Let Gratitude Grow in Every Hand
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to build classroom community through reflection, creativity, and meaningful visuals. This year, instead of traditional leaves, create a Thankful Tree using Multicultural Hand Cut-Outs—a simple yet powerful way to show what each student is thankful for while celebrating diversity and individuality.
We paired the hands with the Apple Time Jumbo Tree Bulletin Board (10994) from Creative Teaching Press to create a warm, impactful classroom display. As each hand gets added to the tree, your classroom’s “gratitude forest” grows more colorful—and more meaningful.
How to Create a Thankful Tree with Hands of Gratitude:
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Set Up the Jumbo Tree
Start by assembling the large tree trunk and foliage pieces from the Apple Time bulletin board set. Its bold size makes it a perfect focal point for a hallway or classroom wall. -
Distribute Multicultural Hand Cut-Outs
Give each student a handprint cut-out that best reflects their own skin tone or let them choose freely. This thoughtful step promotes inclusivity and ownership of the activity. -
Reflect and Write
Invite students to write what they’re thankful for directly on their hand cut-out. Encourage anything from “my grandma’s hugs” to “my soccer team” or “being part of this class.” -
Build Your Display Together
Each day leading up to Thanksgiving, have students place their hands on the tree branches or around the base. Watching the tree grow day by day creates anticipation and pride. -
Celebrate and Share
Once your Thankful Tree is complete, take a class moment to “read the hands,” reflect on shared themes, and celebrate the diversity of gratitude in your room.
Tips for Teachers:
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Morning Meeting Integration: Start or end each day with a gratitude hand and let students share their message before adding it to the tree.
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Social-Emotional Tie-In: This activity fosters reflection, empathy, and belonging—key SEL themes for November.
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Writing Extension: Pair the hand activity with a short narrative or thank-you letter writing assignment.
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Parent/Guardian Engagement: Invite families to visit the tree during drop-off or conferences and read the hands.
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Share on Social: Capture your final display and share it with the CTP community! Tag @CreativeTeachingPress on Instagram or Facebook.
