10 Things to Be Thankful for This Thanksgiving (For Kids)

Thanksgiving craft and writing activity

10 Things to Be Thankful For This Thanksgiving

1. My Family
   I love spending time with my family during Thanksgiving— they make me feel safe and loved.
2. What I Learn
   I’m glad I get to go to school, learn new things, and grow smarter every day.
3. My Friends
   My friends make me laugh, play with me, and are always there when I need them.
4. Smiles and Laughter
   I love when we all laugh together—it makes everything feel happy and fun.
5. Asking Questions
   I’m glad I can be curious and learn about all the cool things in the world.
6. Our Traditions
   I like the fun things we do together, like making yummy food or saying what we’re thankful for.
7. Kindness
   I love when someone is kind to me, and I like being kind to others too.
8. My School
   I’m lucky to have teachers and books that help me learn and grow.
9. My Neighborhood
   I’m glad for the people in my community who care for each other, like neighbors and helpers.

10.The Future
I’m excited for all the amazing things I can do and learn as I grow up!

CLICK HERE for this FREE “10 Things to Be Thankful For This Thanksgiving” PDF

Crafting Gratitude: A Thanksgiving Writing Activity ideal for Teachers and Homeschoolers

Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday that encourages reflection, gratitude, and togetherness. It’s a time to pause and appreciate the blessings in our lives—whether it’s family, friends, opportunities, or even the small joys that make our days brighter. For educators and homeschoolers, Thanksgiving provides a perfect opportunity to teach children about the holiday’s meaning while fostering creativity and self-expression.

The Meaning of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving traces its roots back to 1621, when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people came together for a shared meal to celebrate the harvest and express gratitude. Over the years, this celebration of thankfulness has become a cherished tradition in homes across the United States. While the focus on food and festivities is prominent, the heart of Thanksgiving lies in being grateful for the people, experiences, and blessings that shape our lives.

In the classroom or homeschool setting, Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to explore this message and encourage children to reflect on what they are most thankful for.

A Thanksgiving Craft to Inspire Gratitude

This Thanksgiving craft and writing activity is an excellent way to combine creativity with meaningful reflection. Not only does it help children understand the importance of thankfulness, but it also makes for a stunning display for your bulletin board or homeschool wall.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start with a Discussion:
   Begin by discussing the history and meaning of Thanksgiving with your students or children. Ask them what they already know about the holiday. Write their answers on the board and include some key facts, such as its roots in celebrating the harvest and giving thanks. To spark ideas, you can share a list like “10 Things to Be Thankful For This Thanksgiving.”
2. Hand Out the Templates:
   Each student receives a craft template to personalize.
3. Design a Unique Face:
   Encourage students to get creative as they draw hair, a nose, and a mouth on their template. This step makes the activity feel personal and fun.
4. Reflect on Gratitude:
   In the 8 spaces provided, students write what they are thankful for. These could include family members, friends, pets, favorite activities, or anything else that brings them joy.
5. Add Zentangle Patterns:
   Once their writing is complete, students decorate their template with zentangle patterns, leaving some space around their gratitude messages. These intricate patterns not only enhance the visual appeal but also allow for a calming, mindful moment of creativity.
6. Display the Finished Crafts:
   Showcase the completed crafts on a bulletin board or in your homeschool space. The vibrant designs and heartfelt messages will brighten the room and serve as a reminder of the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

Why This Activity Works

This craft is more than just an art project—it’s a way to build emotional intelligence, foster mindfulness, and celebrate the values at the heart of Thanksgiving. Kids learn to identify and articulate what they are grateful for while expressing themselves creatively. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to engage in discussions about the holiday’s history and cultural significance.

CLICK HERE for this Thanksgiving craft and writing activity.

Bring Gratitude into Your Lessons

Whether you’re a teacher in a bustling classroom or a homeschooler creating lessons at your kitchen table, this Thanksgiving craft offers a meaningful and creative way to connect with the holiday’s purpose. By combining art, writing, and reflection, you’ll help your students or children develop a deeper understanding of gratitude—something they can carry with them long after the Thanksgiving season.

Happy Thanksgiving, and happy teaching!