This short, powerful Thanksgiving lesson for kids emphasizes the importance of gratitude. Use this Thanksgiving devotion to teach kids about being full of thanks.
Scripture: Ephesians 5:20
You’ll need:
- Bible
- large balloon for every child
- balloon pump
Warning! To avoid choking hazards, be sure to pick up pieces of any broken balloons promptly. Balloons might contain latex.
Thanksgiving Lesson for Kids: Full of Thanks
Give each child a deflated balloon.
Say: Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate all the awesome things we’re thankful for. Let’s take turns calling out things we’re thankful for. Each time someone names something, add a puff of air to your balloon. Ready?
Let kids name things and add puffs of air to their balloons. After everyone has had a turn, say: Wait, wait, it’s my turn! Call out something unpleasant such as, “Getting sick” or “My car broke down.”
Then say: Hmmm, I’m not sure everyone added air for that one. When good things happen we’re all full of praise, like our balloons are now. But when bad things happen, it’s more like this. Have kids release their balloons, letting them fly everywhere and land deflated.
Ask: Why don’t we thank God when bad things happen?
Read aloud Ephesians 5:20.
Talk About It
Ask:
- Why would God want us to thank him for everything—meaning good things and bad things?
- Tell about a time you experienced something good right in the middle of something bad.
