Thanksgiving is coming up, so we are often reminded this month to count our blessings and talk about things we are thankful for. 2020 has been a tough year on many, so taking a minute to talk about what you appreciate in life can help you and your family recenter. Teaching children about thankfulness is important because we want to teach them a life lesson of expressing gratitude and recognizing things they are thankful for rather than always asking for and wanting for more. Below are some fun ways to teach your child about gratitude.
I Am Thankful: A Thanksgiving Book for Kids by Sheri Wall
This book follows three families and talks about their traditions, acts of kindness, and ways of giving back.
The Blessings Jar: A Story about Being Thankful by Colleen Coble
This story can be used to teach young children about filling up their blessings jar.
Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts
This story follows a boy who wants a pair of shoes that everyone is wearing. The boy realizes that the things he has—warm boots, a loving grandma, and a chance to help a friend are worth more than the things he wants.
Thanks a Million by Nikki Grimes
This book is compiled of sixteen poems that range in form from a haiku to a rebus to a riddle and the author does a good job reminding us what a wonderful feeling thankfulness is.
Thankful by Eileen Spinelli
This picture book can be used to teach children to focus on blessings they may take for granted and appreciate people in their everyday lives.
Making a thankful jar can be an activity you do throughout the month of November. Here is a cute Thanksgiving craft and activity. With your child, write down something you are grateful for every day. On Thanksgiving, sit down as a family and read everything you put in the jar.
Are you wondering what to do with your leftover Halloween pumpkins? If so, create a Thankful pumpkin. Starting at the top, every day in the month of November, write on your pumpkin one thing you are thankful for. A thankful pumpkin can be a great visual reminder of everything in your life you are grateful for.
As you look around your world, there are many things to be thankful for. Hopefully some of these books and activities can help teach you and your family how to express thankfulness throughout the month of November.
One thing we know we are grateful for are the special people in our children’s lives. Take a moment to read Choosing Impactful People on Purpose for some ideas on creating relationships to be thankful for.