Focusing on things we appreciate can have a powerful impact. Studies indicate that practicing gratitude can actually change the structure of our brains to increase happiness. People who maintain a positive outlook and regularly express thanks often experience improved physical health, lower stress levels, and better quality sleep. With such far-reaching benefits, how can we help children develop a habit of gratitude from an early age, both at school and at home?
These resources and activities designed for kids can provide a simple way to get started and can be introduced just in time for Thanksgiving!
Engaging children in gratitude through worksheets is important.
1. The story book about “I'm Human”
This set of worksheets includes all the necessary materials for children to create their very own mini story book titled "I am Human!"
Kids can carefully cut out the book pages, glue them together, and fill them with the things they appreciate. Their reasons for gratitude can be as basic as "I am thankful for my body" or "I am thankful for my breath." Ultimately, being human entails embracing oneself and appreciating oneself just the way they are!
While this activity is specifically designed for second and third-graders, it can also be enjoyable for older kids.
2. My initial journal of gratitude.
This particular exercise is more appropriate for younger children in preschool, kindergarten, and first grade. Children will enjoy creating this small gratitude journal to showcase the things they appreciate. By introducing them to the practice of gratitude at an early age, you can help them embark on a lifelong journey of thankfulness.
The mini-book includes writing guides, room for drawings, and a line for their name on the cover, providing ample space to practice writing and spelling.
3. The Turkey Craft of Thankfulness
It's the perfect opportunity to cultivate gratitude during Thanksgiving when there's food being prepared all day. Keep the kids engaged by instructing them to write down five things they are grateful for on the turkey's feathers, cut them out, and adhere the feathers to the turkey. Extra credit will be given for vibrant designs and showing creativity!
By the time dinner is served, their masterpieces will be ready to be showcased, offering kids the chance to express to their family the things they appreciate during this holiday season.
4. Response towards a topic: The month of national gratitude.
November is celebrated as National Gratitude Month, which coincides with Thanksgiving, making it a perfect way to conclude a month dedicated to expressing gratitude.
This middle-school activity encourages students to contemplate their current practice of gratitude and generate fresh ideas for demonstrating it to others through a series of reflective questions.
By engaging in this exercise, older students can comprehend the significance of being thankful and showing appreciation while also honing their writing skills.
Actions which encourage a state of becoming thankful
1. A gratitude tree
Here's how you can create a lovely centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table while also providing a fun activity for kids! Start by taking a nature walk with the kids to find a suitable tree branch. Then, let them decorate the branch with messages of gratitude written on construction paper "leaves." For younger children, you can transcribe their responses. You can continue to add leaves as the season progresses or during the Thanksgiving holiday.
2. A family gratitude jar
This family jar provides a great way to promote gratitude among kids and the entire family throughout the year! Select a regular time to gather as a family and engage in this activity. It could be daily, weekly, or at a frequency that suits you best. At these get-togethers, make a habit of jotting down things that you feel grateful for on notecards. When the jar is filled up, spend some time reading the notes and contemplating the numerous blessings in your life. This is an activity that is suitable for people of all ages, including parents!
0 Comments