In this lesson, children will learn that greed is not just a simple desire; it is a sickness that can poison their hearts. They will understand that Jesus wants them to experience true happiness and gratitude for the blessings they have. Through the engaging story of “Greedy Petie,” a puppet character, children will meet a boy who is consumed by selfish thoughts and cravings. His obsession leads him to catch a dreadful illness called “the greedies.”
The powerful message is that when we shift our focus to appreciating all the wonderful gifts God has provided and express genuine thanks for them, the “greedies” can fade away. By the end of the lesson, children will be inspired to reflect on their own blessings and share what they are thankful for.
In the story, the puppet “Greedy Petie” imagines all the things he desires for Christmas. With each wish he shares, the teacher adds a spot to his body. By the end of the lesson, every time a child expresses gratitude, a spot is removed, reminding everyone that thankfulness can help eliminate the greedies.
Printable Craft and Activity Patterns for this Lesson Include Twenty-seven pages with both KJV and NIV printable patterns.
1. Thankful Turkey Craft
Preschoolers will love coloring and gluing Fruit Loop cereal or other decorative items onto a picture of a turkey. The printable includes a short poem that says, “I made this little turkey so everyone can see that I am very thankful because God has been good to me.”
2. Thankful Book
Children help create a thankful book using every letter of the alphabet. Assign each student a letter and have them draw a picture of something they are grateful for that starts with the assigned letter.
3. Thanksgiving Quilt Class Project Pattern
Provide each child with at least one sheet of paper that has a letter of the alphabet printed on it. Instruct them to draw a picture of something they are thankful for that starts with that letter. Once all the drawings are completed, display them on your bulletin board so that they are arranged to touch each other. To create a quilt-like effect, staple strips of paper around the edges of all the drawings. Finally, write the memory verse along the edges of the quilt.
4. Five Kernels of Corn Color and Activity Sheet Pattern
This coloring and activity sheet features a poem about how the pilgrims had only five kernels of corn to eat, yet they kept their trust in God to take care of them. Children can color the candy corn images or glue real candy corn or paper candy corn shapes to the activity sheet.
5. Thankful Turkey Balloon Game and Learning Activity
This turkey can be used as a fun game and an impactful learning activity! Ask your students to express what they are thankful for, and write their responses on the feathers. Arrange the feathers in the tail feather pattern and tape it to the turkey. To add excitement, have your students take turns sitting on the balloon turkey to see who can pop it.
6. Collect the Feathers Thankful Game Pattern
In this fun turkey feather passing game, children try to collect all seven colors before their teammates do.
7. Drop the Feather in the Turkey Jar Game or Craft Pattern
Get ready for a fun twist on the classic “Drop the Clothespin” game! In this lively activity, kids will aim to drop turkey feathers into a can that has been decorated to resemble a turkey. Once they successfully make their drops, each child will have the chance to share something they’re thankful for with the class. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate gratitude while having a great time together!
8. Turkey Beanbag Game Pattern
Create turkeys using children’s bowling pins. Attach paper beaks and waddles to the pins, and add some tail feathers. In class, have your students throw bean bags to try to knock over the turkeys.
9. ABC Memory Game Pattern
All the patterns, games, and lessons in this store come from Danielle’s Place and are available through a yearly membership on The Resource Room.
You can find details about this lesson on the Beat the Greedies Thanksgiving Bible Lesson on Danielle’s Place of Crafts and Activities.
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