Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you”—it’s a way of recognizing the good around us and appreciating the people, places, and experiences that add value to our lives. Defined as the practice of acknowledging what we’re thankful for, gratitude helps us focus on the positive and can significantly impact our well-being, our outlook, and even the lives of those around us.
Practicing gratitude improves happiness, reduces stress, and strengthens relationships. For kids, learning and showing gratitude can build empathy, resilience, and social connections, all while creating a more positive school and family environment. That’s why CharacterStrong is excited to offer FREE Gratitude Resources to help kids of all ages practice gratitude and experience its benefits in meaningful ways.
Here’s a look some of the gratitude resources & activities available in the CharacterStrong Gratitude resources:
For our youngest learners, the Gratitude Coloring Sheet offers a fun, creative way to explore gratitude! Coloring is a calming activity that invites students to pause, reflect, and express appreciation through art. The sheet encourages students to think about the things and people they’re grateful for, promoting positivity from an early age. This resource is available in both English and Spanish (and print and cursive) making it accessible to a wide range of students.
Older students can practice gratitude through our "Gratitude Gram" prompts, designed specifically for middle and high schoolers. These prompts guide students in writing notes of appreciation to peers, teachers, or family members. Not only does this activity give students a chance to express their gratitude in a thoughtful way, but it also encourages a school-wide culture of kindness and positivity. A “Gratitude Gram” could be as simple as thanking someone for their help or acknowledging the impact of a friend’s support during a tough time.
Both our Elementary and Secondary Gratitude resources feature engaging games. These activities are a great way to get students actively thinking about and sharing what they’re grateful for. Whether played in a classroom or at home, this game sparks conversations about appreciation and helps kids recognize and articulate the positive aspects of their lives. The game is simple to set up, fun to play, and can be adapted for different age groups—perfect for students, teachers, and families looking to build gratitude into their routines.
Dinner time is an ideal moment for families to connect, and these Dinner Conversation Prompts bring gratitude to the table! With questions designed to inspire reflection, these prompts encourage kids to share what they’re thankful for while hearing about others’ experiences, too. Discussing gratitude as a family not only fosters a sense of togetherness but also allows kids to see gratitude as a shared, communal value.
The CharacterStrong Podcast has a new episode, “Gratitude in Action: Cultivating Well-Being Through Intentional Practice,” features expert Colton Moore, who delves into the transformative power of gratitude. This episode explores how intentional gratitude practices can positively affect mental health and overall well-being. Kids, parents, and educators alike can listen to this episode to deepen their understanding of gratitude and get inspired to incorporate it into daily life.
Gratitude teaches kids that happiness doesn’t always come from what we have but from appreciating the people and experiences around us. This simple practice can boost confidence, improve relationships, and help kids manage stress. Kids who practice gratitude are also more likely to show kindness, develop empathy, and maintain a positive outlook on life—all qualities that will serve them well as they grow.
By embracing the power of gratitude, we can help our kids cultivate a mindset that will enrich their lives and positively impact those around them. Download CharacterStrong’s free Gratitude resources today to start making gratitude a daily habit in your classroom, home, or school community. Let’s work together to raise a generation of kind, compassionate, and grateful individuals!