As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s the perfect opportunity to take a moment to encourage your students to reflect on what they’re thankful for. This Gratitude Tree Classroom Activity is a simple, heartfelt craft that gets students thinking about what they are grateful for in life, bringing warmth to any elementary school classroom.

🌳 Gratitude Tree: Thanksgiving Activity for Kids

🍂 What You’ll Need:

• Fall-colored construction paper (reds, oranges, yellows, browns)
• Scissors, hole punch, string/yarn
• Markers, crayons
• A wall or space for your “Gratitude Tree”
• KIDZ BOP Thanksgiving Playlist🎶

📝 Step-by-Step:

1. Play the KIDZ BOP Thanksgiving Playlist during craft time

2. Create a classroom “tree”: 

• Draw one on your whiteboard 

• Use brown butcher paper on a bulletin board 

• Or decorate a potted plant!

3. Have students cut out leaf shapes from construction paper. 

4. On each leaf, they write what they’re thankful for! 

• “I’m thankful for my dog because he makes me laugh.” 

• “I’m thankful for recess because I get to play with my friends.” 

 5. Help them hole punch and hang the leaves on the tree using yarn or tape. 

Soon, your classroom will be covered in gratitude! 

🧡 Why It Works:

• ✅ Encourages reflection, empathy, and mindfulness
• ✅ Fun and festive for November
• ✅ Supports Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
• ✅ Perfect for grades K–5

🍽️ Wrap It Up with a Gratitude Circle!

After all the leaves are hung, take a few minutes as a class to walk around and read each other’s leaves aloud. It’s a great way to build community, kindness, and connection.

📧 Want More Holiday-Themed Activities Like This?

Sign up for the KIDZ BOP Teacher Newsletter and get:

• Monthly classroom activities
• Kid-safe music playlists
• Free printables for your bulletin boards and more!

🦃 Happy Thanksgiving from KIDZ BOP!

Let’s help students focus on gratitude, friendship, and the things that matter most — with music, creativity, and a classroom full of thankful hearts.