(This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure.)
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to slow down, reflect, and teach our kids the value of gratitude. In homeschooling, we have the unique opportunity to weave thankfulness into our daily lessons and family routines—not just during the holidays, but all year long.
These 20 gratitude activities for kids are simple, meaningful, and perfect for elementary homeschoolers. They blend creativity, reflection, and fun, helping your children understand that gratitude isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we practice.
1. Create a Family Gratitude Jar
Each day, have your kids write something they’re thankful for on a slip of paper and drop it into a jar. Read them together on Thanksgiving Day or at the end of the month.
2. Gratitude Journals
Start a daily or weekly gratitude journal. Younger children can draw pictures, while older ones can write full sentences. This helps build writing skills and positive reflection habits.
3. Thankful Handprint Craft
Trace your child’s hand and have them write one thing they’re thankful for on each finger. It’s a creative keepsake that doubles as a writing and art project.
4. Write Thank-You Notes
Have your kids write or draw notes for family members, friends, teachers, or neighbors. It’s a wonderful way to teach appreciation and communication skills.
5. Gratitude Nature Walk
Take a nature walk and talk about the beauty around you—trees, animals, fresh air, and sunlight. Encourage kids to notice things they’re grateful for in nature.
6. Make a Gratitude Collage
Cut out pictures from magazines or print online images of things that make your kids feel thankful. Glue them to a poster board for a colorful reminder of blessings.
7. Gratitude Circle Time
Start or end your homeschool day with a gratitude circle. Each family member takes a turn sharing one thing they’re thankful for.
8. Read Books About Thankfulness
Choose picture books or chapter books that highlight gratitude and kindness. A few great options: Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson or The Thank You Book by Mo Willems.
9. Bake Something to Share
Bake cookies or muffins together and deliver them to a neighbor, friend, or community helper. It’s a hands-on way to practice gratitude and giving.
10. Gratitude Drawing Prompts
Ask your kids to draw “something that makes you smile” or “someone who helps you.” This combines art, emotion, and reflection in a simple activity.
11. Acts of Kindness Countdown
Create a countdown to Thanksgiving with one small act of kindness each day. Examples: help a sibling, write a thank-you note, or share a toy.
12. Bible Verses on Thankfulness
If faith is part of your homeschool, read verses about gratitude and discuss what they mean. Verses like 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (“Give thanks in all circumstances…”) are great starting points.
13. Gratitude Scavenger Hunt
Make a list of things to find that represent thankfulness—something soft, something that smells good, something that makes you laugh. A fun indoor or outdoor game!
14. Thankful Tree Craft
Cut out paper leaves and write what you’re thankful for on each one. Hang them from branches in a vase or tape them to a wall for a festive fall display.
15. Gratitude Calendar
Make a calendar for November with one space per day to write or draw something you’re grateful for. By month’s end, you’ll have a beautiful record of thankfulness.
16. Gratitude Word Art
Create word art using positive and thankful words. Kids can decorate it with markers or paint, then display it in your homeschool room.
17. Family Gratitude Interview
Interview each family member about what they’re thankful for this year. Record the answers or create a scrapbook page to revisit next Thanksgiving.
18. Gratitude Jar for Others
Have your children create a gratitude jar for someone else—fill it with notes of appreciation for a grandparent, sibling, or parent.
19. Thankful Table Talk Cards
Write conversation starters like “What’s something that made you smile today?” or “Who are you thankful for?” Use them at dinner or during homeschool discussions.
20. Gratitude Chain
Cut strips of colorful paper, write thankful messages on each, and link them together into a paper chain. Add to it daily until Thanksgiving—it’s a fun visual of all your blessings!
Gratitude as a Lifestyle
Gratitude is more than a Thanksgiving theme—it’s a life skill. By weaving these small, meaningful activities into your homeschool days, you’ll help your kids develop appreciation, empathy, and joy in everyday moments.
Whether it’s writing, crafting, or simply noticing the good around them, these 20 gratitude activities will fill your home with thankfulness this season—and beyond.
