Growing gratitude with PBS KIDS

November 18, 2024 Marci Glaus Leave a Comment

While November isn’t the only month to be grateful, it is a good time to think about and say (or sing about) what we are thankful for.

Me? I’m thankful for today, of course, and anyone reading this blog. I’m grateful for good books, the urge to dance when I hear a great song, my communities, little-kid giggles, candy corn and a thousand other things/people/ideas. It’s a little cheesy, but I’m grateful for being grateful because I know it makes me feel good and broadens my perspective.

The best thing about gratitude is that anyone can try it – even our littlest learners. The following ideas and activities come from the beloved world of PBS KIDS to inspire those good feelings and spread some goodwill this month and beyond.

PBS KIDS Gratitude Bingo

What better way to introduce the concept of gratitude to our youngest learners than through a game? Gratitude Bingo for 4-5-year-old children and their families provides a fun way to document their favorite things, say out loud something they are grateful for or create a message thanking a neighbor for something! Plenty of other ideas are included – even the prompts to get the conversation started, along with cut-out cards to share with friends.

Crafting Gratitude

The Make a Thankful Turkey craft from PBS KIDS for Parents is another great way to prompt conversation and creativity around gratitude. It only takes a few materials and a brainstorm about what to write on individual “turkey feathers” that will make a colorful show of gratitude. Keep some blank feathers close by after displaying the gobbler so you can add to the plume beyond the Thanksgiving holiday.

Talk it Out

Talking about gratitude, even in difficult circumstances, is another way to examine a range of emotions. With this short clip from Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum, learners and families can see how the characters handle disappointment in everyday life, along with an example from history, speaking to the show’s social-emotional, literacy and social studies skills learning goals.

Gratitude Dance

Finally, you can incorporate movement with gratitude in the “Learn to be Thankful” dance on PBS LearningMedia. No materials are necessary – just a little space to move, a bit of attention and a thankful mindset. You can extend the positive vibes with the “Learn to Be Grateful Gratitude Booklet” provided with the video for children to write about or draw what they are grateful for and how it makes them feel.

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