This gratitude tree printable is one of my favorite Thanksgiving activities for individuals with autism! Use it with kids, teenagers or adults to prepare to build conversation skills, discuss the concept of “gratitude” and prepare for Thanksgiving in a fun and educational way. Use the Gratitude Tree printable at home, in the classroom or as part of a therapy session. Download and print out the Gratitude Tree printable to get the most out of this post!
What is a gratitude tree printable?
A Gratitude Tree printable is a fun, printable activity including a drawing of a tree and several leaves that you can cut out and write different words on.
Check out the Autism Activities Workbook Bundle for more printable autism activities!
Prepare your gratitude tree printable
Materials needed
- Free printable Gratitude Tree activity
- Scissors
- Markers
- Crayons
- Glue stick
Steps
- Step 1 – Download and print out the free Gratitude Tree printable
- Step 2 – Cut out the leaves
- Step 3 – Have your child or student write something they are grateful for on each leaf. (Alternatively, have them say the words and you can write one word on each leaf.)
*If you are working on cutting skills with your little learners, make sure you read my article about scissor skills development and check out these Fall cutting activities.
Check out the Autism Activities Workbook Bundle for more printable autism activities!
How to use your gratitude tree printable
- Step 1 – Cut out the leaves and have your child or student write what they are grateful for on each leaf, using one leaf for each word. (Alternatively, have them say the words and you can write one word on each leaf.)
- Step 2 – Stick the leaves on the tree using the glue stick.
How to teach gratitude to children with autism
Gratitude is a rather abstract concept which may make it challenging to discuss with children on the autism spectrum.
Tips for using the gratitude tree printable
- Start the activity and conversation by saying what you are grateful for or take turns adding something to the gratitude tree.
- Make things easier by putting all of the leaves with words on them in a hat or bowl, mix them up and have your little one choose a leaf. Then ask “are you grateful for _______?” or “is _______ something you love?”.
Some other ways to explain the concept of “gratitude”
- The people, things and activities you love
- Something you would say “thank you” for
- A person, thing or activity that makes you feel happy
Gratitude video
Make this activity even more fun by watching this Sesame Street video that explains gratitude together!
More Thanksgiving Activities & Ideas
More Autism Resources
- Autism Activities Workbook Bundle – build communication skills, fine motor skills, sensory play skills and daily living skills, while helping your child or students to successfully manage any difficult behaviors, with these fun, educational, printable activities.
- The Successful Interaction with a Child with Autism Course – learn to better understand your autistic child or students with this complete course.
- Sensory Communication Workbook – Build communication skills with simple sensory activities.
- How to Make a Communication Binder Guide & Workbook – Learn how to create a Communication Binder for your child or student with autism using real photos. Follow my expert guide to learn how to use it to increase communication skills.
- Zoo Animals Play Dough Mats Bundle – use these printable play dough mat to work on the names of the animals, build language skills, and increase fine motor strength and precision in a fun, sensory way!
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