01 Nov Gratitude: A Montessori Principle

Gratitude: A Montessori Principle

“History should not be taught as a collection of dates and places. But rather be approached to arouse gratitude and appreciation. This gratitude should be aroused first to the law and order of the universe and the preparation of the environment into which human beings came.”

– Maria Montessori

As we wind down the year and have more opportunities to spend time with loved ones and begin a season of hyper-consumption, it’s important to take a step back and remember gratitude—and encourage children to practice gratitude. According to the experts in Montessori education, “Gratitude is the most exquisite form of courtesy.” And, when children (and adults!) are able to feel and express gratitude, they are much more content with themselves, their self-esteem, their friendships, and with the things they have.

How Do I Teach Gratitude The Montessori Way?

We can start the process of teaching gratitude to our kids by showing gratitude for them. When children receive gratitude, they begin to build a strong, positive relationship with themselves. In showing gratitude, it is natural for children to learn how to express gratitude.

Adult role modeling is essential in teaching gratitude. Montessori teachers and parents can model gratitude when thanking children for being kind, generous, helpful, and respectful toward them, and affirming children when they display gratitude towards others!

What Are The Benefits Of Teaching Gratitude?

According to a Harvard study, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships. Being grateful and teaching gratitude are integral parts of the Montessori philosophy of living a natural, harmonious life.

Teach Gratitude Together

Montessori Gratitude Jar

What is a Gratitude Jar?

A gratitude jar is in simplest terms, a lidded container filled with slips of paper with gratitudes written on them. To make it extra special, make it a pretty jar, whether it’s a color or shape or has designs. After all, “the child should live in an environment of beauty.”
Throughout the month, or the year, encourage each other to write down what you’re grateful for. For the younger kids, pictures can be helpful! You can wait until the jar is full, or open it at Thanksgiving dinner and share all the gratitudes together.

What does a Gratitude Jar Teach?

The Gratitude Jar teaches kids how to express gratitude, but also lets them see how sharing gratitude affects the people around them. Filling out the pieces of paper also helps children with handwriting, spelling, vocabulary, and reading!

Montessori Gratitude Tree

What is a Gratitude Tree?

A gratitude tree can either be two-dimensional using a picture of a tree or a free-standing tree. Together kids and adults can fill out leaves with gratitudes and add them to the branches of the tree. Each day, as the leaves fall outside you can remove leaves from the tree and share the gratitudes. Or, you can leave it up as a reminder of all the little things to be grateful for!

What does a Gratitude Tree Teach?

Making a gratitude tree is an opportunity to teach kids how to be grateful for their home, family, friends, health, belongings, and so much more. Putting together the tree and filling out the leaves also teaches fine motor skills and communication skills!

Happy Holidays (and Many Thanks) From Meadow Montessori

We hope you enjoy the holiday season and spend it surrounded by loved ones, and leaning into gratitude!

If you are in the Richmond, TX area, and are interested in a Montessori education for your child, contact Meadow Montessori School today!