Gratitude can start with the little things: a favorite snack, someone who helps us, or a friend who saves us a seat. For preschoolers, drawing, creating, and talking together offer simple ways to explore what being thankful means.

Celebrate National Gratitude Month with these seven easy gratitude activities for preschoolers, perfect for home or the classroom.

1. Make a Thankful Paper Chain

Cut construction paper into strips and ask children to name something they’re thankful for. Write their answers on the strips, or let them draw a picture.

Loop the strips together to create a paper chain. Add new links throughout the month and revisit earlier answers together.

Try asking: “Who made you smile today?”

2. Draw Something That Makes You Happy

Set out paper and crayons, then invite children to draw a person, place, or thing they appreciate. It might be their pet, the playground, or pancakes with a grandparent.

Ask whether they’d like to tell you about their picture. Write their words underneath to capture the story behind the drawing.

Try asking: “What do you love about what you drew?”

3. Create Kindness Cards

Fold paper into cards for someone who has been helpful or kind. Children can decorate with drawings while an adult helps write a short message.

Deliver the cards to a teacher, family member, friend, or school helper.

Keep it simple: “Thank you for reading with me” or “I love when we play together.”

4. Go on a Gratitude Walk

Take a short walk around your home, classroom, or neighborhood. Invite children to notice things they’re glad to have around them, such as shade from a tree, a favorite reading spot, or a welcoming neighbor.

There’s no need to collect anything—just look, listen, and talk.

Try asking: “What did you notice that made today a little better?”

5. Start a Thankful Jar

Choose an empty container and keep small pieces of paper nearby. Help children record something they appreciate with a drawing or a few words.

Read a few notes together at the end of the week. At school, invite children to contribute during a quiet moment; at home, try adding a note before dinner.

Try asking: “What was one good part of your day?”

6. Play “Thank You” Pretend

Use stuffed animals or puppets to act out everyday moments: sharing a toy, helping clean up, or comforting a friend.

Let children decide what happens next and how the characters might respond.

Try asking: “Bear helped Bunny find her book. What could Bunny say?”

7. Share a Gratitude Question

Bring one simple question to snack time, circle time, or the dinner table:

• Who helped you today?

• What do you like doing with your family?

• What is something you enjoy at school?

• Who would you like to thank, and why?

Offer your own answer, too. Hearing “I appreciated your help putting the napkins out” gives children a familiar example.

Keep Gratitude Simple

Children’s answers may be sweet, surprising, or wonderfully specific. A favorite toy counts, and repeating the same answer is okay. Let children share, draw, point, or pass.

These gratitude activities don’t need to become another task to finish. Choose one your preschooler enjoys and make a little room to notice good things together!