Did you know there is a World Gratitude Day? It is observed every year on September 21st.
Gratitude is the simple yet profound emotion of being thankful. For preschoolers, understanding and expressing this concept can be achieved through some age-appropriate activities. In this post, we have 10 activities and other tips that will help your child understand and practice gratitude on World Gratitude Day and every day.
What is World Gratitude Day about for kids?
Gratitude is “a strong feeling of appreciation to someone or something for what the person has done to help you.” – Cambridge Dictionary. World Gratitude Day is intended to remind people to stop and think about the good things in their lives and show their appreciation for others. Kids can do this by saying thank you to others and/ or performing acts of kindness.
How do you explain how to express gratitude to young children?
Children model adults behavior, so a great way to start is by saying thank you in your everyday life. By thanking teachers, store employees, librarians, etc,, and showing appreciation, kids will begin to follow your lead.
What are gratitude activities?
Gratitude activities are exercises and practices designed to nurture and express feelings of appreciation and thankfulness.
5 gratitude activities and crafts for preschoolers
1. Gratitude Tree Craft
A Gratitude Tree is a wonderful way for children to visualize the things they’re thankful for. For this activity, you’ll need some brown construction paper to cut out a tree trunk and branches, and then use colorful paper to make leaves. Each child can write (or have help writing) something they’re thankful for on each leaf, such as family, friends, pets, or their favorite toys.
Once the leaves are filled out, glue or tape them onto the tree. Display the tree in the classroom or at home as a daily reminder of the things they appreciate. This hands-on craft helps children connect to the idea of gratitude through creative expression.
2. Gratitude Circle Time
Gratitude Circle Time is an activity that encourages verbal sharing in a group setting. During circle time, ask each child to think of one thing they are grateful for. It can be something as simple as their favorite snack, a friend they enjoy playing with, or a sunny day to play outside. As they share, encourage them to explain why they feel grateful.
This practice not only helps children identify what they’re thankful for but also fosters listening skills and mutual appreciation. Circle time also encourages young learners to be inspired by the things their classmates mention, expanding their understanding of gratitude.
3. Thank You Card Station
Set up a Thank You Card Station where children can create cards for someone they feel thankful for. Provide blank cards or paper, along with markers, crayons, stickers, and other decorations. Encourage them to think of someone who has done something kind for them recently, such as a teacher, a family member, or a friend, and create a card to express their gratitude.
This activity teaches children the importance of expressing their appreciation in a tangible way. It’s a great way to strengthen relationships and teach the value of a heartfelt “thank you.”
4. Gratitude Scavenger Hunt
A Gratitude Scavenger Hunt is an exciting and active way to help children recognize the things around them that they can be thankful for. Create a list of items for children to find, such as a favorite toy, a picture of their family, or something in nature like a flower or leaf.
As the children find each item, ask them why they’re thankful for it. This activity helps them see the world through a grateful lens, noticing the small things that bring joy and comfort to their lives. It’s an excellent way to combine physical activity with gratitude awareness.
5. Gratitude Jar
A Gratitude Jar is a simple yet meaningful way to practice gratitude daily. Set up a jar in the classroom or at home, and provide small slips of paper. Each day, ask the children to write or draw something they are thankful for and place it in the jar.
At the end of the week or month, open the jar and read the notes aloud. This activity encourages children to reflect regularly on the things they appreciate, and it’s a lovely way to end Gratitude Day by celebrating all the kind thoughts shared throughout the day or week.
What other things can preschoolers do?
Reading stories with grateful characters or narratives that emphasize the importance of saying thank you can help preschoolers understand the concept in a relatable context.
Find age-appropriate volunteer opportunities that you can do together as a family, such as participating in a neighborhood cleanup or donating gently used toys. These activities not only instill a sense of gratitude but also promote empathy and compassion.
Teaching preschoolers to appreciate nature fosters gratitude for the environment. Try outdoor activities such as planting flowers, observing birds, or going on nature hikes. Use these experiences to discuss the beauty of nature and express thanks for the wonders of the natural world.
More activities for preschoolers:
