Practicing Gratitude with Young Children

Practicing Gratitude with Young Children

 

How do we help very young children understand an abstract concept like gratitude? Infants and toddlers are keen observers, and their special grown-ups are their favorite subjects. Children carefully watch and listen to their parents, teachers, and caregivers. They integrate all that they notice into how they understand and interact with the world. These ideas for cultivating gratitude were developed specifically with infant and toddler educators in mind, but teachers that work with older children will find them helpful too.

 

Model Language That Expresses Gratitude

 

For young children that are just beginning to differentiate between emotions like happy, sad, and mad, gratitude is a nuanced idea. When children observe adults in their life using language to express gratitude, they begin to build their understanding of what being grateful really means. Regularly incorporating phrases into your day like, “I appreciate…,” and “My heart feels grateful when…” creates opportunities for children to hear adults communicate their thankfulness in different ways and varied contexts.

 

Be specific when expressing your appreciation. Connecting language to concrete experiences helps children create a collection of “gratitude memories” to inform their growing idea of what being grateful is all about.

 

“I noticed that Jaida put a napkin at each seat. Thank you for helping us get ready for snack.”

 

“Rowan, you brought Jackson his special bunny when he was feeling sad. That was so kind. I appreciate you helping to take care of our friend.”

 

Nurture Routines that Encourage Gratitude

 

Establish a habit of cultivating gratitude. Regular parts of your day can be opportune reminders to take a moment and share something you’re thankful for. Invite others, children and adults, to participate too. Some convenient times might be the beginning and the end of your day, before or after rest times, and before or after mealtimes.

 

Time outdoors creates many opportunities to articulate thankfulness. A weekly gratitude walk or daily thankful moment for nature offers moments to model specific language about what you are grateful for and why.

 

“Trees give us shade and fruit. Their leaves make oxygen to help us breathe. Thank you, trees!”

 

“Do you see that robin hopping? I wonder if she was looking for a worm. I love listening to birds sing! Thank you, birds!”

 

Connect Gratitude to Your Community

 

Just as it’s beneficial to name what we appreciate about the children that we spend time with and notice moments of kindness and care, we can illuminate the many people in our communities that contribute to our days in different ways. As appropriate for your setting, introduce children to coworkers that help prepare food, take care of outdoor areas, or help with necessary repairs. Notice moments of thoughtfulness from families and make connections to other important people in your community that help everyone stay safe, happy, and healthy.

 

“Julio, your grandma packed your favorite snack. That was so thoughtful of her. I feel grateful when my family remembers my favorite foods.”

 

“Sylvie was telling me about the workers fixing holes on road this morning. I appreciate road workers making the road smooth.”

 

“Yes Dylan, you noticed that the wooden barn has been returned to our block area! Ms. Silpeda repaired the broken roof. I feel thankful for her careful work and that we can use the barn again.”

 

Cultivating Gratitude Is Good for Grown-Ups Too!

 

Gratitude is not just for children! Research tells us that nurturing an attitude of gratitude is good for your physical and mental well-being. By intentionally planning opportunities for thankfulness and appreciation throughout your day, children will begin to understand the idea of gratitude, and you will be establishing a habit that supports wellness. Choosing to intentionally practice gratitude can grow into a more profound sense of appreciation and well-being.

 

We can’t wait to hear about your gratitude practice! What are some ways that you help children learn about expressing gratitude? Are you inspired to try a new idea? Tag us on Instagram (@BeckersSchoolSupplies) and let us know!

 

Resources

Nurturing Gratitude (Zero to Three)

Gratitude and Well-Being for Kids (Rady Children's Hospital)

 

 

 

Christine Murray is an Early Childhood Education Specialist with Becker’s Education Team.
As an educator, coach and leader, Christine is inspired by the curiosity, joy and wonder that children so generously model for us. She earned her M.A. in Innovative Early Childhood Education at the University of Colorado Denver and loves collaborating with and supporting others in the field. Grounded in relationships and guided by empathy, Christine is always learning, connecting and creating.