The article deals with the issue of developing a sense of gratitude in Vasil Sukhomlynsky pedagogy moral education system. Vasil Sukhomlynsky is an outstanding Ukrainian teacher, thinker, writer, humanist. In his personal approach to education Vasil Sukhomlynsky emphasizes particular importance of influencing on young people's views and beliefs. The author focuses on the state essence of Vasil Sukhomlinsky pedagogy. The attention is drawn to the significance of the consistency in the sence of gratitude development. Therefore, a school should not only be the institution of gaining a certain amount of knowledge, but also a school of senses development. It is impossible without the inseparable unity of the family and school. The theoretical foundations of a sense of gratitude as a psycho-emotional category shaping and methods and means of its practical expression are described. It is found that the humane attitude towards the child, respect for the human dignity, spiritual affinity of a teacher and a student play a special role. The basic criteria for the cultivation of senses for Vasil Sukhomlinsky are named. They are love, friendship, work, family, beauty, nature, woman, parents. Vasil Sukhomlinsky's literary works aimed at raising a sense of gratitude are given and the part of labor in this process is highlighted. The author shows that a sense of gratitude is the essential love ground for mother, motherland, every single person, and all mankind. In the conclusion it is indicated that the Vasil Sukhomlynsky contribution to the development of Ukrainian and world pedagogical and the appreciating of his creative legacy in Ukraine and in the world is very important. It is stressed that a sense of gratitude developed in the childhood promotes a positive perception throughout person's life.