Parents know the value of Thankfulness. For preschoolers and early elementary children, fall is more than pumpkins and costumes. It’s a wonderful time to focus on gratitude and kindness. At Big Hearts, Little Hands, we believe that practicing thankfulness before Thanksgiving helps children build empathy, strengthen friendships, and understand the joy of giving.
Why Gratitude Supports Social-Emotional Skills
By ages 3–7, children begin to see the world beyond themselves. They notice when someone helps them, can talk about their feelings, and are ready to learn the “why” behind acts of kindness. Research shows that practicing gratitude improves mood and helps children develop stronger relationships. Starting in October gives families plenty of time to make gratitude part of everyday life before the holiday rush.
What Big Hearts, Little Hands Teachers Do
Our classrooms embrace gratitude and kindness in ways that make learning fun and memorable:
- Daily Thank-You Circle: Each morning, children share something they’re thankful for like a sunny day or a favorite toy. Teachers help them use words to express their feelings.
- Acts of Kindness Wall: We display drawings or photos showing children helping friends, sharing toys, or comforting someone. Seeing their own actions celebrated inspires more kindness.
- Service Projects: Preschoolers might make simple cards for community helpers or collect canned goods for a local food pantry. These hands-on activities help them connect gratitude to action.
- Story and Song Time: Books like Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts or The Thankful Book by Todd Parr encourage conversation about empathy and appreciation. Songs like “Thanks a Lot” turn thankfulness into joyful music.
Ways Families Can Encourage Gratitude at Home
Parents can build on classroom lessons with simple home traditions:
- Family Gratitude Jar: Each evening, invite everyone to write or draw something they are thankful for and add it to the jar. Read the notes together at the end of the week.
- Thank-You Notes and Pictures: Help your child make cards for teachers, grandparents, or neighbors. Let them dictate a message or sign their name.
- Acts of Kindness Challenge: Work together to do small kind acts like picking up litter, helping a sibling, or baking cookies for a neighbor.
- Bedtime Reflection: End the day by sharing one thing each family member appreciated. This quiet ritual strengthens bonds and helps children fall asleep with positive thoughts.
For more family ideas, visit Zero to Three and HealthyChildren.org.
Building a Tradition of Thankfulness
Gratitude isn’t just for Thanksgiving Day. It’s a habit that grows with practice. Preschoolers and early elementary children who learn to notice and name what they appreciate are better prepared for school, friendships, and life’s challenges.
This October, join Big Hearts, Little Hands in celebrating kindness. Talk with your child’s teacher about our gratitude projects and share what you’re doing at home. Together, we can help children discover that every day is a chance to give thanks and show love to others.