I don’t know about you, but it’s easy for my family – and me – to slip into complaining instead of thanking. Meals, messes, overflowing laundry, busy schedules — sometimes the negative flows out so easily.
Psychologists have found that children who practice gratitude are more positive, more satisfied, and experience fewer negative feelings. (Froh, Sefick, & Emmons, 2008) As parents and teachers, we know this to be true as we’ve seen it in our own lives. When a person focuses on what God has done instead of what they lack, attitudes shift, and peace follows.
But this is no surprise to God. The Bible confirms it over and over again. From David’s psalms to Paul’s letters to the words of Jesus, we are called to “give thanks,” “praise God,” and “serve the Lord with gladness.” Gratitude isn’t just good for us — it’s obedience.
Unfortunately, a grateful heart doesn’t just happen. As with most things, gratitude must be taught.
That’s why I created the Thanksgiving Gratitude Workbook. This resource helps families and classrooms make gratitude a daily practice — not just a holiday focus. Plus, it’s fun!
What’s Inside the Thanksgiving Gratitude Workbook
The 50-page workbook provides four lessons filled with fun activities, songs, crafts, and Bible learning for children ages 3–12. Each week includes:
- Focus on Psalm 100 — a powerful chapter of praise and thanksgiving
- A song and activities to bring the verse to life
- A storyboard and motions to help the child memorize Psalm 100
- And a supply list to make preparation simple
If you’re not familiar with the traditional songs used in the Workbook, I’ve got you covered! Each lesson includes QR codes and video links so you can watch and sing along with me.
Also included are:
- Group Activities
- Thanksgiving Gratitude Game
- Memory Verse Printables
- Tailored learning options for both preschool and elementary-age children.
Build a Heart of Thanksgiving
One of my favorite parts of this workbook is the Thanksgiving Tree. Over several weeks, the child will add leaves to the tree, each labeled with something for which they are thankful. By the end of the month, the tree becomes a beautiful reminder of God’s goodness. Our family kept the trees up all year as a visual of gratitude!
As 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 reminds us: Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Imagine how the child’s heart — and yours — could be transformed by focusing daily on God’s blessings. That’s the eternal impact of gratitude.
I pray the Thanksgiving Activity Workbook helps you create moments of thankfulness that point your family or classroom back to the Giver of every good gift.
The workbook (starting at $10) is available now at ABCJesusLovesMe.com — and I can’t wait to hear how gratitude grows in your home or classroom this Thanksgiving season.
Discover More Ideas:
- FREE Thanksgiving Bible Verses and Printables
- A List of Thanksgiving Books for Kids
- More FREE Thanksgiving Ideas
