As the holidays are approaching, there’s no better time to teach your preschool students about gratitude and what it means to be grateful. Instilling grateful feelings can benefit children later in life and help them develop empathy towards others. Here are three things you can do as a teacher to help preschoolers learn about gratitude.
- Work Gratitude into Daily Conversations
Young children model the actions of others around them. As you’re talking to your students, try to weave appreciation for mundane things into your conversations. You can say something like, “We’re so lucky to have so many great books in the classroom” or “I’m so happy when you listen.” - Ask Children to Help Out Around The Classroom
When children help out with a chore or daily activity, they’ll realize that all things take effort and will be more likely to appreciate when others do something for them. As you prepare for classroom activities like snack time or craft time, ask for helpers to help you get everything you need ready. - Encourage Pretend Play
To help them express their own feelings and listen to the feelings of others, encourage children to take on different roles during pretend play. This simple activity can help children learn about empathy and help them appreciate their peers.