Gratitude: How to Fill Your Cup and Support Children

"Gratitude may be the best-kept secret to help reduce stress and feel better. Practicing gratitude every day can improve your physical and emotional well-being" (CDC, 2023, p.1).

Gratitude may sometimes involve recognizing growth, learning, or unexpected support stemming from experiences that did not go as planned. An educator may feel disappointed after a challenging conversation with a co-teacher. Over time, the educator may come to appreciate what the experience taught them about communication, flexibility, or the importance of slowing down and listening more deeply. Practicing gratitude can help us hold both difficulty and growth at the same time.

Educators may practice gratitude through simple daily reflections. A teacher might end the day by noting one meaningful interaction with a child, family member, or colleague. Another educator may invite children to participate in a gratitude circle by sharing something or someone they appreciate in their classroom or home community. These small practices can help shift attention toward connection, care, and moments of joy without ignoring the realities of stress or challenge.

Practicing gratitude may also encourage educators to move beyond deficit-based thinking, which views flaws rather than the strengths of an individual or situation. Practicing gratitude may help an educator to notice the resilience, care, and contributions present in individuals and within communities. In this way, gratitude can strengthen respectful relationships, deepen cultural responsiveness, and support more inclusive and affirming environments for children, families, and educators.

For example, Ms. Nila feels grateful for the families of the children in her 3-year-old class. She’s created a welcoming and inclusive community where families feel comfortable sharing their cultures and knowledge of their children with her. Focusing on the strengths and knowledge of the families in her classroom has positively impacted Ms. Nila’s relationships with each family and her ability to best support each child’s learning and development.

Ways to support the development of gratitude:

1. Set an intention each day that supports your development of gratitude. "Today I want to be more present and intentional about how I express my gratitude to the children in my classroom community."
2. Journal about something you are grateful for.
3. Write a letter or note to someone you are grateful for or who has shown you gratitude.
4. Show someone gratitude or let someone know you appreciate their gratitude.
5. Take a photo of something that brings you joy each day of the week and revisit the images to reflect on what you’re grateful for.
6. Model gratitude in the classroom. "I'm feeling thankful today for our garden helpers! All of you took turns watering and taking care of our plants and each other."
7. Support children as they practice gratitude. "Damion, you thanked Maya for helping you clean up. Maya, you helped Damion when he had a big job. What kind friends you are! I'm so grateful for your help cleaning up. We’re all ready to go outside now.”
8. Help children notice gratitude around them. “I noticed how kind you were to our visitors in the classroom. I’m thankful for all my caring friends!”

When educators practice, model, and express gratitude, and help children notice and express gratitude, they support children’s development of gratitude and social-emotional learning. Children's experiences of gratitude contribute to their sense of self, boosting their capacity to positively impact others while infusing their own lives with positive emotions.

Reference:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Gratitude Works.