The fall season is a wonderful time to reflect on what we’re thankful for, and a gratitude tree is a simple, hands-on activity that helps children express their gratitude creatively. With paper leaves representing things they’re thankful for, this project nurtures emotional growth, encourages positive communication, and is a grounded opportunity to express through art. Let’s explore how a gratitude tree can be especially meaningful for autistic children and how you can create one together at home!
What is a Gratitude Tree?
A gratitude tree is a visual display of thankfulness. Imagine a tree with branches that fill with vibrant paper leaves, each one marked with something your child is grateful for. For each new leaf, your child draws or writes what they’re thankful for—whether it’s a favorite toy, a family member, a cozy blanket, or a beautiful sunset. With the daily demands of life and challenging external factors it can be difficult to see the good around you. Use this as an opportunity to be grounded.
This activity is designed to be flexible, no pressure is necessary. Depending on your child’s age or preferences, they can decorate the leaves with drawings, colors, or textures that help them visually express their thoughts. You’ll have a beautiful, tangible representation of gratitude that can be displayed and admired all season long. It also is an opportunity for you to reflect on your own thankfulness.
How a Gratitude Tree Supports Emotional Development
For autistic children, understanding and expressing emotions can be challenging – especially if they are nonverbal. A gratitude tree offers a structured yet creative way to explore positive feelings. Here’s how it benefits them:
Building Positive Associations: By adding new leaves to the gratitude tree each day or week, children can begin to develop a routine of focusing on the good things in their lives. This habit can foster resilience and positivity, helping them recognize and celebrate their own experiences, interests, and grasp connections to the world around them.
Expressive Arts Therapy: Creating a gratitude tree incorporates elements of expressive arts therapy, allowing children to communicate emotions visually. Drawing, coloring, or decorating leaves gives children the opportunity to freely explore what they feel thankful for in a safe and engaging way. This creative process can build self-awareness and emotional understanding over time.
Enhanced Communication: As they think of things they appreciate, children practice identifying and verbalizing positive experiences. This process can improve their ability to communicate feelings and desires more effectively. Parents can gently guide the activity by asking open-ended questions like, “What makes you happy?” or “What’s something that makes you feel safe?”. This activity also provides nonverbal children to communicate in through images, textures and attention.
The Benefits of Gratitude for Your Child
Research shows that practicing gratitude can lead to improved mood, increased empathy, and greater emotional resilience. For autistic children, learning to identify positive experiences and express appreciation supports emotional development and promotes positive interactions with those around them. A gratitude tree can become a meaningful activity that they look forward to, reinforcing these skills in a gentle, creative way.
How to Create Your Own Gratitude Tree
Gratitude Tree
Materials
- Gratitude Tree Trunk Printable
- Red Construction Paper
- Orange Construction Paper
- Yellow Construction Paper
- Glue
- Black Marker
- Crayons (optional)
- Printed Images of Your Child’s Favorite Items
Instructions
- Cut out shape leaves from the red, orange and yellow construction paper.
- Either print out the Gratitude Tree Trunk or draw one on a white sheet of paper.
- Encourage the child to think of things they are grateful for. This could be people, places, experiences, or objects that make them happy.
- If the child is verbal, help them write their gratitude notes on the leaves with the marker.
- Allow the child to draw on the leaves with crayons if they prefer to.
- If your child is non-verbal, print out icons of their favorite things and glue to the leaves.
- Attach the leaves to the branches of the tree with glue and allow to dry.
- Display the Gratitude Tree in a prominent place where the child can see it daily.
Notes
Join the Gratitude Tree Movement!
A gratitude tree is a simple yet impactful way to bring gratitude into your child’s life. Each leaf is a reminder of something they love and cherish, creating a beautiful, seasonal decoration for your home. We’d love to hear what your child has added to their gratitude tree! Share a comment below with something they’re thankful for. Let’s celebrate the small joys together!
