A Note from Our Principal
November is a wonderful time to pause and reflect on the people who make our school community special. This month, we are focusing on gratitude and the special connections we share with our families. Our students will participate in activities that celebrate kindness, giving back, and appreciating the people and community around them.
We are so thankful for each of our families and for the trust you place in us. We look forward to another month of learning and meaningful connections!
Sincerely,
Jenna Poss
Holiday Giving
Our annual Holiday Giving initiative is a way for students to spread cheer this holiday season while developing an appreciation for what they have, showing gratitude to others, and seeing the positive impact of their actions. We are having a canned food drive for Cumming First United Methodist Church. More details will be shared via Links 2 Home. Thank you in advance for your partnership and generosity.
Native American Heritage Month November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to recognize the histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. In our classrooms, children will learn through books and age-appropriate activities that introduce Native American traditions and perspectives.
Thanksgiving/ Fall Celebrations Our students will be celebrating Thanksgiving with fun classroom activities on November 20th. Classroom parties will begin at 3pm. Sign up sheets will posted on classroom doors for goodies needed.
Family Survey A sincere thank you to everyone who completed our Family Survey! Your feedback is valuable to us as it helps us understand what’s working well and where we can continue to grow to better support your family. If you would still like to participate, the survey is open until November 20, 2026.
Family Referral Bonus (Header 5)
Do you know a colleague who recently had a baby, a friend in need of care who just relocated to the area, or a family member looking for a new preschool for their child? When you refer a friend and they enroll, you’re eligible for a free week of tuition.* Ask us for details!
Important Dates
November 2 – Canned Food Drive Begins
November 4 – Wear it Wednesday; Flannel
November 5 – All Pre-K Fire Truck Visit
November 9 – Diwali Celebration
November 10 – Food Drive Ends
November 11 – Veterans Day (School CLOSED – Professional Development)
November 13 – Santa Pictures
November 20 – Thanksgiving Class Parties Begin at 3pm
November 23-25 – Thanksgiving Break Camp Available
November 25 – Carrington Closing at 3pm
November 26-27 – School CLOSED for Thanksgiving
November 30 – End-of-month folders go home
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New On Our Preschool Blog
How to Teach Toddlers and Preschoolers Gratitude
How can young children learn to show gratitude when they are still making sense of the world around them? Toddlers and preschoolers learn gratitude by watching the adults around them, experiencing warmth, and practicing simple ways to say thank you. Families can nurture gratitude by modeling thankfulness, noticing thoughtful actions, and helping children recognize the people who make life better. These simple habits build a foundation for genuine appreciation.
Children who practice gratitude often feel happier and build stronger relationships with others. Showing appreciation also helps children notice when others are kind or helpful, building empathy and a sense of connection to their community.
Embracing thankfulness goes beyond teaching basic manners. It is about developing a healthy perspective that supports your child’s emotional growth, happiness, and lifelong well-being.
Young children learn best by watching how adults interact with others. When you express appreciation in your daily routine, you give your child a clear model to follow.
Try these simple ideas:
Here are age-appropriate activities that give children simple ways to practice appreciation as they grow:
Model saying thank you during everyday activities, such as meals and playtime. As your toddler begins to communicate, encourage simple gestures, like waving, smiling, or hugging loved ones to acknowledge someone’s kindness.
During meals or bedtime, talk with your child about something that made them happy or someone who helped them. Share your own examples to help your child recognize the kind actions and experiences they appreciate. Mealtimes are also a great opportunity to express gratitude for your food and the people who prepared it. Continue these practices as your child grows.
Encourage your child to draw pictures for friends or relatives as a way to show appreciation. Explain that making a picture for someone is a thoughtful way to say thank you and let them know they are appreciated.
Help your preschooler make thank-you cards for friends and family. Drawing pictures, tracing letters, or signing their name gives children opportunities to practice early writing skills while learning different ways to express appreciation.
The holidays offer meaningful opportunities to teach children about generosity and appreciation. As a family, support a local charitable cause together. Invite your child to choose a toy to donate, collect food for families in need, or help prepare a care package for someone in your community.
At our school, holiday giving initiatives help children put kindness into action. Through toy drives supporting organizations like Toys for Tots, donations to Ronald McDonald House Charities, and collections for local families, children learn to recognize others’ needs and see how their contributions can make a difference. These shared experiences nurture empathy, gratitude, and a sense of connection to their community.
Our curriculum helps children develop important social-emotional skills, including kindness, respect, and cooperation. Our teachers acknowledge thoughtful behavior and help children understand how their actions affect others.
Here are a few ways we encourage gratitude in our classrooms:
1. At what age can I start teaching my child about gratitude?
You can begin during toddlerhood. Children ages 1–2 learn by watching adults and imitating gestures. As they grow, help them recognize kindness and begin expressing appreciation in their own words.
2. Should I make my child say thank you?
Gentle prompting is fine, but forcing the words can make gratitude feel like a chore. Model the behavior, give a light reminder such as “What could we say to Grandpa?”, and praise sincere thank-yous when they happen on their own.
3. What if my child doesn’t want to say thank you?
Don’t worry. Young children need time to understand gratitude and learn how to express it. Continue modeling appreciation and explaining why you say thank you. For example, you might say, “Grandma made us a delicious lunch. Let’s thank her for taking the time to cook for us!” With patience and practice, your child will gradually learn to express gratitude in their own way.
4. What’s the best place to start?
Start with what your child knows. Help your child recognize things they can be thankful for, such as a favorite toy, a warm meal, or a hug from someone they love. Concrete examples make gratitude easier for young children to understand.
5. How do children’s books help teach gratitude?
Books can introduce stories of generosity and community. As you read together, ask questions about how characters support each other, and connect those moments to your child’s experiences.
6. What are some great books about gratitude for toddlers and preschoolers?
Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson teaches children about sharing and expressing appreciation, while The Thankful Book by Todd Parr encourages them to appreciate the simple things in life, like the sun, pets, food, and family. Find more recommendations here!
Gratitude isn’t an instinct children are born with; it’s a social skill that grows with daily practice and loving guidance. When you start early, you lay a strong foundation for a lifetime of kindness, empathy, and joy.
We’re here to support your child’s journey every step of the way. Contact us today to learn how we can partner with your family!
For more on developing gratitude, read:
Little Hands, Big Hearts: Benefits of Teaching Children about Giving Back
DIY Gratitude Journal for Preschoolers
