At the time Americans celebrate Thanksgiving, it is a good idea to pause to teach children how to EXPRESS thanks. The Today Show has many wonderful ideas for all ages, including these for elementary school-age children:
1. Hand-write thank-you’s. One sentence per grade is a good rule of thumb, and be sure to send them out promptly.
2. Make a gratitude jar. Fill it with short handwritten notes of gratitude (“I’m thankful we won the big game!” or, “I’m grateful Grandma came to visit.”). Pick a special time to pull out notes at random and read them aloud.
3. Say thank-you with cookies. Prepare and deliver a homemade “thank you” to your local fire or police department, or your pediatrician’s or dentist’s office.
4. Make it stick. Leave sticky notes for each family member to thank them for something you appreciate.
5. Celebrate your year. Every birthday, make a list of things you are grateful for that year. A 5-year-old can think of five things, while a 10-year-old can manage at least 10.
For the entire list go to: http://www.today.com/news/get-grateful-20-ways-teach-kids-gratitude-tots-teens-1D80297963