Playing with Gratitude at
Mount Peter ELC
What is Playing with Gratitude?
Playing with Gratitude helps children notice, appreciate, and enjoy the good moments in their lives. By blending gratitude with play, children experience joy and connection while building essential emotional and social skills.
The Impact of Gratitude on Child Development
Practising gratitude can have a long and lasting impact on children’s well-being. It helps them:
- Develop empathy and kindness towards others
- Build meaningful social connections
- Feel more confident and optimistic
- Manage stress and navigate challenges with ease
Combining Gratitude and Co-Play
Co-play, where children and educators engage in shared activities, creates moments of connection and joy. Engaging with children at their level creates a sense of belonging and happiness.
Our Participation in the “Playing with Gratitude” Project
Mount Peter Early Learning were proud participants in the “Playing with Gratitude” action research project. The initiative blended gratitude science with co-play to support children’s well-being from birth to age five.
How we Incorporate Gratitude Into Our Days
Daily Gratitude Circles: A safe space where children share what makes them feel grateful each day.
Gratitude Journals: Creative activities where children express their thankfulness through drawings and words.
Role Modeling: Educators showing gratitude in their actions and interactions.
Storytime with Gratitude Themes: Reading books that inspire appreciation and kindness.
Benefits for Your Child
Our gratitude practices help children flourish by:
- Encouraging emotional well-being
- Strengthening their social-emotional skills
- Boosting their self-awareness and confidence
- Creating a warm and inclusive community
Playing with Gratitude Activities at Mount Peter ELC
We’ve got your child’s nutrition covered all day long. Here’s what a typical day of eating looks like at Mt Peter:
Age-Appropriate Gratitude Exercises
We tailor activities to each age group, ensuring every child can participate meaningfully:
- Toddlers: Singing thank-you songs and using simple gestures.
- Preschoolers: Collaborating on art projects with gratitude themes.
- Kindergarteners: Journal and have thoughtful group discussions about thankfulness.
Integrating Gratitude into Daily Routines
Gratitude is seamlessly woven into our day:
- Starting mornings with gratitude circles
- Sharing appreciation during mealtimes
- Reflecting on positive moments during wind-down activities
The Positive Effects of Practicing Gratitude on Children
Enhancing Social-Emotional Skills
Gratitude play helps children develop empathy and build strong, meaningful relationships with peers and educators.
Building Resilience and Mindfulness
Children learn to approach life’s challenges with optimism and confidence by focusing on gratitude.
Partnering with Parents
How We Share Gratitude Practices with Families
We believe that encouraging gratitude is a partnership between the centre and families. To support this, we:
- Share regular updates on gratitude activities
- Encourage parents to create there own gratitude practices at home
Continuing Gratitude Play at Home
To extend the gratitude journey at home, we suggest:
- Creating a family gratitude jar for shared moments of thankfulness
- Practicing bedtime gratitude reflections together
- Writing thank-you notes as a family for kind gestures
Why Choose Mount Peter ELC?
We’ve got your child’s nutrition covered all day long. Here’s what a typical day of eating looks like at Mt Peter:
Our Unique Approach
At Mount Peter ELC, we support your child’s well-being by adding gratitude to their day, and helping them grow kind and confident.
Our Experienced Educators
Our educators bring experience and passion to help children thrive with science-backed programs like ‘Playing with Gratitude.
We’d love to welcome you and your child into our community. Book a tour at Mount Peter Early Learning today and see how we nurture happiness, resilience, and gratitude every day.