These children’s books about gratitude are sure to spark meaningful discussions in your elementary classroom. Check out this list of teacher-tested, student-beloved picture books about gratitude!
November (or anytime!) is such a great time to encourage a gratitude practice with your young learners. This simple yet profound concept has significant social and emotional benefits for our young learners.
Here are just a few!:
- Promoting Empathy and Kindness: By expressing thanks, students not only acknowledge the support they receive but also begin to understand the emotions and intentions behind these acts.
- Enhancing Emotional Well-being: Gratitude is like a magic elixir for emotional health. As they identify and appreciate the positives in their lives, they become more resilient and better equipped to handle challenges.
- Building Positive Relationships: When children express thanks, whether it’s to their peers, teachers, or family members, they nurture connections based on appreciation and respect.
- Fostering a Growth Mindset: Gratitude is closely linked to a growth mindset, the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed with effort and perseverance.
- Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Grateful kids (and grown-ups!) often experience reduced stress and anxiety levels!
Read alouds about gratitude
This far-from-comprehensive list includes my favorite read alouds to encourage gratitude. Some are more geared towards Thanksgiving and the holiday seasons; most are intended to be enjoyed year-round!
Thanksgiving-centered read alouds about gratitude
- “The Thankful Book” by Todd Parr: In this colorful and engaging book, Todd Parr explores the concept of gratitude by celebrating the many things children can be thankful for in their daily lives, from simple pleasures to the people they love. See it here!
- “We are Grateful: Otsaliheliga” by Traci Sorell: In this beautiful picture book about the Cherokee practice of gratitude, students will see thankfulness in practice year round! Buy it here!
- “Bear Says Thanks” by Karma Wilson: Join Bear and his woodland friends as they gather to share a feast. Each animal contributes something to the meal, teaching the importance of giving, sharing, and expressing gratitude. Geared toward younger students, the simple message of giving thanks is clear! Grab a copy here!
Evergreen read alouds about gratitude
- “Last Stop on Market Street” by Matt de la Peña: CJ and his grandmother embark on their weekly bus ride, and as they travel through the city, CJ learns to appreciate the beauty in the world around him and the kindness of those they encounter. Find this read aloud about gratitude here!
- “Those Shoes” by Maribeth Boelts: Jeremy wants those shoes – the ones everyone seems to have. With time, however, he realizes that the things he already has — warm boots, a loving grandma, and the chance to help a friend — are worth more than the things he wants. Find it here!
- “Remember” by Joy Harjo: This is the picture book adaptation of the renowned poem that encourages young readers to reflect on family, nature, and their heritage. In simple and direct language, Harjo, a member of the Mvskoke Nation, urges readers to pay close attention to the world they were born into, who they are, and how all on earth are connected. Grab your copy here!
- “Gracias Thanks” by Pat Mora: This bilingual English and Spanish book follows a young boy as he expresses gratitude for the people and experiences in his life, bridging cultures and emphasizing the universal language of thanks.
- “Thank You, Omu” by Oge Mora: This Caldecott Honor book is so beautifully simple. Neighborhood caregiver Omu cares for everyone around her. But who will care for her? The ending reveals just how grateful her community is!
- “Gratitude is my Super Power!” by Alicia Ortego: “Gratitude’s in all of us and all we have to do | is stop and think how thankful we are, instead of feeling blue!” This story tells of Betsy, who uses a magic stone to practice gratitude for the things and people around her. She soon learns that she doesn’t need a tool to feel thankful!
- “An Awesome Book of Thanks!” by Dallas Clayton: With vibrant illustrations and a simple, rhyming text, this book encourages children to express thanks for the beauty in the world, from the sun in the sky to the friends they cherish, fostering an attitude of gratitude.
These read alouds about gratitude are excellent resources for teaching children the value of expressing thanks and the joy of appreciating the world around them. I’d love to hear about how they influence your class’s discussion of gratitude in the comments below!
More ideas on teaching gratitude!
Are you looking for more ideas for teaching gratitude to your elementary students? Check out this post for 5 ideas!
