Gratitude Trees from All Over!

The Gratitude Tree Story and Class Activity is a great lesson for teaching kids about gratitude around Thanksgiving or any time of the year.  The printable leaves make this a quick and easy craft that will give students a beautiful lasting reminder to be grateful.

The gratitude tree I created (below) was made on a gloss painted cinderblock wall.  I made the tree from fabric, it actually has a small printed design.  I soaked the tree in some diluted glue and applied it to the wall like wallpaper.  I used a damp sponge to smooth it out and wipe off the extra glue.  You can also paint on extra glue with a brush as needed.  The tree just peeled off the wall when I was finished.  Please test this out using a small piece of fabric first because every wall is a little different.  Liquid starch should work in lieu of diluted Elmer's glue.

 I especially like how Catherine Hurd's tree has a combination of leave styles!  I'm also impressed by how they made a leaf for each person that works at the school.  What a fantastic way to have students share the message about feeling gratitude!  

The next images show some pictures from a musical my friend, Aileen Miracle, created and performed with her elementary students.  You can read more about it on her blog.  She will lead you through the performance with enough detail to have your own performance.  I was honored to attend the show and her 3rd graders did a terrific job! 

This sweet tree was made by first graders.  
Notice how they included the little bird from the story in the branches!    

I just love that Rachel Murdock was able to accomplish this in one art lesson!  You can see from the images below that the small size makes a big impact! No need to be intimidated by the scale of some of the other trees - beautiful things can come in small packages! 

The Gratitude Tree is available on Teachers Pay Teachers and my website.

If you've made a gratitude tree and would like me to include you in this post, please email 2-3 pictures to me and tell me a little something about your experience. You can use the email icon at the top of the page, or email them to draw@expressivemonkey.com.  

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