Thankfulness Unit Teacher Guide

Thankfulness and gratitude can be used interchangeably in this unit. While they have different origins, their meanings are close enough for preschool. This unit will concentrate on being grateful and thankful, not on the American Thanksgiving holiday.

Week 1

Jesus Session: This week we learn to be thankful for God’s love. We also introduce the unit Bible verse. Learn it!

TIP: Asking the kids questions at the beginning of class let's them get out the words building up in them. It also allows you the opportunity to later ask them to be quiet and remind them they already had their turn to speak.

Art Session: These tiny oranges make adorable pumpkins. Remember to buy them ahead of time or ask a parent to donate them. Decorating the outside keeps the insides safe for eating at home once peeled.

Music Session: We introduce “Let’s All Be thankful.” Be sure to learn the new song!

Week 2

Jesus Session: We should be thankful always. This one is tough. It’s not saying thank you when someone hits you; it’s finding what else to be thankful for — maybe that you didn’t get hurt, maybe that they apologized, maybe that you don’t have to see that person often, maybe that you get to go home soon. It’s not being grateful for bad things; it’s being grateful in spite of bad things.

Art Session: If you think your kiddos will struggle drawing tree trunks, feel free to cut some out of construction paper instead.

TUTORIAL: here's a video showing how to make the trees.

Music Session: Separating melody and lyrics can be helpful in the beginning, but ultimately it’s the combination that helps them remember.

Week 3

Jesus session: We should be thankful for friends. We just studied Friendship in Unit 1 so we should all know what friends are and that they are definitely someone we should be thankful for.

Art Session: You or volunteers need to bring in leaves of different sizes. Color doesn’t matter.

TUTORIAL: Here's a tutorial for today's craft.

Music Session: Think about memorization.

Week 4

Jesus Session: We can be thankful for what we have. Cater this lesson to your class — read the room! Different communities have vastly different economic demographics so use relatable examples.

Art Session: Depending on the age of your students, some can write their names. Let others add a sticker or drawing instead.

Music: Show students how they will be standing on stage. The sooner they understand this, the more fluid it will be.

Week 5

Jesus Session: Thankfulness is good for you! When you redirect your attention from what makes you sad to what makes you grateful, your heart is happier and you become less stressed.

Art Session: Cheap kitchen sponges work great; the sponges don’t need to be special painting sponges.

Music Session: Let parents know what to expect next week. Here’s a template for a note to send home.

Week 6

Jesus Session: We can definitely be thankful for salvation!

TIP: If you have spare time, you can show this video about salvation.

Art Session: Thank you cards can be for anyone.

Music: Smile!

TIP: When your class has learned a song but you're not scheduled to sing it in church, do your own Mini concert for family. Have parents stay at pickup for the kiddos to sing their song.