As homeschooling parents, we strive to nurture not just our children’s academic growth but also their emotional and character development. One of the most meaningful ways to do this is by teaching them the power of gratitude. Gratitude Jars are an easy, hands-on gratitude activity that encourages children of all ages to consider the positives in their lives, making thankfulness a habit.
To make this even easier for you, I’m offering free printable Gratitude Prompt Cards! These cards will help your kids get started by giving them ideas on what to be thankful for. Keep reading to find out how to use them in your Gratitude Jars project!
What You’ll Need:
- A large jar, container, or box with a lid (this can even be a flower vase, or decorative hat box).
- Small pieces of paper (or use our printable prompt cards!)
- Something to write or draw with.
- Decorations (optional): stickers, ribbon, paint, washi tape
How to Make Your Gratitude Jars:
- Choose a Jar: Any container will work—a mason jar, vase, basket, or even a decorated shoebox. The key is to have a place to collect everyone’s gratitude notes.
- Decorate Together: This is a great way to involve kids and let them take ownership of the project. Let each child personalize the jar using stickers, markers, ribbons, or paint. It can be as simple or elaborate as you like. Younger kids will enjoy the creative process, while older children can take on more detailed designs. Or rotate letting the kids take turns decorating for different seasons.
- Use the Free Printable Gratitude Prompt Cards: To make it easier for everyone to get started, especially younger children, I’ve created printable Gratitude Prompt Cards! These cards offer simple, kid-friendly questions like:
- What made you smile today? What’s something fun you did this week? What was your favorite_______?
- Set a Gratitude Routine: Make filling out gratitude notes a daily or weekly habit. It can be part of your morning time, lunch break, or evening wind-down. By regularly contributing to the jar, your kids will develop the habit of looking for the good in every day.
- Share: We like to start out doing this daily, but if that doesn’t work for your family that’s okay. Choose a special time each week, month, term, or holiday to open the Gratitude Jar and read the notes together as a family. This will spark heartwarming conversations and remind everyone of the joy in everyday moments. Remember the more often you do this, the more excited the kids will be to participate.
Why Gratitude Jars Are Perfect for Homeschoolers
- Works Across Age Levels: The Gratitude Jar is flexible and works with all ages—from toddlers drawing pictures to getting teens to engage with the family. Everyone can participate at their own level.
- Builds Family Connection: Incorporating this activity into your home helps foster connection. This isn’t a ‘school’ activity, its a family activity. I suggest doing at mealtime, or bedtime when everyone is together.
- Boosts Positivity in Learning: Gratitude promotes a positive attitude, which can improve the overall atmosphere in your home. When children spend time each day exposed to the idea of gratitude and thankfulness, it sets a tone of joy and appreciation that carries into their studies.
- Encourages Emotional Growth: Teaching gratitude is a key part of emotional development. The simple act of writing down something they’re thankful for helps children learn to approach life with a positive mindset.
Get Your Free Gratitude Prompt Cards!
To make this even easier for you, I’ve created a set of free printable Gratitude Prompt Cards designed specifically for kids! Simply download, print, and cut them out. These cards will give your children ideas for what to write (or draw) in their gratitude notes. Scroll down to get your cards.
Creative Ways to Use Your Gratitude Jars beyond Thanksgiving:
- Monthly Themes: Focus on a different theme each month like “Kindness,” “Family,” or “Nature.” This helps children learn to see gratitude from multiple angles, and all year long!
- Art and Creativity: Encourage younger children to draw their gratitude instead of writing. This keeps them engaged and makes the project even more fun. Bonus, they can do it themselves without asking for help.
- Seasonal Jars: Let the kids decorate a new jar for each season. This helps the kids own the idea, it becomes theirs not just something mom wants them to do.
Final Thoughts:
The Gratitude Jar is a simple yet powerful tool for teaching thankfulness. It’s an activity that works for all ages, encourages family bonding, and helps instill lifelong habits of appreciation.
Free Gratitude Challenge
To help you out, I’ve created a simple 30 Day Gratitude Challenge Printable. Each person in your family should have their own printable. At dinner time or bedtime, let your kids write what they are thankful for that day. There is enough space on the printable to let your kids write what they are thankful for that day.
Shannon L. Mokry lives in Texas with her husband, daughters, dog Theo, and small flock of chickens. Shannon is a homeschool mama with a creative personality, that led to her career as a writer and illustrator. With over 20 books currently published and more in the works, Shannon has a passion for good literature, and a drive to help provide books that encourage children and parents alike. Shannon’s career as a children’s book author started in 2016, when she realized that she had been living in fear and set out to be a better example for her daughters. Choosing to do things, even when she is afraid, is the example she truly wants to set. Brave people don’t do things to be brave, they do things despite their fear. She hopes to encourage the next generation to step out in faith and truly live the lives God has planned for them.
Check out Shannon’s books and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
