61 Gratitude Journal Prompts For Kids to Use All Year
Gratitude journal prompts for kids can be transformative, helping them navigate life with optimism and resilience.
Instilling an attitude of gratitude in children can significantly impact their emotional and physical health, leading to improved self-esteem, better sleep, and increased happiness.
By using writing prompts for kids focused on gratitude, we can encourage them to reflect on their blessings and develop a grateful mindset that enhances their well-being.
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Why Gratitude Matters for Kids
Gratitude is more than just a pleasant emotion; it’s a powerful practice that can significantly impact a child’s physical and emotional health.
Practicing gratitude has been linked to improved self-esteem, better sleep, and increased happiness. By encouraging kids to keep a gratitude journal, we help them develop skills to express their appreciation, which can lead to a more positive outlook on life and stronger relationships with loved ones.
Cultivating gratitude can also help them feel grateful for the small things in life, leading to increased positivity and overall well-being.
Easy Gratitude Journal Prompts to Get Started
- What made you smile today?
- Who is someone you are thankful for and why?
- Describe a fun activity you did this week.
- What is your favorite thing about your family?
- Name three things you are grateful for right now.
Expanding the Scope of Gratitude
- What is something you enjoy doing with your friends?
- What is a challenge you faced and how did you overcome it?
- Write about a time someone was kind to you.
- What is something beautiful you saw today?
- What is your favorite memory?
grat·i·tude
- the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
Creative Prompts to Cultivate Gratitude
- Draw a picture of something you are grateful for.
- Write a thank you letter to someone you appreciate.
- What is your favorite thing to do at school?
- Describe a pet or animal you love and why you are grateful for them.
- What is something you have learned recently that you are grateful for?
Reflecting on the Bigger Picture
- What is something you are proud of accomplishing?
- What is a special tradition you enjoy with your family?
- What is something you love about your home?
- Write about a time you helped someone. How did it make you feel?
- What are you looking forward to tomorrow?
Holiday Season Gratitude Prompts
Valentine’s Day Journal Prompts
These writing prompts make great homeschool Valentine’s Day ideas.
- How does being grateful make you feel?
- Write a letter of thanks to your mom, dad, or someone in your family who does everything for you.
- Reflect on a time when someone showed you love and kindness. How did it make you feel, and why do you think love and kindness are important in our lives?
- Write about a time you felt loved.
- Finish this sentence 10 different times, “I love…”
St. Patrick’s Day Journal Prompts
- What makes you feel lucky?
- Describe a time when you felt especially fortunate or blessed.
- Write about a tradition your family has for St. Patrick’s Day.
- What is your favorite thing about the color green?
- Imagine you found a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. What would you do with it, and how would you express your gratitude?
Easter Journal Prompts
These are our favorite Easter writing prompt printables:
- What is your favorite Easter activity?
- Write about a surprise you received during an Easter celebration that made you feel grateful for the thoughtfulness and effort someone put into making your day special.
- How do you celebrate Easter?
- Do you have a nice Easter memory? What was it?
- Write about your favorite Easter treat and explain why it makes you feel grateful and happy.
Summer Gratitude Journal Prompts
- Where was your favorite holiday destination?
- Where would you like to go on your summer vacation and why?
- How can you show gratitude in the summer months?
- Now school is over, what was your favorite lesson last year?
- Write about your favorite thing in nature during the summer and explain why it brings you joy and gratitude.
Halloween Gratitude Prompts
Add these writing prompts to your homeschool Halloween activities.
- What candy are you most grateful for?
- If gratitude was a person, what Halloween costume would they wear?
- Imagine you found a mysterious, glowing pumpkin on Halloween night that grants you three wishes. Write about what you would wish for and why you’re grateful for these wishes.
- Think about a time when someone did something kind for you during Halloween, whether it was sharing candy or helping you with your costume. Write about how their actions made you feel grateful and how you can pass on kindness to others.
- What is your favorite Halloween costume?
Thanksgiving Gratitude Prompts
Add these journal prompts to your Thanksgiving homeschool activities for a meaningful and reflective holiday.
- Why is it important to have a Day of Thanks?
- What is your favorite part of Thanksgiving Day?
- Do you help cook the Thanksgiving meal?
- What food are you most grateful for?
- What is the number one thing you are thankful for? And why?
Another great way to teach gratitude is by having a fun gratitude scavenger hunt and a gratitude pumpkin.
Christmas Gratitude Prompts
Add these journal prompts to your educational Christmas activities for even more festive fun. If you’re looking for more Christmas writing prompt printables, check out our recent post.
- How do you feel when someone gives you a gift?
- What is your favorite thing about Christmas?
- What are your favorite Christmas songs?
- Do you prefer receiving or giving Christmas gifts?
- What do you love about your Christmas decorations? Do you have any family traditions?
New Year Journal Prompts
- What are all the ways you could be more grateful for this year?
- What was your favorite book you read last year?
- Imagine you are about to embark on a magical journey in the new year. What kind of adventure would it be? Where would you go, and what exciting things would you do?
- Think about something you would like to learn or improve this year. It could be a new skill, a subject in school, or a hobby. Write about why you want to learn it and how you plan to achieve your goal.
- Why is gratitude important to you?
- Use our free Christmas thank you coloring cards and write what you are thankful for in the new year.
Building a Habit of Gratitude
By incorporating these prompts into a regular journaling practice, kids can develop a habit of gratitude that will serve them throughout their lives.
The benefits of such a practice are supported by positive psychology research, which shows that regular reflection on what we’re grateful for can reduce materialism, increase optimism, and improve overall well-being.
To be grateful is to experience more happiness and a sense of well-being.
Tips for Parents and Educators
- Consistency is Key: Encourage kids to write down their thoughts in their gratitude journals daily or weekly. Consistency helps build the habit and reinforces the benefits of practicing gratitude.
- Lead by Example: Show your own gratefulness by keeping a journal or sharing what you’re thankful for during family discussions.
- Make it Fun: Use colorful journals, stickers, or drawings to make the activity engaging for kids. The more enjoyable it is, the more likely they are to continue.
- Celebrate Gratitude: Recognize and celebrate moments of gratitude expressed by your kids. This positive reinforcement can help solidify the practice.
Gratitude Journal For Kids
These gratitude journal prompts can either be added to a journal (these are the ones we use) or just jotted down on a scrap of paper. But the most important thing is getting your kids to think about all the amazing things they have to be grateful for.
If you prefer an actual gratitude journal these are our favorites:
- The 3 Minute Gratitude Journal for Kids: A journal to teach children to practice gratitude and mindfulness
- Nature-Inspired Gratitude Journal for Kids: 90-day nature gratitude journal with 20+ activities for kids
- Gratitude Journal for Kids in 5-Minutes a Day: Fun prompts and activities for thanks and positivity
- The One-Minute Gratitude Journal
Last Updated on 7 April 2025 by Clare Brown