Lessons

Grade 4

Lesson

Learning Gratitude from Literature

Lesson

Learning Gratitude from Literature

Grade

Grade 4

UNIT

•

Gratitude

Last Updated:

June 3, 2025

In Unit 3, Lesson 1, “Learning Gratitude from Literature,” students will learn examples of gratitude from a contemporary work of children’s literature. Students will also write sentences demonstrating their comprehension of the word gratitude. Finally, students will practice reading and conversation skills by sharing sentences with classmates.

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SUGGESTED TIME:

20 minutes

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LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Listen to a read aloud to improve understanding of English sentence structure and comprehension
Ask and answer questions to understand the meaning of a text
Determine the central message, lesson, or moral of a story and explain how it is conveyed through key details in the text
Demonstrate understanding of the word gratitude
Demonstrate understanding of standard English sentence structure and grammar
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions

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REQUIRED MATERIALS:

Fiction text: Gracias/Thanks by Pat Mora (English and Spanish edition) or
Read aloud of Read aloud of Gracias/Thanks by Ms. Karina Reads A Book (~5 min)
Prohuman Grade 4 Unit 3 Worksheet 1: Learning Gratitude from Literature

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VOCABULARY:

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

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ELA COMMON CORE STANDARDS MET

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.1

Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.2

Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.3

Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character's thoughts, words, or actions).

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.10

By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poetry, in the grades 4-5 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.4.3

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

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.4.4

Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.4.4.A

Read grade-level text with purpose and understanding.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.9

Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.9.A

Apply grade 4 Reading standards to literature (e.g., "Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text [e.g., a character's thoughts, words, or actions].").

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1

Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 4 topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1.B

Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions and carry out assigned roles.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1.C

Pose and respond to specific questions to clarify or follow up on information, and make comments that contribute to the discussion and link to the remarks of others.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1.D

Review the key ideas expressed and explain their own ideas and understanding in light of the discussion.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.1

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

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.1.F

Produce complete sentences, recognizing and correcting inappropriate fragments and run-ons.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.2

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

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.2.A

Use correct capitalization.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.2.D

Spell grade-appropriate words correctly, consulting references as needed.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.3

Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.3.A

Choose words and phrases to convey ideas precisely.

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CHARACTER AND SOCIAL EMOTIONAL (CSED) NATIONAL STANDARDS MET

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Moral Character A5

Offer examples of when you expressed gratitude to another person

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Moral Character B5

Provide an example of a friend or role model who demonstrates gratitude

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Self-Awareness A3

Explain the ways in which you use and practice your personal strengths (e.g., your willingness to help others, your positivity)

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Social-Awareness A1

Use “I-statements” to let others know that you have heard them

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Social-Awareness A4

Explain a time when you put yourself in “someone else’s shoes” in order to understand their perspective and point of view

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Responsible and Ethical Decision-Making A1

Write and share with your classmates an ethical principle you wish everyone in the world would follow all the time (e.g., all people are created equal, be honest, be kind)

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LESSON PROCEDURE

Ask students what gratitude means.
Give them the definition: I am thankful for many things, big and small.
Read the book Gracias/Thanks by Pat Mora (English and Spanish edition) or
Play the video: Read aloud of Read aloud of Gracias/Thanks by Ms. Karina Reads A Book (~5 min)
Have students complete the questions on their worksheet.
Have students read their sentences to a partner.
Discuss the 30-Day Gratitude Challenge.

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EXTENSION ACTIVITIES - SUGGESTIONS

Talk with your students about times you have seen people demonstrating gratitude. You could give examples of family, friends, and/or historical or current public figures.
Talk with your students about times in your life when you have demonstrated gratitude, despite hardships.

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GRADE 4 UNIT 3 WORKSHEET 1: LEARNING GRATITUDE FROM LITERATURE

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

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ACTIVITY:

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How did the main character in this story show gratitude?

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What is the story’s main message about gratitude?

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What in this story could be an ethical principle (a rule about doing good) that everyone in the world could follow all the time?

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EXTRA CREDIT:

Each day, for the next 30 days, write something for which you are grateful. It should be something different each day. There is a place for you to write on the next page.

30 DAY GRATITUDE CHALLENGE

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Day 1 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Day 2 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Day 30 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

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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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