Grade Level: Third Grade

In this lesson plan, third 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 apply their understanding by completing an on- or offline concept map identifying what they are grateful for, and how it makes them feel. 

Lesson Plan Common Core State Standards Alignments

Students will:

  1. Build background knowledge: Watch the BrainPOP Jr. Gratitude movie.
  2. Express understanding: Complete an on- or offline concept map identifying what they are grateful for and how it makes them feel.
  3. Complete an Assessment: Take the Gratitude Quiz to show what they learned.

Materials:

  • Internet access for BrainPOP Jr.
  • Printable concept web (offline option)
  • Printout of Quiz  (offline option)

Preparation:

  • Preview the BrainPOP Jr. movie Gratitude to plan for any adaptations. 
  • Read Gratitude Background Information.
  • Assign Make-a-Map. (optional) 
  • Print out and make copies of concept web. (offline option)
  • Assign Quiz. (optional)
  • Print out and make copies of Quiz. (offline option)
  •   *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. Have students open their Make-a-Map assignment. Or, if you are not using the Assignment Builder, show how to open Make-a-Map
    4. Instruct students to make a concept map that identifies what they are grateful for, and how those things make them feel.   Model how to use Make-a-Map. Start a new map by selecting “create new.” Then click a node from the menu sidebar, and put it in the center of the screen. Type the word “Gratitude”. Then show how to add keywords and images from the movie to their maps. Finally, demonstrate how they can play the movie, clicking the camera to take a moment from the movie and add it to their map.   When students finish, remind them to click the Submit To Teacher button and/or print out.

      Offline Option: Students complete an offline concept web, writing words and drawing pictures that show how they show gratitude.
    5. Have students open their Quiz assignment. Or, if you are not using the Assignment Builder, show how to open the Quiz. You can choose the Easy or Hard Quiz. 
    6. 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 Quiz for students by clicking the print icon.   Read aloud each question and answer options, repeating as needed.