At our nursery, we see gratitude as more than a polite thank you. It helps children understand others and build a sense of belonging. As November unfolds and celebrates World Children’s Day on 20 November (United Nations), it’s a good moment to reflect on how we can guide children to grow into thoughtful and caring people and respect them as individuals.
Young children experience the world with open hearts. They notice when a friend shares a toy, when someone gives them a smile or when a story makes them feel safe. These moments of appreciation come naturally to them. When we nurture that awareness, it grows into empathy. Children start to recognise other people’s feelings and to understand that their actions have meaning.
Research in early years education shows that when children feel valued, they develop stronger social and emotional skills. They become more willing to listen and tune in to their peers. Gratitude helps shape the kind of person they are becoming. Our role as educators is to create the right setting for that growth to happen.
Studies in early years education show that when children feel valued, they develop stronger social and emotional skills. Early learning specialists have also found that practising gratitude supports self-esteem, social confidence and emotional regulation.
Even small gratitude routines can make a difference. Every day at Tiny Toez is different and we love that but we also know that gratitude can be woven into daily routines. During group time we are often sharing what makes us happy and smile. Sharing those things helps children notice positive moments and then express them together.
We also encourage gratitude through actions. When children help tidy a play area or water the plants, we talk about how everyone contributes. Educators use language that shows appreciation, such as “Thank you for helping your friend.” Over time, children begin to express this language themselves.
Some activities that can be done are:
- The Kindness Box – Each child takes turns adding a drawing or a note about something kind that happened that day or that week. At the end of the week you open the box and read them together.
- Pass the Smile – If you do a circle time at nursery or even at home on a playdate you can do this one. During circle time, one child smiles at the child or adult next to them and says something kind. The smile travels around the group until everyone has given and received one.
- Gratitude Hunt – Children look for things in the nursery or garden that make them feel happy or that they want to chat about. It might be a friend, a favourite book, toy or a colourful leaf.
Finding gratitude in the season
November invites reflection. The colours change, the air feels cooler and the pace of the day slows. It’s a great time to have those reflective conversations, giving space for children to explore what they think about this time of year and how it’s making them feel.
When we mark World Children’s Day, we explain that people everywhere are thinking about children and how to make sure everyone can learn, play and feel safe.
Ideas for home
Families can keep this sense of gratitude alive at home. Try sharing something you’re grateful for at the end of the day and invite your child to do the same. You could make a gratitude jar filled with drawings or short notes about kind or happy moments, then read them together at the weekend.
Encourage your child to do one kind thing each day. It might be helping a sibling, giving a compliment or drawing a picture for someone. Talk about how it felt to do something for another person. Nature can also inspire gratitude. Collect a leaf or pebble and talk about what makes it special and why you’re glad to have found it.
This month reminds us to slow down, notice and be grateful for what we have. Small hands and big hearts can help build a more caring world for everyone.