This storytime is all about giving, identifying what we are grateful for, and saying thanks. It includes three storybooks, two songs, and a free activity page. This theme can be used any time of year, but it is great to do before your Thanksgiving storytime, as it will get the kids in a thankful mindset.
Gratitude Themed Storybooks
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Bear Says Thanks (Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman)
Bear's forest friends keep stopping by with delicious gifts, but bear is worried that he has nothing to give them in return. His friends suggest he gives them the gift of stories and they all get together to chatter over a feast.
Splat Says Thank You! (Rob Scotton)
Splat the Cat's mouse friend, Seymour, is sick in bed so Splat decides to cheer him up with a friendship book. Splat thanks Seymour for all the times that he helped him out. By the end, Seymour is looking much better.
The Thankful Book (Todd Parr)
This book lists a bunch of different things to be thankful for. Todd Parr's bright illustrations really catch the eye and this is a great one to get kids thinking about what they are thankful for as we lead into our gratitude worksheet.
Gratitude Themed Sing-Alongs
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If You're Thankful & You Know It
(Tune: "If You're Happy and You Know It")
"If you're thankful and you know it (action)! x2
If you're thankful and you know it,
Then your face will surely show it,
If you're thankful and you know it (action)!"
The actions I used were clap your hands, stomp your feet, and shout hooray (I have them jump up for that one).
Gratitude Attitude
See the video below. If you want to sing this with the kids, have them first think about what they will say they are thankful for. This may best be saved for after they've completed the worksheet or after you do a whole class gratitude activity, like these gratitude trees.
Coloring Sheet: Turkey Gratitude
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Have the children identify just one thing they are grateful for to focus on writing, drawing, and coloring for this activity. Have them write in (or help them write in) what they are thankful for on the top line. On the bottom lines by the heart, write their name and the year. Have them color the turkey and draw the person or thing they identified in the box.
You can download a free pdf of this printable from my TPT store! :)