As Thanksgiving draws near, it’s natural to turn our thoughts toward gratitude and acts of kindness. These five writing prompts about gratitude will help children and teens focus on contentment as they celebrate the gifts of family, friends, and creation.
1. Because of You
Invent a holiday to celebrate a person you love, such as “Aunt Laura Day” or “Papa Appreciation Day.” Write a paragraph expressing three reasons why you’re thankful for this special person.
2. Count Your Blessings
In what ways are you fortunate? Make a list of 10 things you are grateful for. Include people and things, events and experiences, both past and present. Each day, for the rest of the week, add 10 more items to your list. When the end of the week comes, you will have written down 70 reasons to be thankful!
3. For the Beauty of the Earth
When we think about God’s incredible creation, it causes gratitude to well up in many a heart. Consider something from nature that makes you feel close to God, and write a haiku poem about it.
4. Thankful Heart
Think about a time when a friend, relative, or total stranger did something incredibly special for you. Write a letter to thank them for that act of kindness. If possible, mail your letter of appreciation to this person.
5. The Secret of Contentment
It’s easy to feel happy when everything is going our way. But what happens when you don’t get everything you want? In Philippians 4:12, the Apostle Paul says:
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
Write a paragraph explaining how godly contentment compares to the world’s view of contentment. Use at least five of these words: grateful, selfish, jealous, possessions, loss, attitude, character, faith, friends, family.
This e-book teaches kids how to keep a 30-day gratitude journal. It’s loaded with journaling ideas and tips to make their gratitude project focused and fun. In addition, you’ll find 13 colorful—and beautifully designed—printable journal prompt pages and writing prompts about gratitude.
