Gratitude is one of the most important lessons we can teach in children, no matter where they are learning–daycare, childcare, or at home! More than simple manners, gratitude helps children pay attention to kindness, build empathy and even have and express joy. In early childhood education, parents, teachers, and caregivers alike can set the stage for thriving relationships and a joyful life through activities that nurture thankfulness. Keep reading to check out a few easy-to-implement activities that we have compiled for you encourage gratitude in the classroom or at home!
Discover how our preschool classes nurture gratitude and kindness every day at here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center. Schedule a tour today to meet our teachers and see our program first-hand!
Why Gratitude Matters in Early Childhood
Research shows that fostering gratitude in early childhood education helps support key factors of development such as social connection and emotional growth. According to the American Psychological Association, children who practice thankfulness show greater empathy and improved relationships (APA). Additionally, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) also notes that genuine gratitude grows when children learn to reflect, not just recite “thank you” (NAEYC).
In childcare and daycare environments, emphasizing and teaching gratitude helps to create classroom communities where children feel valued and supported. Here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center, we are very intentional with the relationships built amongst classmates and as a class. Call today and schedule a tour to see our various classrooms and watch relationships grow!
Simple Gratitude Activities for Preschoolers
1. Gratitude Jar
Prepare a decorate jar and slips of paper–or, for extra personality and to get the kids more involved, allow children to each decorate their own jars. Every day, ask children to write or draw something they’re thankful for on a slip of paper and add it to their/the classrooms jar. Remember, this can be anything from a favorite snack to the sunshine outside or a friend they are thankful for. At the end of every week, read aloud all of the various slips of paper! The non-profit All for Kids supports this simple ritual, finding that it helps children pause and reflect on the positives around them.
We are so grateful for the amazing staff and families we have as part of our community here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center. Call today to schedule a visit and see what makes our center so special!
2. Thankfulness Tree
Use a large branch to hang paper leaves from or create a wall display. Allow the children to cut out paper leaves and write or draw something they are grateful for on them. Throughout the month of November–or all year long–add these leaves to the tree. Over time, your ‘tree’ will become a visual display of thankfulness.
Here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center, teaching thankfulness extends well past the month of November. Call us today to chat about the different ways we help and encourage our little learners to grow and learn and to ask about our daily routines and curriculum.
3. Gratitude Walk
Research shows that mindful noticing supports emotional regulation and appreciation. Take your daycare class (or your little one at home) on a short outdoor walk. Encourage them to use their senses—What do they see, hear, or smell that makes them happy? What would life be like without those things?
An appreciation for nature and the outdoors is important within early childhood education! Call us up here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center to come for a visit and tour our engaging classrooms, but also to see our lovely outdoor play areas, as well!
4. Thank-You Cards for Helpers
Children can draw cards for classroom aides, military members, local firefighters, cafeteria workers, parents, the list could go on and on. In writing and creating such cards, children are encouraged to recognize the effort of others and doing so will help strengthen the bond of the community.
Come see how we build gratitude into our everyday life here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center!
5. “Roses and Thorns” Reflection
Building gratitude will help children not only when things are good, but when life throws challenge their way, as well. The Akron Children’s Hospital has found that a ‘rose and thorn’ activity helps children see the things they can be grateful for, even through the challenges. This is a very simple activity that is easily incorporated into circle time, or even as a conversation in the car on the way home from daycare, childcare, or the grocery store! Invite each child to share a “rose” (a positive moment) and a “thorn” (something hard). Then follow up with the question: “What’s one thing you’re thankful for today?”
Building emotional resilience will help support children well past their early childhood education and into their adult life, as well. Come for a tour with us here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center! We would love to share our love for learning with you and your family!
Building an Attitude of Gratitude
Gratitude grows best when practiced in community. Working together as a classroom or family to share thankful thoughts and reflect together, children will grow in empathy, communication, as well as in their feelings of support and belonging. In early childhood education, gratitude isn’t just a holiday theme—it’s a year-round skill for life!
Call us today here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center to see what we have scheduled for this month of Thanksgiving and to hear about the ways our amazing educators foster an attitude of gratitude for themselves, their students, and their classrooms every day!