Key takeaways.  

• Gratitude trees are creative tools for teaching children about gratitude by encouraging them to express thankfulness visually and interactively.   

• The activity helps cultivate positive emotions, enhance their well-being, and foster appreciation.   

• When children are encouraged to participate regularly, it helps strengthen family bonds and instills a lifelong habit of gratitude.  

Teaching children to practice gratitude is a challenge, but the return on investment in their emotional well-being is unlimited and long-term. When gratitude is made fun and meaningful, it can introduce children to lifelong appreciation for the world around them and everything it has to offer. The family practice of thankfulness vs. gratitude teaches children to evoke positive emotions and provides opportunities to strengthen bonds within the family unit. Characters count as they start with gratitude.  

This article contains   

• A definition of gratitude for children.  

• What is a gratitude tree?  

• Activities for children to practice gratitude  

• Gratitude drawings, ideas, and prompts  

• How to organize a gratitude scavenger hunt  

• Creating a gratitude countdown, calendar, or chart  

• Enjoying gratitude rhymes to educate children  

• A key takeaway  

A Definition of Gratitude for Children.  

The most effective instructors of gratitude are those who actively practice it. Parents, if you do not consistently enhance your own positive feelings by fully embracing appreciation, how can you reasonably expect your children to do so? After all, children learn by observing their parents.  

There are various forms of gratitude that evolve as we age. Concrete gratitude refers to the verbal expression of thanks, such as a spontaneous “thank you,” to acknowledge appreciation for something received.  

Another form of gratitude is connective gratitude. This type involves a complete understanding and appreciation of what has been given. Gratitude is reciprocated in a significant and sincere manner. To enhance happiness, gratitude must be felt genuinely, and connective gratitude plays a crucial role.  

Educating children about gratitude is a significant responsibility, and a vital aspect of this is helping them realize that gratitude encompasses more than merely saying “thank you.”  

Demonstrating gratitude to a child is an effective way to solidify this concept. It is essential to take the time to illustrate the importance of pausing to appreciate the often-overlooked aspects of life. Help them recognize what it means to be fully conscious of their own blessings.  

Consistently modeling gratitude in everyday life fosters an understanding that gratitude is a constructive emotion that must be nurtured.  

What is a Gratitude Tree?  

Gratitude trees serve as a tangible means to promote the expression of thankfulness. They illustrate the term “gratitude,” meaning “thanksgiving”. They are best crafted on different materials, such as paper, fabric, or even on walls. The trees initially appear bare, and over time, we adorn them with leaves to express our gratitude.  

Although many of these trees are typically started around Thanksgiving, there is no requirement to wait for a holiday to enjoy this activity.  

In my family, our gratitude tree originated from a paper towel holder. We wrapped burl+-aps around the base and utilized pipe cleaners to form the top of the tree. Subsequently, we cut out a tree shaped from construction paper and fashioned it into branches.  

Subsequently, we affixed the tree to a wall in the local gym with permission. We cut leaves from various colors of cardstock and created holes in them. After securing a ribbon, gym patrons could take a blank leaf from the tree to write expressions of gratitude and attach it to the branches.  

We displayed instructions for the tree adjacent to the bare branches, allowing individuals to add their gratitude leaves whenever they had the opportunity. This was a delightful activity as the tree flourished, and people began to involve their children in the enjoyment.  

Gratitude leaves may contain prompts, although this is not mandatory. Self-expression and creativity in words of appreciation can facilitate the emergence of positive emotions and enhance feelings of connected gratitude.  

Activities for Children to Practice Gratitude  

There exists a wide array of enjoyable gratitude activities for children, and we have provided several here for your inspiration. Some examples of gratitude we include in this article are:  

Gratitude journals.  

A prevalent way to encourage children to express gratitude is through a gratitude journal. By reflecting daily on what they appreciate, children become attuned to the concept of mindfulness. The challenge often lies in motivating them. To encourage quiet reflection, a useful approach to initiate this practice is to offer them some gratitude points, such as:  

I am thankful for Mom and Dad when…  

I am thankful for learning…  

I am thankful for eating…  

I am thankful for my favorite…  

If children are reluctant, an equally effective alternative to begin this practice is to encourage them to share three positive consequences from the past 24 hours.  

Apart from discussing the three positive occurrences, prompt children to explain how they contributed to each of the three good things. This sharing can create a significant opportunity to connect with your children about their daily experiences. This becomes particularly beneficial as children approach and transition into adolescence.  

Thank you, Notes!  

Gratitude Activities for Children.  

Encourage children to write thank-you notes to significant people in their lives, even without a gift. This is a powerful exercise that allows them to connect with their loved ones in a profoundly meaningful manner. High-quality relationships are mutually advantageous as well. Increased levels of contentment, happiness, and hope are among the benefits of practicing gratitude.  

Gratitude Jars and Paper Chains.  

Gathering your expressions of thankfulness in a gratitude jar or through a paper chain is an excellent method to incorporate gratitude into a collective project.  

Collaboratively decorate a jar, then have each family member contribute a daily entry to it. Alternatively, a colorful looping paper chain that represents grateful memories. At the end of the month, everyone can participate in the family gratitude project by reflecting on what was appreciated together.  

This initiative can also be extended into an annual project. Encourage each family member to add a note each month about something they are grateful for. On New Year’s Eve, open the gratitude messages and relish the expressions of gratitude from the past year.  

Gratitude. Chalkboard.  

This serves as a daily practice that fosters connections within the family. Envision the moments of bonding when your family members take the time to write notes expressing appreciation for the little things in life. Contributing to the chalkboard can also provide delightful surprises throughout the day. If you prefer not to spend time or money on a chalkboard, sticky notes help serve the same purpose.  

Gratitude walks  

Engaging in gratitude walks while quietly respecting nature are effective methods to cultivate mindfulness and appreciation in children. Adolescents may feel more inclined to open when they are in motion rather than when sitting down for a conversation, especially with their parents.  

Instructing children to leave nature intact for others to enjoy, rather than picking flowers or taking pieces, teaches them to respect the fact that nature belongs to everyone. This practice also encourages them to cherish their time outdoors. Instilling the principle of leaving no trace is an excellent guideline for them to grasp the significance of their actions.  

Family Gratitude Book  

Family Gratitude Books offer a deeply personal approach to integrating gratitude within the family unit. It can be incorporated into family meetings and read aloud together. Include a photograph of each family member at the beginning of different sections of a notebook. The family can explore the various sections of the book and document moments they have cherished about that family member.  

Encouraging a profound appreciation for each other is a remarkable way to help your children understand their value within the family. A sense of belonging is crucial for self-efficacy and can empower children to engage with the world with compassion and confidence.  

Letters of appreciation.  

To inspire your family members to become more involved in the community, writing letters of appreciation to individuals in your area, such as firefighters, librarians, teachers, and neighbors, is an excellent starting point.  

Including a plate of cookies and personally delivering the letters enhances the impact of your gratitude, meaning Thanksgiving.  

The Alphabet Thank You Activity.  

The alphabet is a fun way to express gratitude during dull moments. For each letter of the alphabet, participants should identify something they are thankful for. It is a delight to observe children as they come up with words corresponding to each letter while simultaneously reflecting on their blessings.  

Giving back.  

Engaging in charitable projects effectively demonstrates to your children the abundance of which they should be grateful. Assembling care packages for individuals experiencing homelessness teaches children to cultivate thankfulness and compassion, and to appreciate what they possess.  

Volunteering at a food bank or collecting items for charitable organizations is a distance learning method to involve children. Motivate your children to discover a project that piques their interest.  

Acts of kindness  

Random acts of kindness served as an additional means to encourage positive emotions and significantly enhance gratitude in children. Encourage their involvement in such acts, particularly following the receipt of kindness from others. This approach yields dual benefits.  

Gratitude Ping Pong.  

This is an engaging interactive activity suitable for the entire family.  

Obtain a small, soft ball and pair up with a partner for 5 minutes. Alternate passing the ball while expressing something for which you are grateful with each exchange. It is delightful to observe participants’ increasing enthusiasm as the game unfolds. This activity is also an excellent addition to sports practices.  

Difference maker research  

This method provides a distinctive opportunity for children to recognize and appreciate individuals they have yet to meet. Encourage your child to select a person who is positively impacting the world around them.  

Locate a book about this individual in the library and dedicate time to learn about them together. This not only helps your child value that particular individual but also encourages an understanding that purposeful actions can influence the lives of people they may not know.  

Gratitude drawings and prompts.  

Gratitude coloring pages.  

Younger children may lack cognitive skills to express their gratitude in writing. Encouraging them to express their appreciation through drawings is an enjoyable way to do so. Below are 10 prompts to help you get started.  

Draw something or someone.  

• That brings you joy,   

• You cannot live without it.  

• That assists you.  

• That brings you happiness.  

• You cherish, you are grateful for,   

• You are considered kind.  

• You find it enjoyable.  

• That makes you feel positive,   

• That makes you laugh  

How to organize a gratitude scavenger hunt?  

This activity is fun to host anytime but is even more fun in large groups like family reunions. Create small groups, each with a phone and a camera. Usually, a group of 2 or 4 is best, and each group has a sheet to keep track of their photos. These photos do not have to be taken in order.  

The gratitude list can include:  

• Nature  

• Sound  

• Taste  

• Smell  

• A challenge  

• Something I’d like to share  

• Someone older than me  

• Recently discovered or learned.  

• Shows a brilliant, vibrant color  

• Has words on it  

• Makes me feel strong  

• Makes me laugh  

• Makes me cry  

• Represents my country  

• Something I love  

Creating a gratitude countdown, calendar, or chart  

Gratitude Advent Calendar  

Consider crafting a visual representation of gratitude, such as a calendar or chart, to enhance your child’s understanding.  

Gratitude calendar: This type of calendar is a delightful way to count down to any event or holiday. Below are the instructions for constructing an enjoyable gratitude calendar countdown.  

Materials required:  

• 1 large empty cardboard box  

• Seasonal scrapbook paper  

• Small treat bags  

• Ribbon  

• Scrapbook letters (optional)  

• Seasonal stickers (optional)  

• Glue  

Instructions:  

1. Open the cardboard box so it lies flat, resembling a science project presentation board.  

2. Line the interior of the box with seasonal scrapbook paper.  

3. Cut the small treat bags in half and discard the tops.  

4. Adorn these with stickers and label the bags with the days of the month for the countdown.  

5. Adhere the treat bag halves onto the board.  

6. You may enhance it by adding the letters “Give Thanks” at the top of the board.  

7. Ribbon around the edges to give the calendar a more refined appearance.  

It is now ready for use. Monitor daily expressions of gratitude leading up to a specific date on that significant day. Empty the bag and share your expressions with your family. ENJOY Connection!  

An alternate method of using this calendar involves pre-filling the bags with contributions from each family member designated for everyone. Each day, the family can express gratitude and both give and receive love.  

Gratitude chart  

A Brain Map, also known as a gratitude chart, can serve as an effective tool for brainstorming.  

Begin with a blank sheet of paper and draw a circle in the center, inscribing the word “gratitude” within it. From its central circle, extend lines resembling a wheel’s spokes towards the edges of the paper. On each of these lines, denote an aspect of your life, such as family, school, home, etc. From each of these lines, create additional spokes that represent specific elements within that area that evoke feelings of gratitude.  

Alternatively, you might consider creating a Give Thanks poster. At the top of the poster, write in large letters, “I am thankful each day.” Every member can contribute an entry. This will quickly accumulate as ideas and spark inspiration in others. For an added twist, devise a new prompt for each day.  

Enjoying gratitude rhymes to educate children  

Poetry serves as a vibrant medium to educate children about gratitude. The use of rhymes encourages children to engage their minds in exploration, while being thankful for a car may not directly relate to appreciating a star. It nonetheless broadens the horizons of their gratitude.  

Music is also an influential resource for imparting lessons on gratitude vs. thankfulness. This holds true when considering how to teach children gratitude. Many artists employ rhymes to render the topic more relatable to children.  

The following songs are excellent choices to introduce to your children:  

• “Attitude of Gratitude” composed by The Swinging Bells  

• “I Am Thankful” by Bubbly V  

• “A Song for Thanksgiving,” if you are happy and you know it  

• “Attitude of Gratitude” by ZPT Two Dads  

• “Thankful for Your Service” by They May Be Giants  

A key takeaway.  

Instructing and cultivating gratitude enables children to lead more fulfilling lives. Gratitude enhances emotional well-being by fostering positive emotions, allowing for the enjoyment of experiences, and even mitigating materialism.  

As parents increasingly prioritize this practice, the entire family is likely to adopt a similar approach. Here’s to foster greater positive emotions within your household.