Gratitude Journal Pages: Free Printable Planner for Year 5

Gratitude Journal Pages is a free printable planner for Year 5 (ages 9 to 10) in Key Stage 2. Children look back over their day, notice the good things in it and write about them. It takes about 10 minutes, needs only a pencil, and works well at the end of the day.

It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages. Give page 1 to the child and keep page 2 for the grown up. Black and white printing works well.

What is on the sheet

The sheet gives children lines for writing. They think back over their day and notice the good things in it. They write about three things they feel thankful for. Some may be big, like a trip out. Many will be small, like a kind word or a warm drink. Children who find writing hard can draw instead. There are no right or wrong answers, and the page does not have to be shared.

Why write about gratitude?

Skills and curriculum link

• Reflecting on the day
• Writing in full sentences
• Noticing small things
• Giving reasons
• Wellbeing

Ideas to help children notice good things

• Think about peopleGood things often involve other people. A friend who shared, a family member who helped or a teacher who listened can all be things to be thankful for.
• Think about placesChildren can think of somewhere they like to be, such as a park, a bedroom, a classroom corner or a favourite spot in the garden.
• Think about small momentsA warm drink, a funny joke, a game at break time or a quiet minute can all count. Small moments are often easier to remember than big events.
• Think about the sensesAsk what they saw, heard, tasted, smelled or felt today. A favourite smell or a cosy jumper can lead to a good thing to write about.

Key words

• GratitudeFeeling thankful for something good in your life.
• GratefulFeeling or showing thanks. You can be grateful to a person or for a thing.
• NoticeTo pay attention to something and see it clearly.
• ReflectTo think carefully about something that has already happened.
• JournalA book or set of pages where you write about your own thoughts and days.
• WellbeingHow well you feel in your mind and body, and how happy and settled you are.

How to use it

1. Print both pages. Page 1 is for the child. Keep page 2, which has notes for the grown up.
2. Choose a calm time, ideally at the end of the day. Allow about 10 minutes and give the child a pencil.
3. Work through it together the first time. Talk about what went well today and let the child choose what to write.
4. Let the child write or draw. Check page 2 for notes. There are no right answers, so praise honest effort and careful thinking.
5. Come back to it another day. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence, and the pages can be kept and read again later.

Help, stretch and game ideas

Talk about it

• What was the best part of your day, and what made it good?
• Who did something kind today, and how did it feel?
• Which small thing did you nearly forget to notice?
• Is it easier to notice good things on some days than others? Why?
• How might someone else feel if you told them you were thankful for them?
• Would you like to share your sheet, or keep it private? Both are fine.

Take it off the page

Who it is for

Where this fits in your child's learning

Before this, younger children in Key Stage 2 learn to name feelings and talk about what makes them happy or sad. They practise simple reflecting, often by speaking or drawing rather than writing. Those early habits make it easier to put thoughts on paper later.

After this, children can write longer reflections, give fuller reasons and think about how their choices affect others. In Year 6 they can use the same habit to look back over a week or a term. Noticing the good things in the day is a small skill that supports many others.

Questions parents and teachers ask

What age is Gratitude Journal Pages for?

It is written for Year 5 (ages 9 to 10) in Key Stage 2. Younger children can try it with help and drawing, and older children can use it with the stretch idea on page 2.

What will children practise?

Children practise noticing and writing about the good things in their day. They also practise reflecting, putting feelings into words and giving reasons, which supports wellbeing and the health and wellbeing strand of PSHE.

How long does it take?

It takes about 10 minutes. It works best as a calm activity at the end of the day. Short, regular sessions usually suit children better than one long sitting.

What if my child finds it hard?

Give a few ideas such as food, friends, pets or a favourite game, and let them draw instead of writing. One short sentence for each thing is enough. Page 2 has more help for the grown up.

Does my child have to share what they write?

No. Children can share if they want, but it does not have to be shared. The pages are a private space to think. You can offer to listen, and let them decide.

Can teachers use it in class?

Yes. It works as a starter, a plenary, an early finisher task, homework or a table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing, and page 2 gives support and stretch ideas for mixed groups.

Is it free and screen free?

Yes to both. It is free to print for home and classroom use. It needs only paper and a pencil, so it suits quiet time, rainy days and school holidays. Black and white printing works well.