Help kids learn about gratitude and capture the “thankful” moments in their life with this FREE printable gratitude journal.
Thank you for visiting. This post may contain affiliate links to recommended products at no extra cost to you. Read our Disclosures and Terms of Use. Don't miss out again, become a Reader here <--it's FREE.
Notice how kids light up when they’re talking about their favorite things? Imagine helping them capture those moments, and learn to cherish them through journaling. A gratitude journal is the perfect way to do just that!
It’s not only a fun and creative activity, but it also brings out the goodness kids often have inside and helps them maintain a positive perspective and outlook on life. Studies show that gratitude boosts well-being in kids and adults alike—it’s a win-win. With my free printable gratitude journal, your child can start a daily practice that teaches them to appreciate the little things. It comes with 8 activity pages (and cover page) that you can print and use over and over again.
So, grab a cozy spot, and a few crayons, and start journaling with your kids. Thanksgiving is a great time to start!
More Gratitude Activities for Kids
Why Start a Gratitude Journal for Kids?
Gratitude journaling may sound grown-up, but kids can really benefit from it, too. Here are a few ways gratitude journalling is beneficial to kids:
- Mindfulness: It’s a simple way to nurture positive thinking and mindfulness, two traits that can shape how they see the world.
- A shift in perspective: Instead of focusing on what’s missing or what they want, kids learn to appreciate what they have. This shift in focus is important. The brain begins to look for positive patterns, and over time, they’ll start to find happiness in unexpected places—like the smile from a friend or a sunny day outside.
- A gratitude journal helps kids develop resilience and empathy. Kids who are mindful of their blessings and the people around them tend to cope better with challenges. They start to see that even on tough days, there are silver linings. And it’s not a difficult activity to incorporate! You can build journaling into daily routines—morning reflections or bedtime rituals work well. It’s a tool they can take anywhere, from home to school to family trips.
- The act of putting pen to paper helps them form a tangible connection to gratitude. If they’re just learning to write, encourage them to draw their thoughts. And trust me, those little doodles will be cherished memories for years to come! This gratitude journal is like a snapshot of their growing appreciation for life’s small wonders.
What’s Included in the Free Printable Gratitude Journal?
To make this gratitude journey exciting and a true kids activity, this 9-paged printable gratitude journal is packed with a variety of features that keep kids engaged and encouraged to reflect. Here’s a quick peek at what’s inside:
- Gratitude Journal Pages: Dedicated spaces for writing or drawing allow them to capture their reflections. This feature helps keep thoughts organized and consistent.
- Gratitude Jar: This one’s everybody’s favorite! Each day, your child can jot down something they’re thankful for in the jar with words or a picture. Over time, they’ll have a collection of happy moments to look back on. This is perfect for younger kids or those who don’t always like to write.
- Daily Journal: Simple daily prompts help kids think about their day, and what they’re grateful for and be more present
- Fun Lists: Let kids fill out lists like “People I’m Grateful For,” and “Things I’m Grateful For.” It’s a playful way to start identifying blessings in life.
- Weekly Reflection: This feature lets kids reflect on the week’s highlights. They’ll think back on what made the week special and learn to celebrate the small wins.
Each section in this gratitude journal is designed with children in mind, making it easy and enjoyable. It’s not just about listing things; it’s about connecting with those moments that make life sweet.
Gratitude Journal Free Printable Kids Activity
How to Download and Print Your Free Gratitude Journal
Downloading and printing this journal is super easy. Just click the download link provided, and you’re ready to go! The journal comes as a high-quality PDF, so you can print it at home or school.
Tips for Printing and Durability:
- Print on thicker paper for a more durable journal, especially if you plan on using crayons or markers.
- Use a binder or folder to keep pages together. Kids will love personalizing the cover with stickers or drawings!
- Print extra copies to continue journaling throughout the year, or even for other family members to join in. This keeps their journal looking fresh and clean and gives them a sense of ownership over something they created.
Engaging Kids with Gratitude Journaling
Kids learn best when activities are fun, and that’s exactly the goal here. If they’re not used to journaling, start slow. Let them choose a cozy corner or even go outside to get some inspiration. Consider creating a family ritual, like sharing a “thankful thought” at the end of the day. Parents can join in, too—kids love it when they see adults doing the same things they’re doing.
Ideas for Making Gratitude Fun:
- Let them decorate their journal cover—crayons, markers, and stickers work wonders here.
- Celebrate milestones like completing a week of journaling. Small rewards go a long way in reinforcing positive habits.
- Use prompts they can relate to, like “What made you smile today?” or “What’s something funny that happened?” Keep it lighthearted to avoid any pressure.
Creative Ways to Encourage Gratitude Beyond Journaling
A gratitude journal is just the start! Here are a few extra ways to deepen that thanksgiving for life’s little treasures:
- Gratitude Jar Activity: Each family member can add their own thankful note to the jar daily. It’s especially fun to read through together at the end of the month or year.
- Thankful Notes for Loved Ones: Encourage your child to leave small “thank you” notes for family or friends. They can be as simple as “Thanks for making me laugh” or “Thanks for the delicious breakfast!” It teaches them that gratitude is meant to be shared.
- Gratitude Time at Dinner or Bedtime: Set aside time to ask each family member what they’re grateful for. You’ll be surprised how these small moments can bring everyone closer.
These little actions turn gratitude from a “task” into something that’s naturally integrated into their day-to-day lives.
Conclusion
Encouraging gratitude in kids doesn’t have to be complicated. A gratitude journal is a simple tool, but it creates ripples of positivity, mindfulness, and appreciation. With this free printable journal, your child has everything they need to get started. You’ll love seeing the moments that make their day brighter, and they’ll love having a space that’s just theirs.
So download the printable today, grab some crayons, and dive into a gratitude journey that’s sure to bring a smile! Embrace the joy, the giggles, and the thankful thoughts—it’s these little things that make life big.
Download the Printable Here:
