Say thanks for something specific

Student page

“I can thank someone for what they actually did.”

At the end of class

A pencil cup spills. Eli helps Noor pick up the pencils before the bell. Noor wants to thank Eli.

Name the action

Eli picked up the pencils.

Say what it changed

Noor got to clean up before the bell.

A note Noor could write

“Thanks for helping me pick up the pencils. I got cleaned up before the bell.”

Write or draw a thank-you

Use one example below or think of something someone did for you.

Someone showed you where to find a book. / Someone saved you a seat.

Thanks for…

________________________________________

________________________________________

That helped me…

________________________________________

________________________________________

You can keep your note or share it if you want.

Teacher guide

5 minutes • Show the student page. Paper and pencil are optional.

When to use it

At the end of the day or after students have helped one another during a task.

Why this activity

Naming the action shows the other person what they did that mattered.

What to say and do

1. Read the pencil story and sample note. Ask “What did Eli do?”

2. Offer the book and seat examples. Have students choose one, use their own, or draw it.

3. Invite students to read a practice note, keep it, or share it.

What to listen or look for

“Thanks for showing me where the book was. I found it before reading time.” The note names one action and how it helped. Students can also show both ideas in a drawing.

Background and activity inspiration

https://ggie.berkeley.edu/practice/looking-for-gratitude-in-school/