Giving Thanks: Gratitude Activities That Build Preschool Confidence
The Heart Behind Thanksgiving
Picture this: your preschooler proudly sets the napkins on the Thanksgiving table, grinning ear to ear because they helped. You thank them, and they beam—even taller somehow. That little spark? It’s gratitude in action.
This season, families crave more than turkey crafts and pumpkin pies. We want our children to feel what Thanksgiving means—to notice kindness, give thanks freely, and grow confident in who they are and how they care for others. The good news? Gratitude isn’t just a virtue—it’s a skill we can nurture through playful, everyday moments.
1. Thankful Hearts in Action
Young children learn best by doing, so turn gratitude into a movement game!
Try this simple circle activity:
Each person says something they’re thankful for while passing a soft ball or stuffed animal.
After a few rounds, ask, “How does it feel when we hear everyone’s thank-yous?”
You’re teaching empathy in the most organic way—by letting children feel the joy of sharing and listening. These moments strengthen their emotional intelligence and boost confidence as they learn that their words matter.
💡 Teaching Tip: Use this activity at snack time, too. Go around the table and name one thing you’re grateful for on your plate or in your day.
2. Gratitude Through Giving
Preschoolers love to help. Empower that natural generosity with “Kindness Coupons.”
Cut out paper hearts and let your child draw pictures of kind acts—like “helping clean up toys,” “sharing crayons,” or “giving a hug.” Keep them in a basket for the week and let your child choose one each morning.
Each completed act becomes a confidence builder. They see that even their smallest actions have real power to make someone’s day brighter.
🧡 Extend the Learning: Talk about how giving thanks and giving help are connected. “When we help someone, it’s another way to say ‘thank you’ for being part of our world.”
3. The Gratitude Walk
Take a family stroll and call it your Thankful Walk. Point out things you notice and appreciate—warm sunshine, crunchy leaves, a neighbor’s friendly wave.
Ask, “What makes you happy to see or hear right now?”
This simple shift from observation to appreciation helps preschoolers practice mindfulness and notice the good around them. Over time, they begin to look for gratitude on their own—a life skill that builds both resilience and optimism.
4. Create a Family Gratitude Journal
Here’s where reflection turns into ritual. Keep a small notebook (or download the free Gratitude Workbook) and invite your preschooler to add drawings, photos, or stickers that show what they’re thankful for each week.
This becomes a powerful SEL tool: your child is practicing emotional expression, memory recall, and self-confidence—all through joyful storytelling. Plus, when you revisit the pages later, you’re showing that their thoughts and feelings matter.
These playful traditions build the very skills kindergarten teachers hope to see—confidence with numbers, a growing vocabulary, social awareness, and curiosity about the world. More than that, they strengthen family and classroom connections. The preschool years fly by; these months are a golden window to plant the seeds of lifelong learning while making memories you’ll all cherish.
Free Resource
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Download the FREE Gratitude Workbook made by Peake Academy Preschool At Home—printables designed just for preschoolers, with prompts and space for their adorable drawings.
Building Bridges Beyond Thanksgiving
As you enjoy these gratitude activities, remember: you’re not just creating Thanksgiving traditions—you’re shaping lifelong emotional habits. Gratitude and confidence grow together. When children feel valued for their kindness and noticed for their efforts, they step into the world braver and kinder.
This is also a beautiful time to reflect as a parent or educator. The 6-Step Online Learning & Scheduling Roadmap helps you plan a balanced rhythm for family life—so gratitude isn’t just seasonal, but woven into your everyday learning flow.
6 Step Roadmap to Stress Free Online Learning for Preschoolers
Working with young children isn't always easy, but with some chaos controlling techniques and lots of quality resources it can be a stress free experience for you both.
Sample Schedule
Lesson Plan Template
At Home Learning Tips
Virtual Checklist
And if you’re ready to bring calm, connection, and meaningful reflection into the new year, our Meaningful Memories Annual Planner will guide you through setting goals, tracking growth, and celebrating every “thank you” moment along the way.
Build a Lifetime of Meaningful Memories
With the Meaningful Memories Annual Planner, you are shaping your family's journey with intention. As you dream, extend grace, and embrace growth, these preschool years will become a collection of joyful moments and cherished memories that last a lifetime.
Gratitude Grows Here 🌱
You don’t need perfect plans or Pinterest-worthy crafts—just presence, conversation, and small, consistent moments of thanks. Start your own family gratitude ritual today: one thankful thought at dinner, one drawing before bed, one kind act before school.
Each one builds confidence. Each one shapes character.
And together, they remind our little learners (and us) that gratitude isn’t a one-day event—it’s a way of seeing the world.
Visit our Parent Advisor and The Buzz Blogs to learn more about related topics and parenting tips. You are welcome to join our private Parent Advisor Facebook group. It’s a growing community of parents and preschool teachers where you can learn and share more parenting tips.