Dr. Emily Aronoff"Grateful!": A Songleader’s Guide to Teaching Gratitude Through Music
Gratitude is a powerful concept that can bring joy and connection to children’s lives. But how do we teach gratitude in a way that’s meaningful and engaging for kids? That’s where my song Grateful! comes in—a fun and interactive way to explore gratitude together.
As a songleader, educator, or parent, Grateful! is a tool to spark conversations about appreciation and joy while connecting children to Jewish values and community. In this post, I’ll share tips for teaching the song, engaging children meaningfully, and extending the experience beyond the music.
“It is good to give thanks to G-d and sing praises.” -Psalm 92
Grateful! is a zipper song designed to celebrate gratitude by encouraging participation and creativity. Zipper songs are interactive: children (or the group) add their own ideas to each verse. In this case, kids contribute things they feel grateful for, personalizing the song and deepening their connection to the theme.
I was 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 immediately commented “that should be a song” so I made this up that evening.
Teaching "Grateful!" to Kiddos
Introduce The Concept of Gratitude
Begin by discussing what it means to be grateful. Gratitude is recognizing and appreciating the good things in our lives. To help children connect with the idea, offer a simple and clear prompt:
“Think about what makes you feel good, safe, and happy. It can be a person, a place, or a thing. Hold that idea in your mind, because I’ll ask you to share it in our song.”
This is a great time to introduce lyrics of the chorus: Being grateful is when you are so full of thank-yous, you feel great!
Explain Zipper Song Expectations
Let the children know they’ll help create a unique version of the song by sharing their own reasons to be thankful. Emphasize that participation is voluntary, and give clear, explicit instructions to help everyone feel comfortable:
“Everyone in the room will have a turn (if time allows), so there’s no need to raise hands. I’ll sing, ‘Say thank you for ____________,’ and then I’ll get quiet when it’s someone’s turn to finish the line. I’ll look directly at you and get very quiet so you’ll know it’s your turn. If you don’t want a turn, simply put your finger on your lips like this…(Model the motion of placing a finger to your lips, like a “shush” sign.) and I’ll move on to the next friend. While we write the song, if its not your turn to sing, then it is your turn to listen.”
Make sure you model!
Start with the grown-ups in the room to demonstrate how the dynamic works before involving the children. Be sure to give the adults a heads-up beforehand so they feel prepared and confident modeling the activity. This personalization process fosters a sense of pride and reflection while strengthening group cohesiveness. As children wait their turn, they practice patience, learn more about one another, and reflect.
Grateful! Song Lyrics
If I’m feeling mad or sad,
I know there’s a cure.
Make a list of “thank yous.”
I’ll feel better for sure.
G-d made all creation,
Said this is very good.
So, let’s share appreciation,
Like we know we should.
Pre-Chorus
I’ll say thank you for _____________.
Say thank you for _______________.
I’ll say thank you for _____________.
Say thank you for _______________.
Chorus
I’m so full of thank yous, I feel great!
I feel great, I feel grateful!
I’m so full of thank yous, I feel great!
I feel great, I feel grateful!
Celebrate “thanks-giving” every day,
Every moment to spare.
You’ll find reasons to share a smile,
When thank yous we share.
More than using manners,
Bigger than being polite,
Living a truly grateful way
Will help you sleep at night.
Pre-Chorus
I’ll say thank you for _____________.
Say thank you for _______________.
I’ll say thank you for _____________.
Say thank you for _______________.
Chorus
I’m so full of thank yous, I feel great!
I feel great, I feel grateful!
I’m so full of thank yous, I feel great!
I feel great, I feel grateful!
STEAM Extension
I like to create opportunities for learners with all sorts of preferences and proclivities to engage in their preferred media, and this song lends itself nicely to illustration. Print the lyrics with a few lines per page so that there is ample blank space provided for illustration. Sometimes, I “bind” (AKA staple) the pages together to make a book, other times we’ll make a slideshow out of their creations like this:
Download Grateful Sheet Music
Share this song to grow gratitude.
Gratitude Matters
Music is a powerful medium for teaching values and fostering connection. By using Grateful!, children not only learn about gratitude but also practice it in a fun and collaborative way. The simple, participatory format makes the concept accessible while allowing for personal expression.
In Jewish tradition, gratitude is foundational—from the daily Modeh Ani prayer to blessings that thank the Creator for life’s gifts. Grateful! carries this tradition forward in a way that resonates with children and builds community through shared appreciation.
