Gratitude
Year 2: We should remember to be happy with what we have, rather than envious and always wanting something else.
Core Story
The Stonecutter by Laura Barella. This story is based on a Japanese folktale in which a stonecutter wishes for more riches and power. His wish is granted when he becomes king, but the sun is too powerful for him. He becomes the sun but he cannot shine through the rainclouds and the wind. He becomes the rainclouds and the wind but he is not powerful enough to cut the rock. He ends up wishing he was a stonecutter and realises the great strength and contentment he had in the first place.
Drawing out the virtue
At the beginning of the story was the Stonecutter happy with his life in the mountains? Yes
Then what happened? He became envious of others.
What did he realise in the end? That his original life was best after all!
Activity 1: Gratitude quotes posters
Quotes are like road signs. They give you directions for our life journey, and provide reminders, motivation and inspiration along the way. The PowerPoint Y2 Gratitude contains a collection of quotes on the subject of gratitude. Ask the class to work in pairs. Give each pair a strip of paper with a quote on it. Ask the pupils to discuss with their partner what they think the quote means. Choose some children to share their ideas with the class. Now working individually, ask the children to create a poster on sugar paper. The poster should be beautifully presented and include the original quote, the pupils’ interpretation in their own words, and a visual representation. These can be made into a gratitude classroom display.
This lesson is adapted with gratitude from www.SpreadingGratitudeRocks.com
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Classroom language
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Sayings
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I like the way you said thank you to that person for doing something kind for you.
Remember that we always say thank you for the kind things people do for us.
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Counting your blessings.
The grass is always greener on the other side.
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Library books
The Awesome Book of Thanks by Clayton Dallas
Sam and the Lucky Money by Karen Chinn
Heart of Gold: A Jakata Tale (Dharma Publishing)
A Christmas Carol and Other Favourites by Jim Weiss
Sausages by Jessica Souhami
Zoo Girl by Rebecca Elliott – Year 1
Boy by James Mayhew
Small Bunny’s Blue Blanket by Tatyana Feeney
Kicking a Ball by Allan Ahlberg