November is one of my favorite months to homeschool. The air turns crisp, candles flicker a little longer in the mornings, and everything feels a bit cozier. It’s also the perfect time to turn our hearts (and our children’s hearts) toward gratitude.
Gratitude grows when our eyes are fixed on the Giver, not just His gifts. It’s pausing in the middle of the messy, ordinary moments to whisper, “God, You are good.” Thankfulness shapes our homes, softens our hearts, and teaches our children that every good thing, big or small, comes from the Lord.
When we cultivate gratitude daily, even in seasons of lack or waiting, we remind our families that joy doesn’t come from circumstances but from Christ Himself. Today I want to share a few simple ways to weave thankfulness into your lessons this month. These gratitude activities are ideas that are rooted in Scripture, creativity, and a heart of worship.
Start a Family Gratitude Journal
This one’s simple but so meaningful. Each day, gather as a family and write down one specific thing you’re thankful for. Try to go beyond the usual answers by helping your kids notice God’s hand in the small moments: a warm breakfast, a kind sibling, a verse that encouraged them that morning.
These daily reflections become a treasure over time, like a living record of God’s faithfulness right there on the page.
Try this:
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Write one gratitude entry each day leading up to Thanksgiving.
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Read a short verse before writing (Psalm 100:4–5 is a sweet one!).
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End with a short prayer of thanks, even just a sentence from each family member.
Suggested item(s):
Scripture Copywork on Thankfulness
Copywork is one of my favorite ways to slow down and let truth sink deep. There’s something special about putting pen to paper and tracing words that point our hearts to God’s character.
Choose a few key verses on gratitude and have your children copy one each day (or each week, depending on their age). Then take a few minutes to talk about what the verse means and how it applies to their lives.
Some of our favorite verses:
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1 Thessalonians 5:18 — “Give thanks in all circumstances…”
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Psalm 107:1 — “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good…”
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Colossians 3:15–17 — A wonderful passage for older kids to reflect on.
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Philippians 4:6 — Perfect for connecting gratitude and prayer.
You can even use my Fall Stationery Pack to this into a Thankfulness Copywork Notebook by adding little drawings, prayers, or reflections under each verse.
Suggested item(s):
Gratitude Through Art
Art gives children the chance to express what’s in their hearts when words don’t quite fit. This month, create a “Gratitude Gallery” wall in your homeschool room or kitchen—a space where everyone can display what they’re thankful for.
A few simple ideas:
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Watercolor Thankfulness Leaves: Cut leaf shapes from watercolor paper and paint something you’re thankful for on each one. Hang them as a garland!
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Psalm Art Prints: Choose a verse on gratitude and let your children illustrate it. Display their artwork during morning time.
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Family Gratitude Tree: Use real branches in a vase or draw one on poster board. Add a “thankful leaf” each day with a note or doodle of God’s blessings.
These little projects make your home feel cozy, but more importantly, they remind your family daily of God’s abundant goodness.
Writing Prompts for a Thankful Heart
Older kids often process gratitude best through writing. Give them space to reflect on God’s faithfulness and His Word with a few journaling prompts.
Try these:
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Describe a time when God answered a prayer in an unexpected way.
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What’s one blessing you often take for granted?
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How does gratitude change the way you view hard days?
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Write a thank-you letter to God for something spiritual, not physical.
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Choose one verse about thanksgiving and explain what it teaches about who God is.
These make for wonderful morning time reflections—or even family discussion starters around the dinner table.
Give Thanks Writing Prompts Bundle
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Family Worship with Thanksgiving Hymns
Music has such a beautiful way of stitching truth into our hearts. Each week in November, choose one hymn of thanksgiving to sing or listen to as a family.
A few of our favorites:
You can even turn this into a mini hymn study by looking up who wrote the hymn, what inspired it, and how it points us back to God’s steadfast care.
Suggested item(s):
- Great Hymns of the Faith Volume 1
- Great Hymns of the Faith Volume 2
- The Sing! Hymnal
- A Mighty Fortress Is Our God Hymn Study
Gratitude in Action
Finally, let’s help our children live out their gratitude. True thankfulness naturally moves us toward love and service.
Here are some ideas to try:
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Write thank-you notes to grandparents, church friends, or neighbors.
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Bake bread or cookies to deliver to someone who could use encouragement.
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Make a family prayer list and thank God for each person on it.
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Find a local ministry or missionary family to bless with a small donation or handmade card.
When kids see gratitude leading to action, they learn that thanksgiving isn’t just a feeling—it’s evidence of Christ’s work in their hearts.
Cultivating a Lifestyle of Gratitude
Friend, the goal isn’t to add more to your to-do list. It’s to slow down and notice God’s hand in every detail. Gratitude helps our children treasure grace over gifts and contentment over comparison.
This November, let’s give thanks together.
Let’s point our families to the Giver, not just the gifts.
And may our homes overflow with joy rooted in the goodness of our sovereign God.
Final Thoughts on Gratitude Activities
As Christian homeschool moms, we know gratitude isn’t just about saying thank you. It’s about training our children to recognize the goodness and providence of God in everything. Gratitude is a form of worship and what better place to nurture that heart posture than right in our homeschool days? I pray that these gratitude activities have been a blessing to you.
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Share yours comments.
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