Gratitude PowerUp
Gratitude can be a big, abstract idea for most young children — but it is important! Feeling grateful can help to foster emotional well-being and resilience. Research shows that practicing gratitude can reduce stress and anxiety, improve relationships, and promote a sense of belonging.
In this episode of Little Kids, Big Hearts, three children (Charlie, Roxy, and Everly) discuss what gratitude means and help a Qook-a-lacka friend, Kwi-loh (played by Lauren Blumenfeld), power up the Gratitude Power Plant in the Land of Qook-a-lackas.
Guest Star: Lauren Blumenfeld
The guest star in this episode is Lauren Blumenfeld, an actor, writer, and filmmaker.
Lauren Blumenfeld’s favorite theatre credits include POTUS (The Geffen Playhouse), The Assembled Parties (Broadway), We Are Proud To Present…(Soho Rep), Sailor Man (NYC Fringe Award) and numerous productions at Ars Nova. Lauren has performed abroad at The Old Vic (London) and regionally at The Williamstown Theatre Festival, The Old Globe (San Diego), The Pittsburgh Public, and The Virginia Stage Company.
She was a series regular on the satirical comedy Nightcap and has played recurring roles on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Kevin (Probably) Saves the World, Limitless, Unforgettable, Doubt, Deadbeat, and Archibald’s Next Big Thing (Netflix). Lauren’s shorts have played in festivals worldwide, including SXSW and SIFF.
She is an NYU (Experimental Theatre Wing) graduate and a proud volunteer at The 52nd Street Project and School on Wheels. Lauren is also the founder of Tutoring With Miss B, which provides arts classes and tutoring services to students in Los Angeles and over Zoom. For more information, please visit https://www.missbtutoring.com.
She was a series regular on the satirical comedy Nightcap and has played recurring roles on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Kevin (Probably) Saves the World, Limitless, Unforgettable, Doubt, Deadbeat, and Archibald’s Next Big Thing (Netflix). Lauren’s shorts have played in festivals worldwide, including SXSW and SIFF.
She is an NYU (Experimental Theatre Wing) graduate and a proud volunteer at The 52nd Street Project and School on Wheels. Lauren is also the founder of Tutoring With Miss B, which provides arts classes and tutoring services to students in Los Angeles and over Zoom. For more information, please visit https://www.missbtutoring.com.
Composer/Performer: Benjamin Weiner
We also shared a special bonus episode in which host Todd Loyd chats with educator and composer Benjamin Weiner about the new song he created “I’m Grateful,” based on the words that Charlie, Roxy, and Everly shared in “Gratitude PowerUp.”
Benjamin taught young children in Brooklyn for a decade before becoming a full time writer and composer. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Benjamin is currently writing for Rosie’s Rules on PBS and Vida the Vet on Netflix. He’s written dozens of TV and podcast episodes for Nickelodeon, including the premiere of the new Dora series on Paramount+. His work has been featured by Tribeca Film Festival, the Today Show, and his kids music as “Princess Backpack and Benjamin” has been heard on kids radio stations worldwide. Learn more: www.BenjaminWeiner.com and www.PrincessBackpack.com.
Original Song: "I'm Grateful"
Educator Resources: Gratitude!
Explore the topics the episode to learn and build your children’s gratitude:
- The Power of Gratitude: fill up your classroom’s “gratitude power plant” with gratitude
- Gratitude Quilt: create a tapestry of gratitude