Appreciation building blocks
4–5 yearsFamily ConnectionMaterials: Building blocks or stackable toys
While playing with blocks or toys together, build appreciation into your play. Each time you add a block to a tower, say something you appreciate. You might say "I appreciate how you shared the red blocks with me." Your child adds a block and shares their appreciation. Build your tower of thanks together. If it falls down, laugh and start a new gratitude tower.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
While playing with blocks or toys together, build appreciation into your play. Each time you add a block to a tower, say something you appreciate. You might say "I appreciate how you shared the red blocks with me." Your child adds a block and shares their appreciation. Build your tower of thanks together. If it falls down, laugh and start a new gratitude tower.
Why It Works
Combining gratitude with play leverages how children this age learn best through active, hands-on experiences. The physical act of building while expressing appreciation creates a concrete representation of how gratitude builds relationships. Research shows that gratitude interventions in children led to improved relationships with parents, better mood, and 15% improvement in relationship quality measures (Froh, Sefick, & Emmons, 2008). Integrating appreciation into enjoyable play makes it feel natural and positive rather than forced.
Tips for Parents
Let your child go first sometimes so they set the tone. This empowers them and shows you value their appreciations.
If your child repeats the same appreciation, that's fine. Repetition helps learning at this age, and genuine feelings matter more than variety.
Keep the mood playful and light. This teaches that gratitude feels good, not like homework or obligation.
Materials Needed
Building blocks or stackable toys
Learning Methods
Metacognitive StrategiesCooperative LearningProject-Based and Thematic Learning
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