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November is here, and we are heading into the season of thankfulness. How can we nurture gratitude in our students, not just as a theme for November, but as a lifelong habit? Gratitude is about noticing the small joys in everyday life and showing appreciation.
Children learn though what they see and hear. Using kind words like “please” and “thank you” are a way to show respect and appreciation are part of daily life. Thank kids often: “Thank you for cleaning up the toys.” Or, “I noticed how kindly you shared.” Small acknowledgments help build a caring classroom and make positive interactions common place.
A morning meeting or meal time is a great time to share things we appreciate. Providing categories can help children have gratitude for many parts of their lives. Offer prompts and ask kids to share their: a favorite food, pet, family member, special trip, or fun activity.
For young children, gratitude begins with awareness. Encourage kids to notice the good things in their lives and how those things make them feel. Help them recall moments when they felt thankful and remind them that their actions can make others feel appreciated too. This kind of reflection helps kids move from routine “thank yous” toward a genuine understanding of gratitude. As children get older their capacity to express gratitude deepens. Practicing small gestures helps lay a foundation for true thankfulness.
There are many joyful ways to put gratitude into action at home or in the classroom.
- Take a Gratitude Walk: Notice and discuss the wonderful things outside.
- Gratitude Table Cloth: Trace handprints and add thankful words and drawings. Display during November as part of seasonal décor.
- Thankful Garland or Wreath: Made from paper leaves and decorated with notes of appreciation.
- Acts of Service: Help a classmate, volunteer, or give a compliment.
- November Gratitude Calendar: Create a calendar for school or home that has one small act of kindness prompt for each day. Cross off each day as you go.
When gratitude becomes part of our daily routine, children feel more connected and joyful. Students begin to see kindness everywhere and to spread it themselves. Living gratefully not only strengthens our classrooms and home; it helps create happier and kinder kids.
