The Thankful Tree

             So I have been looking for traditions to do with  my family that teach biblical principles especially around the various holidays. I want my children to appreciate their lives and the things they have. Gratefulness as the Bible states. I searched various places for ideas and I came across one that is quite popular but still brings thankfulness and meaning to the heart. It is called a Thankful Tree ( No not a christmas tree).

The Thankful Tree is created by either construction paper and place on a bulletin board. Another way to do it is by collecting old branches from outside that could fit into a vase. (We used an old mason jar and some marbles I had lying around)Decorate the vase with crafty ideas and make paper cutouts of leaves from different color construction paper. Fill your vase or container with either marbles or Styrofoam  to hold branches. Done... very quick activity.

The Thankful Tree teaches your child to count their blessings. Everyday or every other day, each child can write on a leaf of what they are thankful for. Then take sometime to ask them, "Why are they thankful for that particular thing?" This allows the child to verbally express his/her feelings, and it opens the lines of communication. Thus, teaching communication within the parental-child relationship..

God calls us to teach the children His ways.By using this activity, it causes interaction and teaching to happen. A parent can incorporate a memory verse too.

This is our Thankful Tree.

"I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving," Psalm 69:30

Thanks,
Dina