The story of Jesus healing the 10 lepers teaches children about the importance of gratitude and faith. Through these fun activities, preschoolers will engage with the story in a hands-on way, helping them understand how one leper returned to thank Jesus.
Objectives: God gives to us graciously; we need to thank Him for it.
Scripture: Luke 17:11-19
My First Hands-On Bible: 
Through the Bible in Felt: pg 193
The New Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes: pg 314
The Beginner's Bible: pg 405
In The Berenstain Bears Get the Gimmies, Brother and Sister Bear constantly ask for new toys and treats, leading to bad behavior in stores. Mama and Papa Bear step in to teach them the importance of self-control and gratitude. The book shows how setting limits helps children learn to appreciate what they have, rather than always wanting more. It's a practical story about handling greed and gratitude.
In The Berenstain Bears Count Their Blessings a storm frightens Brother and Sister Bear, and they start worrying about their toys and games. Mama Bear uses this moment to teach them that true blessings are not material things but family and safety.
In Gratitude is My Superpower by Alicia Ortego, the rhyming text wonderfully teaches how a child can turn negativity into a heart of thankfulness. Through the reminder of a stone, Betsy discovers the connection between happiness and gratitude. I especially appreciate how the book uses a tangible object to help build the habit of gratitude, while also explaining that gratitude already exists within us if we choose to embrace it.
Otis Gives Thanks by Loren Long is a simple story about Otis the tractor expressing gratitude for the simple things in life. From his peaceful farm to his animal friends, Otis reflects on the things he loves most. The detailed illustrations and gentle storytelling make this book a wonderful way to introduce young children to the concept of thankfulness, encouraging them to appreciate the blessings in their own lives.
Uncover More Books on Thanksgiving
Shorten the verses as appropriate for the child's developmental level.
Psalm 118:1 - Give thanks to the Lord for He is good.
Steve Green - Hide 'Em in Your Heart Vol. 2 - #14
Luke 17:15 (NIV)
One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice.
Luke 17:16a (NIV)
He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him.
Luke 17:17 (NIV)
Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?
Luke 17:19 (NIV)
Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul
Thank you, Lord, for making me whole
Thank you, Lord, for giving to me
Thy great salvation so rich and free
Tune: Five Little Ducks
Ten little lepers got healed that day.
But only one leper came back to say.
"Thank you, Jesus, for making me well
Many people I will tell."
Jesus asked, "Where are the nine?
I healed ten bodies and made them fine."
But only one came back to me
Remember God gives to all graciously
Sheet available in the Bible Activity Workbook
Sheet available in the Bible Activity Workbook
Print the 10 Lepers printable. Color only one man. Discuss how Jesus healed 10 men but only one returned to thank Him.
Create a paper doll chain with 10 dolls connected. Decorate only one to represent the lone leper to so gratitude.
Have a child send out Thank-you gifts (cards or crafts) to let people know that they are thankful for their friendship, gift, or time spent with them. The child can practice writing their first and last name for the closing of the letter or card.
On a piece of paper, trace around the child's hand or use paint to stamp a handprint, showing all 10 fingers on the first page.On a second piece of paper, trace or stamp with only one finger raised.
Add the title "Jesus Healed 10 Men..." to the first page and "...But Only 1 Said 'Thank You!'" to the second page, along with the scripture reference Luke 17:11-19.
Fill a box with items that represent things you are thankful for (e.g., plastic food, a shoe, paper money). Add to it throughout the week. At the end of the week, host a "Thankful" party and celebrate with a "Thank You" cake to God for all the blessings in your life.
Create a maze throughout the house with yarn. Add zigzag and wavy lines. Along the maze at different intervals, tie three bows on the yarn. Have the child walk along the yarn and stop every time he comes to a bow. Have him repeat the memory verse at each bow. Then say one thing which you are thankful.
Print the "Bee" Attitude printable. In the top tier of the beehive, have the child write the attitude of the week. In the next tier, have the child draw a picture of the Bible story. In the bottom tier, ask the child to draw a picture of himself having this attitude.
This activity has been updated in the 5 Year Curriculum, 2nd Edition.
With your family or a class, go through the alphabet and create a list of items that you are thankful for. Have the child write the first letter of each word. Try to stick to phonetic beginning sounds.
Discover More Ways to Give Thanks Activities
Available in the Old & New Testament Curriculum and 4 Year Interactive Bible Stories.
