Gratitude Lesson Plan

What’s Inside This Gratitude Yoga Lesson

✿ Breathwork to Encourage in Gratitude ✿

We begin by warming the body and settling the mind through playful, somatic breath practices:

• Squeeze & Release Breath | thank each part of the body as you gently hug it.

• Cooper’s Posture with Gratitude | open the heart and honor the self for showing up.

• Around-the-World Squeeze | a group pulse that reminds children they’re connected and supported.

These simple tools help kids regulate, connect, and feel grounded.

✿ Somatic Warm-Up + Thankful Body Exploration ✿

Children move through a mindful body-rub warm-up, offering appreciation to arms, legs, bellies, backs, and hearts. This helps build self-esteem, body awareness, and emotional literacy | beautiful foundations for any yoga lesson plan for kids teachers.

✿ Yoga Poses + Gratitude Affirmations ✿

Each pose is paired with an age-friendly mantra to deepen meaning:

• Wide-Leg Forward Fold | “Thank you, neighbors. Thank you, me.”

• Plank Pose | gratitude for the earth and sky that hold us up.

• Butterfly Pose | honoring growth, change, and transformation.

Kids embody appreciation through movement, breath, and words.

✿ Mindful Story: The Sharing Squirrel ✿

We explore the heartwarming story of a little squirrel learning to share its fall treasures with others. This narrative helps children reflect on generosity, abundance, and community | all through imaginative yoga-based play.

✿ Movement Practice: Gratitude in Every Direction ✿

Children move joyfully while embodying things many people feel thankful for:

• Animals they love

• Elements of nature

• Plants and trees

• Food and nourishment

• Laughter, fun, and connection

We also celebrate the sun with a thankful sun salutation | a dance-like flow that warms the heart and body.

✿ Partner Poses for Cooperation ✿

Kids learn to communicate, support each other, and shine together through:

• Foot high-five pose

• Shapes that encourage working as a team

• Heart-opening partner balances

• Moments of shared connection

• Creating a partner heart

These practices foster empathy, trust, and collaboration—essential life skills.

✿ Creative Movement & Group Activities ✿

• Positivity Tunnel | children form a tunnel of encouragement and speak kind affirmations to each friend who passes through.

• Blocks of Kindness Balance Game | stack wooden blocks on a partner’s feet to symbolize building kindness together.

• Gentle “Help Each Other Fly” Aero Yoga | cooperative, safe, light-assisted flying that builds trust and joy.

These activities bring gratitude to life through teamwork and imagination.

✿ Guided Savasana: Thanking the Body from Head to Toe ✿

The class closes with a nurturing relaxation where children are guided to offer gratitude to every part of their body. This calming visualization helps them integrate the lesson’s themes and leave feeling centered, loved, and peaceful.

✿ Perfect For ✿

• Classroom & physical education teachers

• Kids yoga instructors

• Homeschool families wanting a homeschool kids yoga lesson plan

• Nature school & forest school educators

• Counselors, OTs, PTs, SLPs, and play therapists

• Parents looking for meaningful at-home mindfulness

✿ Easy-to-Use Digital Download ✿

This printable includes everything you need to confidently teach a full gratitude-themed class. Simply print, teach, and enjoy meaningful connection with your students.