Definition:

 Someone who is grateful is thankful for people, nature, and things. Stewardship means taking good care of what we’ve been given.

In short:

Thankful for every blessing, big or small.

Summary:
Mina struggles with a bad habit of complaining - she easily concludes that “it isn’t fair” when others have what she wants.  Her mom helps her by making a gratitude jar, “a special jar that reminds us of the good things in our lives.” At first Mina can’t think of any gratitudes, but with mom’s assistance, she discovers lots of reasons to be thankful. 

Lesson Objectives: 

1. Students are more inclined to notice the good things in their lives, and are likely to express gratitude more often. 
2. Teachers can guide students to make their own gratitude jars to keep and use at school or take home and use with their families. 

Guiding Questions: 

1. Describe some of the reasons why Mina is so unhappy. 
2. What does Mina say every time she thinks about what others have that she wishes she had? Hint: It isn’t … (Fill in the blank)
3. What does the word gratitude mean to you? 
4. Describe what a gratitude jar is.  
5. How does Mina decorate her gratitude jar? 
6. Name three things for which Mina is grateful. Name three things for which you are grateful. 
7. How does Mina’s family use the gratitude jar? 
8. After Mina gets into the habit of sharing her gratitudes, how does she change?  
9. How would you decorate your gratitude jar? Make one to share with your family. 
10. Next time you feel like complaining, try to think about something for which you feel grateful and see if it makes you feel better.