November is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and recognize the many big and small things in our lives that bring joy and meaning. The Gratitude Alphabet Class Book is a simple yet powerful way to help students cultivate thankfulness while building classroom community.

What It Is

As a class, students work together to create an A-to-Z gratitude book. Each student (or pair) takes a letter and writes/illustrates one page, completing the prompt:

“I am grateful for ___ because…”

A = art (“because it lets me be creative”)

B = books (“because they take me on adventures”)

C = cousins (“because they make me laugh”)

The final product is a colorful, student-created book that showcases the diverse perspectives and personalities in your classroom.

How It Works

Assign letters: Each student (or partner pair) is given a letter of the alphabet. For larger classes, some letters can be doubled up; for smaller classes, students can take more than one.

Create pages: Students complete their page with both writing and an illustration that reflects their gratitude.

Compile the book: Collect the pages and bind them into one “Gratitude Alphabet” book.

Share and celebrate: Take time to read the finished book as a class, display it in the hallway, or share it during a family event or circle time.

Encourage students to think beyond the obvious answers. Gratitude doesn’t have to be grand—it can be as small as “hats” (H) or as personal as “my neighbor” (N). This helps every child find something meaningful and unique.

Ideas for the Classroom

• Host a “Gratitude Read-Aloud” where each student shares their page with the class.
• Add the finished book to your classroom library so students can revisit it throughout the year.
• Pair the project with a mini-lesson on thankfulness, empathy, or positive mindset.

Why It Works

Encourages reflection: Students pause to think about what really matters to them.

Expands vocabulary: The alphabet format nudges students to explore ideas they might not typically consider.

Strengthens connections: By sharing personal gratitude, students learn more about each other and build stronger bonds.

Celebrates uniqueness: The variety of responses highlights how gratitude looks different for everyone—and that’s something to be celebrated.

Extension

• Turn the Gratitude Alphabet into a keepsake:
• Send home a digital copy for families to enjoy.
• Present it at a November assembly or family night.
• Revisit the idea in the spring to see how students’ gratitude grows and changes.

This project is low-prep, meaningful, and fun—a beautiful way to blend literacy, social-emotional learning, and community building all in one.