(Lesson and games are age appropriate for 2nd-6th Grade)
Discussion: Throughout the book
of Psalms we are told to give thanks to God. (Read the following three
Psalms and discuss what the writer was thankful for.) " 'Give thanks to the LORD, for he is
good; his love endures forever.' Psalm 136:1",
" 'I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my
salvation.' Psalm 118:21" and " ' The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy
and I will give thanks to him in song.' Psalm 28:7".
What are some of the things the writer of these Psalms
was thankful for? (God's goodness, enduring
love, answered prayers, salvation, protection, help.)
What are some things that you are thankful for? (allow
for discussion)
Today we will play a game called "THANKFUL".
As you play, think of some things you are thankful for to form the word,
"THANKFUL", and to say what God's character is like. For
example, Thankful begins with the letter "T". I am thankful
for my teeth, because God is trustworthy.
Indoor Play: Children use the THANKFUL List,
below, and fill in the blanks to complete the sentence. They can work
separately or in teams.
Outdoor Play Set Up: Establish a large
playing area. Scatter dozens of playground cones or bowls in the
playing area. Underneath the cones or bowls place one of the letters from the
word, THANKFUL. You will need one letter from the word for each team.
For example, if you have five teams, you will need five of each
letter. Some of the cones do not need a letter underneath. Teams will
need paper, pencil and the T-H-A-N-K-F-U-L list, below.
How To Play: Divide players into teams. Line
the teams up at one end of the playing area. At the go the first
player from each team runs to find one of the letters from the word,
THANKFUL. Players can only look under one cone during their turn. If
they find a letter they take it back to their team and tag off to the
next player in line. If they don't find a letter, they still return to their
team and tag off to the next player. Teams need to pay attention so
that they don't go back to the same empty cone. Play continues like
this until the teams find all the letters in the word, THANKFUL.
Once all the letters are found, teams use the letters to form words to
say what they are thankful for and the character of God whom they
are thankful to. The first team to find the letters and complete the
"Thankful List" wins.
