The Bible is filled with verses that emphasize the importance of giving thanks. It is not only a commandment but also a practice that brings about numerous spiritual benefits. Giving thanks strengthens our faith in God's providence and faithfulness. It reminds us of His past faithfulness and gives us hope for the future. Gratitude fosters a sense of joy and peace in our hearts, even in the midst of challenges. It shifts our focus from our problems to God's goodness.
1 Thessalonians 5:18, we are reminded to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
As Thanksgiving approaches, it's the perfect time to instill the value of thankfulness in our children. Here are some printable thankfulness activities to engage kids in a fun and meaningful way.
Truth Teller
This Truth Teller craft combines a classic game with thankfulness prompts to help kids think of different things to be thankful for. You may have called them cootie catchers or fortune tellers but the ones here on Happy Heart Printable are used to teach Bible truths, so I call them Truth Tellers!
THANKFULNESS PROMPTS INSIDE
- A possession you are thankful for
- An ability or talent you are thankful for
- A friend you are thankful for
- An experience you are thankful for
- A place you are thankful for
- A family member you are thankful for
- Something you use everyday that you are thankful for
- Tell someone in the room why you are thankful for them.
PLAYING INSTRUCTIONS
1) The host holds the truth teller and asks a friend to pick a word.
2) The host then spells that word while opening the truth teller vertically and then horizontally, moving once for each letter.
3) The friend now picks a number.
4) The host counts to that number while moving the truth teller.
5) The friend now picks another number.
6) The host reads the thankfulness prompt and the friend names something they are thankful for.
Get the Thanksgiving Truth Teller.
Coloring Page
For a simpler activity, you may like this coloring page. Kids color the fall images while reflecting on each thankfulness prompt. The prompts are the similar to those in the truth teller, with different categories of things to be thankful for.
Get the thanksgiving activity page Or get the versions without the Bible verse here.
Count Your Blessings Jar
In this activity, kids write down things they are grateful for on acorns and glue them inside the jar. Like the hymn says, "Count your blessings. Name them one by one. Count your blessing, see what God has done."
Get the blessings jar craft.
It's important to remember the biblical command to give thanks. Psalm 136:1 reminds us to "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever." Teaching our children to be thankful is not only a valuable life lesson but also a way to honor and praise God for His goodness.