Suitable for all age groups, from pre-school children to secondary school students.

• To promote awareness and expression of gratitude.

• To foster a positive climate in the classroom and at school.

• To develop positive relationships and empathy among pupils.

• Here and now: Learners focus on their current feelings of gratitude.

• Awareness: Awareness of one's own positive feelings and the actions of others is encouraged.

• Contact: Sharing gratitude fosters a sense of connectedness and support in the community.

• Large sheet of paper or poster for the tree.

• Leaf shaped pieces of paper.

• Glue or tape.

• Markers or pens.

10 minutes.

A few minutes a day or a week, depending on the teacher's planning.

1. Preparation: The teacher prepares and fixes a large sheet of paper or poster in a prominent place in the classroom. Draw or attach a cut-out tree shape on it.

2. Implementation:

3. Each student receives a slip of paper in the shape of a leaf and writes an object or person for which he/she is grateful.

4. When the pupils have finished writing, they glue their slips of paper one by one onto the 'tree', so that the tree gradually 'turns green' with gratitude.

5. Regular routine: The activity can be done daily (e.g. at the beginning of the day) or weekly to maintain and encourage continuous expressions of gratitude.

For younger learners, the teacher can prepare slips of paper in advance with designs drawn or printed on them for the learners to choose. For older learners, the activity can be complemented by a discussion on the importance of gratitude and its impact on well-being.

For the reflection phase, invite participants to quietly contemplate the meanings of their shared gratitudes, then discuss how these acknowledgments impact their feelings and relationships.

• Enhanced trust and security within the group, leading to a more cohesive unit.

• Increased relaxation and openness to emotional and sensory experiences.

• Improved understanding of non-verbal communication and the significance of physical space in interpersonal interactions.

The teacher should promote a positive atmosphere and ensure that each student is heard. It is important to stress that there are no right or wrong answers and that every expression of gratitude is appreciated. The teacher may occasionally invite students to share stories or reasons for their choices if they feel comfortable.