Celebree School of Wayne is committed to preparing your child not just academically for kindergarten, but also socially and emotionally ensuring a confident and well-rounded start to their educational journey.
But what does gratitude look like in a preschool classroom? And how can we, as early childhood educators and parents, help children develop this powerful mindset?
Gratitude is more than just saying thank you. It’s more about recognizing kindness, compassion, appreciation, and building a positive perspective on life.
Teaching gratitude in the early years helps with laying a foundation for happy, healthy, and socially aware individuals.
How We Teach Gratitude at Celebree School of Wayne
Celebrate World Kindness Day and Kindness Counts Day
At Celebree School of Wayne we joyfully recognize World Kindness Day and Kindness Count Day as special moments on our Fun Days Calendar to highlight the importance of being kind to ourselves and others. These days offer meaningful experiences that weave acts of kindness into our daily rituals and routines.
Process Art Focused
At Celebree School of Wayne, we emphasize process art over product art, allowing students to take ownership of their creative experience. This approach encourages self-expression and gives children the freedom to explore what they’re thankful for in their own unique way.
Social-Emotional Development with Conscious Discipline
Instead of focusing on traditional discipline methods that focus on discipline, we teach problem solving and conflict resolution skills at Celebree School of Wayne by helping children recognize their emotions and the emotions of others.
We Wish You Well Moments
Another way we implement Conscious Discipline is by incorporating a ‘We Wish You Well’ moment during our morning meetings. We wish you well is an opportunity for our students to reflect on the students who are absent from the school day. This practice fosters a sense of belonging among our students and encourages them to think of others, promoting unity and helping to build a strong, supportive classroom community.
Reinforcing Gratitude at Home
Modeling Thankfulness
Let your preschooler hear you express thanks and praise their gratitude often.
- “Thank you for helping me pick up the trash off the floor”
- “It was so kind of you to say thank you to your friend”
Gratitude Circle at Bedtime or Morning
As you and your preschooler are getting ready for bed or getting ready to start your day. Ask to share what they are thankful for.
Gratitude Books
Books are powerful tools to teach gratitude through storytelling.
- “The Thankful Book” by Todd Parr
- “Bear Says Thanks” by Karma Wilson
- “Gratitude is My Superpower” by Alicia Ortego
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A Grateful School Community
At Celebree School of Wayne, gratitude is at the heart of our school community. We believe that fostering a culture of thankfulness helps build strong relationships between children, families and educators. By practicing and modeling gratitude daily, we create an environment where every child feels valued. Whether through saying “thank you,” helping a friend or celebrating acts of kindness, our students learn that gratitude is a powerful way to connect with others and build a supportive community.
Written by Olivia Chandler, M.Ed., Assistant School Director, Celebree School of Wayne
