Supporting Emotional Growth and Creativity at Every Stage
Summary:
Mother’s Day may have passed, but the opportunity to nurture gratitude and connection continues year-round. In this post, we’ll explore developmentally appropriate craft ideas and simple gratitude lessons for toddlers, designed to support emotional growth, build fine motor skills, and strengthen family bonds.
Why Gratitude Lessons Matter in Early Childhood
At ABC West Child Development Center, we believe emotional development is just as important as early literacy or STEM learning. While toddlers may still be learning how to express their feelings, research shows that simple acts of appreciation help children:
- Develop empathy and compassion
- Strengthen their ability to build relationships
- Increase emotional regulation and positive behavior
According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), even young toddlers begin to understand emotional cues and can express gratitude through actions, not just words. Teaching children to say “thank you” or express appreciation with a drawing helps lay the foundation for social-emotional growth.
Developmentally Appropriate Crafting for Toddlers
Art and crafting are powerful tools for teaching gratitude. They’re also a wonderful way for toddlers to build hand strength, coordination, and creativity. In our toddler child care programs in Greeley, we incorporate seasonal crafts like these to engage little hands and big hearts.
Here are three craft ideas we recently used in our classrooms that you can recreate at home:
1. “You Fill My Heart” Thumbprint Card
What You’ll Need:
- Cardstock or construction paper
- Washable paint
- Markers or crayons
How It Works:
Fold the cardstock in half to make a card. Let the child dip their finger into paint and create thumbprint “hearts” on the front. Inside, write a simple message like “I love you because…” and invite the child to tell you what they love about their parent or caregiver.
What They Learn:
- Fine motor control through stamping
- Emotional expression through guided conversation
- Cause and effect (pressing fingers, making marks)
2. Gratitude Garden Pot
How It Works:
Have the child decorate a flower pot with stickers or drawings. Help them plant a flower or herb inside and explain that just like we care for plants, we care for our families too.
What They Learn:
- Responsibility through caring for something living
- Symbolism and connection between nature and relationships
- Sensory experiences with soil, water, and plant textures
3. Family Photo Frame Craft
What You’ll Need:
- Cardboard cut into frame shapes
- Glue sticks
- Pre-cut paper shapes, fabric scraps, or soft embellishments
- A printed photo of the child and their loved one
How It Works:
Let the child decorate their frame with help. Then attach the photo. This makes a meaningful keepsake and reinforces recognition of family and caregivers.
What They Learn:
- Spatial awareness and planning
- Memory and relational connection
- Confidence and pride in their creation
How We Teach Gratitude at ABC West
Gratitude isn’t taught in a single lesson. At ABC West, we model appreciation throughout our daily routines—whether it’s thanking a friend for sharing, acknowledging a helpful action, or celebrating kindness during circle time.
Our preschool programs emphasize:
- Modeling Language: Teachers use phrases like “Thank you for helping clean up” or “Wasn’t that kind of your friend?”
- Kindness Charts: Children earn stickers or smiles for kind acts—like helping a peer or giving a compliment.
- Storytime Themes: We choose books like “Bear Says Thanks” or “The Thank You Book” to spark discussion.
- Group Reflection: During circle time, children are invited to share something that made them feel happy or thankful.
These methods align with Colorado’s Early Learning and Development Guidelines, which recommend that children be taught to identify and manage feelings while forming healthy relationships with others.
Common Concern: “Can Toddlers Really Understand Gratitude?”
Yes—and no. Toddlers (ages 18–36 months) may not understand abstract concepts, but they do understand love, attention, and recognition. Gratitude at this age is often about routine and modeling. When caregivers thank a child or help them show appreciation, toddlers begin to associate these actions with positive feelings and relationships.
Top Tip: Make gratitude visual and physical—drawings, hugs, hand-made gifts, or songs of appreciation all communicate love in ways young children understand.
In Summary: Celebrating Mothers Every Day
While the official Mother’s Day celebration may be behind us, our commitment to teaching children about appreciation, family, and love is ongoing. Crafting gives toddlers a way to say “I love you” when words are still forming, and gratitude lessons help build a sense of belonging, confidence, and compassion.
At ABC West Child Development Center, we’re proud to support families with trusted toddler child care programs in Greeley that focus on the whole child—emotionally, socially, and academically.
Ready to Join a Preschool That Nurtures the Heart and Mind?
Our classrooms are filled with learning, laughter, and loving care. If you’re searching for a “preschool near me” that values emotional development alongside academics, to learn more or schedule a tour.
Whether it’s through a handprint card, a flower pot, or a heartfelt hug, we believe in helping little ones express big love—all year long.