Grade Level: First Grade

In this lesson plan, first graders use BrainPOP Jr. resources to explore the concept of gratitude. They learn how being grateful can help them be a better friend and show compassion. Then they practice mindfulness to help appreciating the people around them.  

 

Lesson Plan Common Core State Standards Alignments

Students will:

  1. Build background knowledge: Watch the BrainPOP Jr. Gratitude movie.
  2. Think and Do: Practice mindfulness with guidance from Annie and Moby.
  3. Complete an Assessment: Take the Gratitude EASY Quiz to show what they learned.

Materials:

  • Internet access for BrainPOP Jr.
  • Printout of Easy Quiz (offline option)

Preparation:

*If using this lesson for distance learning, setup for video conferencing, such as Zoom, Google Meet, etc. Create and send an invitation with a link.

Lesson Procedure:

  1. Tap students’ prior knowledge. Ask: What are you thankful for? How do you feel when you think about the people and things you’re thankful for? 
  2. Watch the BrainPOP Jr. movie Gratitude. Click the pause button each time a question appears in Annie’s Notebook and answer it. Then play to see how Annie answers it.    TIP: The pause button turns red to remind you to pause.   Offline Option: Print out the transcript and Annie’s Notebook for a grown-up to read aloud at home. Suggest that the child play Moby and “Beep” in response to Annie. 
  3. Instruct students to open their Activity assignment. Or, if you are not using the Assignment Builder, show how to open the Activity Hover over the prompt to hear it read aloud: Practice mindfulness with Moby. For three minutes, focus on your breathing and appreciate the people around you.

    Encourage students to practice mindfulness in a quiet place where they won’t be interrupted.
  4. Have students open their Quiz assignment. Or, if you are not using the Assignment Builder, show how to open the Easy Quiz.  
  5. To hear the questions and answer read aloud, show students how to hover over the words. If you assigned the quiz, you will see students’ results in your Dashboard. If not assigned, remind students to click the Submit to Teacher button.

    Offline Option: Print out the Easy Quiz for students by clicking the print icon.  Read aloud each question and answer options, repeating as needed.