Lesson
2
:

Learning Gratitude from a Nonfiction Text

Grade

Grade 1

UNIT

3

Gratitude

Last Updated:

June 3, 2025

Unit 3, Lesson 2, “Learning Gratitude from a Nonfiction Text,” reinforces the vocabulary word gratitude. Students will learn examples of gratitude from a nonfiction text. Additionally, students will practice their reading comprehension skills by hearing a reading from the teacher. Finally, students will create their own sentences that demonstrate their reading comprehension.

SUGGESTED TIME:

20 minutes

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

  • Listen to a read aloud to develop reading comprehension skills
  • Spell, define, and give an example of gratitude
  • Compose 2 sentences that demonstrate comprehension of the word gratitude 
  • Demonstrate understanding of standard English sentence structure and grammar  
  • Practice reading and conversation skills by sharing sentences with classmates

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

VOCABULARY:

  • Gratitude: I am thankful for many things, big and small.

ELA COMMON CORE STANDARDS MET

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.1

Demonstrate understanding of the organization and basic features of print.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.1.A

Recognize the distinguishing features of a sentence (e.g., first word, capitalization, ending punctuation).

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.2

Demonstrate understanding of spoken words, syllables, and sounds (phonemes).

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.3

Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.4

Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.4.C

Use context to confirm or self-correct word recognition and understanding, rereading as necessary.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1

Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1.G

Use frequently occurring conjunctions (e.g., and, but, or, so, because).

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.2

Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.2.B

Use end punctuation for sentences.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.2.E

Spell untaught words phonetically, drawing on phonemic awareness and spelling conventions.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1

Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 1 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1.A

Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions (e.g., listening to others and taking turns speaking about the topics and texts under discussion).

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1.B

Build on others' talk in conversations by responding to the comments of others through multiple exchanges

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1.C

Ask questions to clear up any confusion about the topics and texts under discussion.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.2

Ask and answer questions about key details in a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.6

Produce complete sentences when appropriate to task and situation

CHARACTER AND SOCIAL EMOTIONAL (CSED) NATIONAL STANDARDS MET

Moral Character A6

Understand what gratitude is (the ability to recognize and express appreciation) and why practicing gratitude is a character strength

Social-Awareness A

Demonstrate the ability to empathize and take the perspective of others, including demonstrating awareness of cultural differences and respect for human dignity

Social-Awareness A3

Demonstrate the ability to listen carefully and intentionally to others

Social-Awareness A6

Be able to tell stories and listen to stories told by others

Interpersonal/ Relationship Skills 1

Initiate and engage in conversation and social interactions with classmates, peers, and adults

Interpersonal/ Relationship Skills 7

Play games and appropriately participate in small group classroom activities

Responsible and Ethical Decision-Making 1

Describe a rule or principle that everyone should strive to live by (e.g., be kind, be honest, try your best)

LESSON PROCEDURE

Today we will continue to learn about gratitude.

  1. Write gratitude on the board. 
  2. Ask students to spell gratitude on their worksheets.
  3. Ask students what we learned about gratitude from the last lesson.
  4. Activity: guide students around a (quiet) tour of the school and have them look for three things they see that they are grateful for. Bring students back to the classroom and ask them what they saw that they are grateful for.
  5. Read the book: We Are Grateful | Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorel or play the video: Read aloud of We Are Grateful | Otsaliheliga by the Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning (~5 min).
  6. Ask students how the Cherokee people in the book showed gratitude, then have them write their sentences on their worksheets.
  7. Have students take turns sharing their sentences with a partner.

GRADE 1 UNIT 3 WORKSHEET 2: LEARNING GRATITUDE FROM A NONFICTION TEXT

Gratitude: I am thankful for many things, big and small.

Write the word gratitude: 

_________________________________________________________________________

ACTIVITY: Write 2 sentences that explain 2 things for which the Cherokee people show gratitude.

1.

2. 

Prohuman K-12 Curriculum © 2025 by Prohuman Foundation is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.
To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

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