Teaching gratitude to children helps them recognize the blessings around them and fosters a thankful heart. On this page, discover Bible verses, book recommendations, and engaging activities designed to guide children in fun ways in understanding and expressing gratitude in everyday life.
The Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-19)
Jesus heals ten men with leprosy, and only one returns to thank Him, showing the importance of gratitude.
The Thankful Widow (Mark 12:41-44) – A widow gives her last two coins at the temple, demonstrating gratitude through her generous offering.
Hannah’s Prayer of Thanksgiving (1 Samuel 1-2)
After God answers her prayer for a son, Hannah offers a prayer of gratitude to God, dedicating her son Samuel to Him.
Naaman Healed of Leprosy (2 Kings 5:1-14)
Naaman, a commander, is healed of leprosy after following Elisha's instructions, and he expresses gratitude by thanking God and offering gifts.
I Chronicles 23:30
They were also to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord. They were to do the same in the evening.
I Chronicles 29:13
Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.
Luke 17:11-16
Ten Lepers Bible Story
2 Corinthians 9:15
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
I Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Nurture a thankful heart in your children or students ages 3-12 with our 50-page Thanksgiving Activity Workbook! This updated workbook includes engaging activities tailored for both preschool and elementary-aged children, along with easy-to-follow scripts that ensure fun and meaningful experiences. Celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving while creating lasting memories together!
Let’s Be Thankful by P.K. Hallinan is a charming story that helps children recognize and appreciate the many blessings in their lives. With precious illustrations, the book encourages kids to express gratitude for everything from family and friends to the beauty of nature. This read is a wonderful way to kick off the Thanksgiving season.
In Lisa Tawn Bergen's book God Gave Us Thankful Hearts, Lil Pup is not looking forward to hibernating season. His mama reminds him of this important truth: "The trick to having a thankful heart...is thinking about the things that make us happy, rather than the things that don't."
Veggie Tales: Madame Blueberry tells the story of a blueberry who struggles with contentment and constantly desires more material things. As her shopping habits spiral out of control, she learns valuable lessons about gratitude and the dangers of greed. Through humor and music, children are encouraged to appreciate what they have and be thankful for life's simple blessings.
Get ready for a Halloween experience that emphasizes faith with our Pumpkin Gospel Packet! This resource provides a word-for-word script for engaging pumpkin carving activities, delightful songs, and practical tips to share the message of salvation in a way that’s perfect for kids.
The Thank You Book by Mo Willems follows Elephant Gerald and Piggie as they go on a mission to thank everyone who has been important to them. Piggie is determined not to forget anyone, while Gerald worries someone might be missed. Through this fun and heartwarming story, children learn the importance of expressing gratitude to those who make a difference in their lives.
The Gratitude Goggles by Andresa Mendoza-Vasconez tells the story of children who, with the help of special goggles, begins to see the world through a lens of gratitude. As they view everyday situations with fresh eyes, they discover reasons to be thankful in even the smallest moments. This uplifting book encourages children to practice gratitude and appreciate the beauty in their surroundings.
The Gratitude Jar by Katrina Liu is a heartwarming story about a little girl who learns the power of gratitude through a simple activity with her mom. Together, they create a gratitude jar, filling it with notes of things they are thankful for each day. This sweet book helps children understand how expressing gratitude can bring joy and positivity into their lives. While this books specifically talks about Thanksgiving, creating a gratitude jar can be done throughout the year.
Being Thankful by Mercer Mayer follows Little Critter as he discovers the many things he can be thankful for in his everyday life. From family and friends to nature and his toys, Little Critter learns how gratitude can make him feel happy and appreciative. This simple and relatable story teaches children the importance of recognizing and giving thanks for life's blessings.
The Giving Snowman by Julia Zheng tells the story of a snowman who learns the joy of giving. As he shares his gifts with others, he discovers that the more he gives, the happier he becomes. This charming tale teaches children about generosity and kindness.
Purchase a journal to create a collection of gratitude. Each day, the child can draw pictures of people, things, or experiences they are thankful for. This can also be done as a family or in a classroom, with the adult writing what the children share. Turn each gratitude point into a prayer of thanksgiving.
Teach children to express gratitude by making and decorating thank you cards for family, friends, or teachers. This is especially important after the child receives a gift. Let them draw their message of thanks. Add the words that the child dictates.
Give the child a smooth rock to paint or decorate. Encourage them to hold the rock and say something they’re thankful for whenever they see or hold it. They can also give the rock to someone they are thankful for and add the fun saying, "You rock!"
As a family or classroom, play the game "Thank You and Praise God." Take turns sharing something you're thankful for, and after each person shares, everyone says together, "Thank you and Praise God."
Take the child outside for a gratitude nature walk. Collect leaves, rocks, or flowers, and afterward, have them glue the items to a piece of paper to create a “Thankful for Creation” collage.
With your family or classroom, go through the alphabet and list things you're thankful for, one for each letter. Have the child write the first letter of each word, focusing on using the correct phonetic beginning sounds when possible.
Help your preschooler discover the joy of books with a carefully chosen list of the best books and simple tips to make storytime fun and full of learning. This free packet provides easy ideas to keep your child engaged, grow their love of reading, and build important pre-reading skills—making reading together one of the best gifts you can give!
