Thanksgiving is just over a week away. As the plans get made, then change, then change again, (#2020) it’s a good time to take a step back and remember the reason for the turkey and pumpkin pie. Gratitude. Gratitude for the blessings and mercies we have experienced this year, even in the year 2020. Not only is it a good time to practice gratitude in our own lives, but it’s also a good time to practice gratitude with our littles. Today I’m sharing Gratitude Activities for Kids.
Gratitude Activities for Kids
Teach Gratitude through Literature
Books are a great way to coach kids in gratitude. Books help our kids make meaningful connections to what gratitude looks like and why being grateful is beneficial. These book recommendations can be used with any of the activities listed.
Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving
Everyday Gratitude
You want gratitude to become an everyday rhythm. At breakfast, dinner, or the beginning of the school day (if you’re doing school at home), simply have each child state something he/she is grateful for. We do this at the beginning of our schoolroom time each day after reading our Jesus Calling Devotional. It’s a simple way to make gratitude a daily rhythm.
Make a List
To piggy back off Everyday Gratitude, make a list. Record what kids are grateful for each day on a piece of chart or construction paper. It’s a good visual reminder of Everyday Gratitude.
Gratitude Journal
If you have older kids, gift them a journal to record 2-3 things they are grateful for each day. Do this alongside them. Another visual reminder and the act of writing it down is powerful.
Play a Game
Everyone loves M&Ms. Use the leftover mini bags from Halloween for this simple game to remind us of all the things we are thankful for. Thanks to A Thrifty Mom for the idea. Click here for the link.
Put it on Paper
If you have a worksheet loving kid, this one is for you. Simply download and print this worksheet or these free printables to color and record gratitude.
Write a Letter
Discuss how there are so many amazing people to be grateful for. Each family member chooses a person they know and are grateful for and writes a letter thanking the person for the impact on their life. Get it in the mail in time for Thanksgiving.
Pumpkin Gratitude
For a fun twist on Write it down, have a family pumpkin to write down what you’re grateful for each day with a Sharpie.
Make Thankful Placemats or Collages
Have each child look through pictures and magazines and cut out things and people they are grateful for. Glue onto cardstock and laminate if you would like to use for a Thanksgiving placemat.
Photo Scavenger Hunt
If you’re looking for something to play around the dinner table on Thanksgiving with extended family, try this Photo Scavenger Hunt from KC Edventures. Simply print off the free printable for all the players and have fun scouring your phones to find each item on the list. The rules are included in the post.
Teaching our kids to be grateful is a worthwhile venture. Gratitude is a choice and my hope is I can teach my kids it’s a worthy choice to make everyday. Tell me: how will you practice gratitude this Thanksgiving?