Teaching Gratitude at Academy Preschools in Nashville

Teaching Gratitude at Academy Preschools in Nashville
By Parent Marketing Group|

In May, we celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week at The Academy. We showered our teachers with love and appreciation. This was a perfect way to teach our children more about gratitude. Showing gratitude is an expression of thankfulness and appreciation for what you already have. The commercial atmosphere that we live in does not particularly engender an attitude of gratefulness. So being grateful must be “taught.”

The Benefits of Being Grateful

Proactively recognizing and expressing gratitude makes a person happier, more relaxed, and helps create a positive mindset. Research confirms that a person’s social, physical, and emotional well-being are increased by having a grateful spirit. Some research shows that grateful people have better relationship skills, are more trusting of others, have less stress, can bounce back from challenges better, are less jealous, and sleep better.

Teaching Gratefulness at Home

Our preschool teachers teach gratefulness every day, but you can reinforce this at home too. The first place that almost every parent starts is by reminding a child to say, “thank you.”

teaching gratitude chart academy preschools nashvilleBut there are so many things to be grateful for that don’t require a “thank you.” To teach your child to look for these things, try setting up a regular time every day to make a list. This can be after dinner or before bedtime. It doesn’t have to take long. You can start by adding only thing to the list each day. To get started, click the form on the right to open and print.

And don’t forget to teach by example. Make your own list of things that you are grateful for and share them with your child. Include little things, such as the smell of honeysuckle in your back yard or the taste of chocolate cake. And, of course, include big things such as having a place to live or a car to drive.

About the Academy

The Academy has 11 preschool locations in Nashville. We currently have preschools in Brentwood, Franklin, Hendersonville, Murfreesboro, Nashville, and Spring Hill.

At The Academy, we like to say “seeing in believing.” We invite you to request more information and schedule a tour of an Academy location near you.

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Helpful Answers for Families Choosing The Academy

These FAQs share clear details on enrollment, daily routines, learning programs, safety, and what to expect once your child begins at The Academy.

What ages do you accept?

The Academy offers early learning programs designed for children from infancy through Pre-K. Each classroom is built around age-appropriate routines, developmental milestones, and learning goals that support growth at every stage. Children receive the structure they need to feel secure while still having the freedom to explore and learn through play, hands-on activities, and teacher-guided instruction.

We use the Frog Street curriculum to provide consistent learning across classrooms and age groups. This curriculum supports early literacy, communication, motor development, and social-emotional skills through structured themes and purposeful activities. Our teachers follow curriculum-based lesson plans while also adapting the day to each classroom’s pace, helping children stay engaged and supported as they make meaningful progress.

Yes. Enrichment programs are included in tuition and offered throughout the week. These sessions add variety and excitement to a child’s routine by introducing creative activities, movement, cultural exploration, and age-appropriate science experiences. Enrichment helps children build confidence, discover new interests, and stay motivated by adding new learning experiences beyond the core classroom schedule.

Strong parent communication is a key part of a successful childcare experience. Families receive updates through our communication system, which may include daily reports, photos, and important notes about meals, naps, or classroom moments. Our team aims to keep families informed, reduce surprises, and create consistent support between home and school throughout the year.

Safety is a top priority at every Academy location. Our centers follow structured protocols for drop-off and pickup, classroom supervision, and daily accountability. Staff are trained to maintain safe routines and consistent classroom expectations while supporting children in a calm environment. During a tour, families can learn more about entry procedures, classroom organization, and how we prioritize safety every day.

The easiest way to schedule a tour is by submitting the tour request form on our website. Once we receive your information, a team member will follow up to confirm availability, answer initial questions, and help you choose the best program for your child’s age. Tours are a great time to explore classrooms, learn about daily routines, and better understand the Academy experience.

Before your child starts, our team will share a simple list of items based on your child’s classroom and age group. Most families bring labeled supplies such as extra clothing, diapers or pull-ups if needed, wipes, and any approved comfort items. Teachers will also guide you through routines for drop-off, communication updates, and what to expect during your child’s first few days.