Dr. Emily AronoffMusic That Helps Children Notice, Name, and Celebrate the Good
Most Americans are preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving, and many Jewish educators are tasked with seeking a balance between providing a Jewish education and integrating current events and student interest into the materials. Whether you’re a songleader, rabbi, cantor, or educator, you understand the magic that unfolds when music and learning intertwine in our vibrant Jewish communities. This updated article, “10 Gratitude Songs for Kiddos,” offers ready-to-sing ideas that help children express appreciation and joy. You’ll find both Jewish and universal favorites, each with clear learning value and practical teaching ideas.
Songs that Grow Gratitude
When children sing words of thanks, they’re doing more than learning lyrics: they’re practicing empathy, mindfulness, and joy. Through melody and repetition, music helps gratitude move from idea to habit. These songs can open gatherings, smooth transitions, or close a day with calm appreciation. I have our morning alarms set to a playlist of just “Modeh Ani’ renditions. Take this idea and make it your own.
Is Thanksgiving a Jewish holiday?
Is Thanksgiving part of the traditional Jewish holiday calendar? Not exactly, but the essence of Thanksgiving, expressing heartfelt gratitude within a community, harmonizes beautifully with Jewish values. While Thanksgiving is widely celebrated by American Jews, it presents a unique opportunity for us as educators to weave Jewish principles into this national holiday, enriching our communal tapestry.
Jewish Tradition Emphasizes Gratitude
Our Jewish heritage brims with teachings that emphasize and celebrate gratitude. The songs I’ve selected for our little ones are not just melodies; they are echoes of this profound Jewish spirit, suitable for every day and all moments. Through song, we impart one of life’s most transformative lessons: gratitude. My own practice of daily thankfulness is the cornerstone of my well-being and joy.
Grow Gratitude through Song
May these songs resonate with you and your community, igniting sparks of joy and a spirit of gratitude that lasts far beyond any holiday.
10 Thanksgiving Songs For Kiddos
1) Toe-Dah! Rabbah by Eliana Light
A bright, movement-rich Hebrew song that invites kids to say “thank you very much!” (Todah rabbah!) The built-in motions help channel energy and reinforce the language through physical touch.
2) Thank You! Modeh/Modah Ani by Dr. Emily
This is a “zipper” song that involves each participant in personal reflection. I sing this song with my kids every morning while we wait in the carpool line to drop off at school, each articulating the morning’s source of feelings ‘good, safe, or happy’.
3) We Say "Todah" by Lisa Baydush
I love this sweet, simple zipper song that teaches Hebrew word for “thank you” which is “todah.” Perfect for early learners exploring simple Hebrew while connecting to the concept of appreciation.
4) Thank You HaShem from Thank You HaShem
A danceable anthem drawn from Psalm 136 (Hodu l’Adonai ki tov, ki l’olam chasdo). This joyful song blends traditional Hebrew text with a modern, folk-pop groove.
HaShem is Hebrew for The Name, and is one of God’s many titles.)
5) Grateful! by Dr. Emily
Leading a Tot Shabbat one evening when a child asked me what “grateful” meant. I responded “when you are so full of thank-yous that you feel great!” and one of the adults commented “that should be a song” so I made this up that evening.
6) Thanks A Lot by Raffi
For this elder millennial, this tune is a classic (#belugagrads). I was absolutely delighted when I found it in this adorable board book.
7) If You’re Thankful and You Know It
This familiar tune may be a little cheesy…but it works when I need to engage. I skip the recording and play it live on guitar, using it for transitions or quick engagement resets. While I aim for a rich and varied musical diet, there’s real value in tapping into what kids already know and love.
8) 100 Blessings by Dr. Emily
Instead of counting sheep, I promote the counting of blessings! I was inspired by Rab Meir in the Talmud during a very chaotic and challenging time in my life to literally practice saying thank you for at least 100 things each day. I don’t keep count anymore- but now that it is a habit, it is a great source of strength and stability for me.
Pro tip: If you sing this song with Pre-K or Kindergarten kids, they will likely delight in demonstrating their ability to count to 100 for you.
9) I Give Thanks by Rick Recht and Sheldon Low
This sweet echo song demonstrated by Sheldon and his puppet “fella” delights kiddos and adults alike
10) Thank You, God by Doug Cotler
This is an ‘evergreen’ song- great at any season. It is also one of the best known tunes in Jewish kids’ music, so I bring it with me when I travel to help folks feel like I’m sharing something familiar alongside all the new songs I launch.
Keep the Gratitude Growing
These songs not only bring gratitude into focus but also invite children to celebrate life’s little joys in a way that feels natural and fun. As we share these tunes, we’re nurturing a generation of children who recognize and appreciate the goodness around them. So, sing with your heart, add your unique verses, and watch how gratitude transforms your shared moments with the little ones.
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