or SEL sessions and watch your students thrive emotionally while celebrating the spirit of the season.
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!
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