Did you know gratitude can change your life? Studies show that daily gratitude exercises, some of which are age appropriate preschool activities, result in higher reported levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, optimism, and energy. People who are grateful and are aware of it also experience less depression and stress, are more likely to help others, exercise more regularly, and make greater progress toward achieving personal goals. Those are some wonderful reasons to be grateful.
Here are some very fun preschool activities to teach your kids how to be grateful so they can enjoy all those benefits:
Play the “What Would You Feel Without It” Game
You can play this game any time during the day; the sillier you are, the better. Just ask the kids how they would feel without different items. The kids might be surprised at how different life would be if they didn’t have some of the things they take for granted. You might talk about how other people live without such items, if it is age appropriate, to help them remember to appreciate what they have.
Write a Thank You Note or Postcard
Let the kids draw a picture or write a note telling someone (a teacher, a parent, a sibling, a friend) thank you. The note could be specific, like thanking them for a gift or a time that they did something special for your child, or it could be a “just because you’re you” note. Taking the time to thank others encourages us to think about all the blessings in our own lives.
Make a Thank You Tree or Wall
Have a stack of Post-its® (or for actual fall décor you can use paper leaves or handprints in fall colors) on the kitchen counter. Encourage the family to write something every day that they are grateful for and stick it to the wall. By the end of the month, you will have a wall covered in gratitude. The kids will have fun reading what everyone else is grateful for and maybe even learn some things that they didn’t think of themselves.
There are many more ways to teach and encourage gratitude. These preschool activities are just a few. The benefits of gratitude are proven, so give the gift of gratitude to your kids.
