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Thanksgiving Sunday School Lesson: Cultivate Gratitude in Young Hearts

Thanksgiving Sunday school lesson

As far as holidays go, Thanksgiving tends to get short shrift. After a brief time of truly giving thanks, our attention quickly turns to Christmas and shopping and gifts. Children are already anticipating what they’ll find under the tree. That’s why it’s important for children’s ministry programs to offer regular emphasis on gratitude. Here are some insights and ideas for a Thanksgiving Sunday school lesson.

Savor the Season

If someone allowed me to create the “perfect” calendar, I would provide more time to savor the traditions of Thanksgiving. It’s the quiet, reflective holiday tucked in between two very hectic ones. After the fun yet often crazy time of Fall Festivals and Trunk or Treat, we turn our calendar to find beautiful November.

Just as we’re relaxing into the anticipation of family time together, the malls and the media begin to cry out with Christmas. Now don’t get me wrong: I love Christmas. But in November, we need to keep our focus on Thanksgiving…that glorious time of year to reflect on our many blessings.

So I invite you to take a moment and walk with me into Thanksgiving. For one thing, it’s a holiday that has no controversy. Halloween brings its dark side, and Christmas is often consumed with commercialism.

However, Thanksgiving is simply a time to give thanks. The holiday provides a perfect opportunity to teach our children about the rich heritage of our country. The options for a Thanksgiving Sunday school lesson are innumerable! As an educator and school administrator for four decades, I never tire of teaching students of all ages about our country’s early years.

So, if I planned the calendar, I’d put at least six weeks between October 31 and when the ascent to the Christmas events begins. We don’t want this special time of Thanksgiving to be eclipsed. Here are just a few of many activities you can do with your children.

Thanksgiving Sunday School Lesson: Try These Tips

Thanksgiving affords opportunities to cultivate Christ-like character in our children because the focus is on God and others, not them. As a result, it’s an ideal time to train their tender hearts as you…

♥ Focus on America’s rich heritage.

Take time to read books and cultivate a love for history (HIS story) in your children. Act out stories together, for example.

 ♥ Focus on gratitude for our many blessings.

Make a Blessing Box for your home. At dinner or bedtime, have each person share three things they’re thankful for. As the month continues, it allows us to s-t-r- e -t-c-h to see beyond the obvious and see how profoundly God has blessed us. For young children. you could say, “Today you’re on a mission to find things, people, and events that show ways God is blessing you!” On note cards, write brief reminders of their answers to put in your Blessing Box with the family member’s name. Cultivating this attitude of gratitude can become a habit, not only for Thanksgiving, but for a lifetime.

♥ Focus on giving to others.

A thankful heart overflows and wants to give to others. Thanksgiving provides many opportunities to serve and give to others. Participate as a family. As we know, more is caught than taught. Kids “got” candy in October and will “get” gifts in December. But Thanksgiving is tucked in between and is the time to give.

♥ Cultivate Christ-like character traits such as contentment.

Before the holiday “gimmies” descend and children begin focusing on what they want, train their hearts to be content with what they already have.

Select a Scripture(s) that captures the message of Thanksgiving. Talk about the words, their message, and how you can live them out each day with your family.

“…give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” (Colossians 4:2)

What ideas do you recommend for a Thanksgiving Sunday school lesson? How do you teach children about gratitude all year long?

thanksgiving sunday school lesson