Welcome everyone! Today we’re launching our “Joyful Journals” lesson. Explain that over the next 45 minutes we’ll explore gratitude, notice moments of joy, and record them in our personal journals.

Read each objective aloud. Ask if there are any questions about what they’ll do today.

Explain why focusing on gratitude matters. Invite students to share quick examples of times when noticing something positive helped them feel better.

Pose the question and give students 30 seconds to think quietly. Then solicit 2–3 volunteers to share responses.

Distribute the [Joyful Journals Reflection Template](#joyful-journals-reflection-template). Walk through each section so students know how to complete it.

Invite students to write at least three entries. Circulate and offer sentence starters (e.g., “I felt happy when…”). Provide quiet support.

Pair students and remind them to listen carefully. Encourage each partner to ask “Why was that moment special?”

Invite volunteers to share one entry aloud. Then hand out a sticky note or index card for the exit ticket.

Remind students that gratitude journaling can be a daily habit. Encourage them to notice small joys.