Youth Education: Gratitude Checks

11/3/2025 2:00:00 PM

Three children in colorful knit hats and scarves lie on autumn leaves, joyfully eating apples. Golden leaves float around them under a sunny sky.

November is about gratitude and a real-world money skill kids still need: how to write a check. This month’s printable activity blends both in a fun, hands-on way families can use at home. 

3 Tips to Grow Gratitude (and Money Smarts) at Home 

  1. Turn “thanks” into action. Have your child thank someone—and follow through with a helpful action (read to a sibling, clear the table, write a note).
  2. Practice the pause. Before buying a want, try a 48-hour wait + list 3 things they’re grateful for. It builds patience for savings goals.
  3. Make it a routine. Add a weekly “I’m grateful for…” note to your Save/Spend/Give jars. Gratitude shifts focus from “more stuff” to meaningful choices.

Featured Activity: Gratitude Checks

Kids learn the anatomy of a check, including Date, Payee, $ box, Dollars (words), Memo, Signature  while “paying” gratitude with kindness, time, and effort. 

 

How it works: 

  • Pick someone to thank → assign a playful “value” (e.g., dishes = $5, big hug = $1,000,000)
  • Fill out the check in numbers and words
  • Deliver it—and honor the promise when it’s “cashed”
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