Activities to Practice Gratitude

Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, reminding us to be grateful for our friends, family, and all the other blessings. Finding ways to express this gratitude can sometimes feel overwhelming. Here are some simple activities for children to try this Thanksgiving to practice gratitude.

Family Thankful Jar

Materials: Glass jar/container, markers, tape, paper (optional: MGB template)

1) Decorate a label for the jar using markers and paper

2) Tape this to the jar

3) Print and cut out the template or create and cut out your own cards, writing “thankful for…” on each one

4) Have everyone in your family (including you!) fill out cards on what they are grateful for

5) Make time to discuss what everyone has gratitude for

Pro tip: These cards can be used as decor for the Thanksgiving dinner table!

Toilet Paper Roll Turkey

Materials: toilet paper roll, construction paper, scissors, markers, glue, googly eyes

1) Cut out pieces of colored construction paper to create “feathers” of the turkey

2) Write something you are thankful for on each feather

3) Glue them to the toilet paper roll

4) Glue googly eyes to the toilet paper role and use the markers to draw on a nose and feet

Gratefulness Leaf Garland

Materials: string, clothespins, markers, pens, card stock, scissors

1) Trace leaves on the cardstock

2) Write something you are grateful for on each leaf

3) Get help to secure string on the wall with tape

4) Use clothespins to hang each leaf

We hope you enjoy these art projects inspired by gratitude. We appreciate all your support and wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family!

References

1. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/thanksgiving-ideas/g2907/thanksgiving-kids-crafts/

2. https://www.aliceandlois.com/family-thankful-jar/

3. https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/toilet-paper-roll-turkey/