Thanksgiving Lessons for Your Sunday School Class

Thanksgiving is often glossed over as a celebration meant for eating as much sweet potato casserole as possible without being judged. It’s a time where you can take a dinner roll, slice it in half, put some ham, cheese, mashed potatoes, and gravy on it, and not be asked to leave.

But, joking aside, when you take your faith into account, Thanksgiving becomes a very unique, and special holiday. When you think about the journey of the early colonists, and the amount of faith they lived on, it can give an entirely new meaning to how we celebrate Thanksgiving.

When we turn to the Holy Bible and look for examples of thanksgiving, you find numerous stories of gratitude and thanks for all of the blessings given to us from God. The Bible should serve as our primary example of what a Thanksgiving celebration should be all about! It teaches us to be grateful to God, no matter our circumstances. Most importantly, it teaches us to rely on God, and to pray.

What should we do with this new or refreshed insight? I think it’s high time that we teach and demonstrate to our children the Christian way of giving thanks. Let us be the example for them, so they might enjoy a more authentic, and gratifying Thanksgiving. One filled with thanks to the one true God.

In this article, we will cover a number of Biblically based Thanksgiving lessons for your Sunday School classes. I’ll include ideas for activities for different age groups. Best of all, these are activities that your students will recall for years to come!

If you’re ready to make your Thanksgiving lesson for Sunday School fun, yet meaningful, then continue reading. Your Sunday school students will gain new insight and realization about what true gratitude to God looks like. We have Thanksgiving lesson ideas that are appropriate for different age groups, whether your kids are in preschool, elementary, or middle school.

Make sure to check out our article on Thanksgiving crafts to incorporate them in these lessons, too!

For Preschool Kids

No child is too young to begin learning about gratitude. I remember, when I was growing up, how important it was that I remembered my manners, like saying “please” and “thank you.” Often, I feel like young kids don’t get enough credit for the depth of their understanding.

I don’t think it’s a big leap at all to teach preschool kids about how they can show their gratitude. As a mother of 5 kids myself, I’ve seen it first-hand just how much gratitude a little child can have stored up in their little body. So, let’s give them the tools they need to give thanks for the life the Lord has blessed them with!

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Lesson: The Essence of Thanksgiving

Materials: Treats or age-appropriate toys

For this lesson, start the activity by giving some treats or knick-knacks (make sure they’re large enough to not be a choking hazard) to the kids, and see who says, “Thank you.” Return the gratitude back by saying, “You’re welcome!” Don’t require the kids to say, “thank you” and don’t make them aware of what is going on. Just give them the treat or toy and let things happen naturally.

Afterward, talk about the story of the 10 Lepers. In the story, Jesus healed these men, yet only one gave Him thanks.

Key Passage

Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him — and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

Luke 17:11-19

Activity: The Thankful Man Song

This activity is a fun way to help little ones remember the importance (and how exceptional) gratitude can be. It reminds us that out of the ten healed lepers, only one came back to thank Jesus. This can easily be sung to the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It.” 

Jesus healed the men who were all very sick, (clap clap)
One returned to thank Him really, really quick, (clap clap)
He was thankful to be through it,
So he made sure Jesus knew it,
One returned to thank Him really, really quick, (clap clap)

Focus

Let’s face it—we all have moments when we forget to appreciate the blessings right in front of us. Maybe we get caught up in our own world and overlook the small (and big) acts of kindness from others and from God. This activity is a gentle reminder for all of us, kiddos included, to make saying “thank you” a natural part of our lives.

Discussion Questions

After reading the key passage, you may ask the following questions:

• What can you do to always remember to thank God and others?
• If you were in Jesus’ shoes (or sandals), would you help the sick people too? Why?
• How would you feel if you helped ten people and only one said “thank you”?
• When you ask for help or receive something nice, do you remember to say “thank you” afterward?

Want More Thanksgiving Lesson Ideas for Preschoolers?

For Elementary Schoolers

Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey and mashed potatoes—it’s about recognizing the abundance we have in our lives. One of the reasons we celebrate this holiday is to appreciate the bountiful blessings God provides us, even when we might feel it’s not enough. As kids start to understand the basic needs of a person, it’s the perfect time to talk about how God meets those needs in ways we sometimes overlook.

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Lesson: The Food Harvest

In this lesson, we’re diving into the incredible story of how Jesus fed 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fish. Yes, you read that right—five loaves and two fish! And guess what? There were still leftovers after everyone had eaten their fill. This is one of those jaw-dropping miracles that shows just how profound Jesus’ compassion and power truly are.

Key Passage

When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” 

“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were leftover. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Matthew 14:13-21

Focus

This passage isn’t just a cool story to tell around the dinner table—it’s a powerful reminder of how Jesus meets our needs abundantly. He didn’t just provide enough; He provided more than enough. As we reflect on this miracle, it’s a call for us to praise and give thanks for the blessings we receive every day, not just on Thanksgiving. It’s about recognizing that God provides for us in ways we can’t even imagine.

Activity: Thankful Turkey

Now, let’s get creative! Since turkey is basically the unofficial mascot of Thanksgiving, we’re going to use it to express our gratitude.

What you’ll need:

• A large cutout of a turkey (you can draw this on poster board or construction paper)
• Colored strips of paper (these will be the feathers)
• Markers, crayons, or pens
• Tape or glue

Instructions:

1. As the turkey gets more and more feathers, it becomes a vibrant display of gratitude from the whole class.
2. Hand out several colored strips of paper to each child.
3. Ask them to write down things they’re thankful for—one on each strip. It could be anything: family, friends, their pet hamster, pizza Fridays—you name it.
4. Once they’ve written down their blessings, have them come up and attach their “feathers” to the turkey.

Discussion Questions

After reading the key passage, you may ask the following questions:

• Has God provided you with everything you need? Can you think of some examples?
• Why do you think Jesus chose to feed the 5,000 people instead of sending them away?
• What does this story tell us about who Jesus is and how He cares for people?
• How would you respond if you witnessed a miracle like this? How can we respond to God’s blessings today?

For Middle Schoolers

Thanksgiving isn’t just a day off school or an excuse to eat an extra slice of pie; it’s a reminder of how wonderful, merciful, and downright amazing our Lord truly is. It’s a call for us to turn to prayer and worship as acts of giving thanks and praising Him for His endless goodness.

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Lesson: The Abundance of Blessings

Have you ever tried to count your blessings? Often, it’s simple to overlook the everyday blessings that our lives are filled with. Or maybe you have the opposite problem: you’ve lost count because, let’s face it, we receive so many from the Lord every single day that it’s hard to keep track. This lesson is all about opening our eyes to God’s abundant blessings, even when we’re trudging through our darkest times.

To bring this to life, we’re going to dive into a Psalm of David. It’s a passage that helps us realize just how generously the Lord showers us with blessings, no matter what we’re going through.

Key Passage

I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise. I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness, for you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame.

When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me. May all the kings of the earth praise you, Lord, when they hear what you have decreed. May they sing of the ways of the Lord, for the glory of the Lord is great. Though the LORD is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, he sees them from afar. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me. The Lord will vindicate me; your love, Lord, endures forever — do not abandon the works of your hands.

Psalm 138:1-8

Focus

The core message of this passage is about cultivating a thankful heart because God is always there for us—through our ups and downs, triumphs and setbacks, victories and defeats. He’s not some distant figure; He’s our friend and Savior who’s just a prayer away.

Activity: Gratitude Journaling Challenge

Let’s face it, middle schoolers have a lot on their minds—school, friends, the latest viral video. So why not channel some of that energy into a Gratitude Journaling Challenge?

How it works:

• Provide each student with a journal. If you’re feeling crafty, you can even have them personalize the covers.
• Challenge them to write down three things they’re grateful for each day over the next week.
• Encourage them to dig deep. Sure, they’re thankful for pizza and weekends, but what about the friend who always saves them a seat or the teacher who makes math (almost) enjoyable?

Why it’s great:

By the end of the week, they’ll have a list of 21 blessings. It’s a tangible way to see just how much there is to be thankful for, even in the everyday hustle and bustle.

Discussion Questions

After reading the passage, you may ask the following questions:

1. Can you think of a time that it felt like you were walking in the midst of trouble, but everything turned out great?
2. Can you think of a moment where you were completely overwhelmed by gratitude?
3. What is something that you have seen that makes you grateful for what you have now?
4. Have you ever done something for someone else and you could visually see the gratitude in their reaction?

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Conclusion

These Sunday school Thanksgiving lessons are more than just activities—they’re a way to bring our kids back to the true essence of the holiday. Thanksgiving isn’t just about the turkey or the pumpkin pie; it’s a time for worship and praising the Lord. It’s an opportunity for us to see the beauty and goodness in all things, to recognize just how great He is and how perfect His plan is for each of us.

God’s immeasurable and unconditional love is always present, no matter where we find ourselves in life. So let’s use these lessons to remind our little ones (and maybe even ourselves) to always show gratitude and appreciation—to God and to everyone we’re thankful for.

From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!