Play “My Menorah” Together

Download the app “My Menorah” and play it together with your child, setting the scene for the following activities on today’s theme: Gratitude

Noteworthy

Although it’s old-fashioned, children can write thank you notes or draw a picture for the person who gave them a gift. Encourage the child to consider why the giver chose the particular gift, and mention it in the note. (You can create notes in JI Studio, save them to the device, and then email them!)

“DON’T Don’t Mention It”

There is a tendency to shrug off gratitude as if it’s no big deal. Avoid the temptation to do so, as it discourages the child from placing value on acknowledgement, even when it is small. Allow your child to thank you and respond with “You’re welcome” or “I am so happy to give to you because…” or whatever other response feels right. Take turns acting out scenes when someone might typically shrug it off, but instead respond differently.

Talk about graciousness

Help your child understand the different ways of saying “thank you.” There may be a gift that is completely unappealing. That doesn’t excuse the child from appreciating the thought and effort that went into getting the gift, even if it is not ultimately what the child wanted. Practice saying, “thank you for getting me this gift” so that it can come out in a natural way, even in the face of disappointment.

Ask each member of the family

Ask each member of the family: When the Maccabees realized that they won the war, and that they had enough oil to last eight days, they immediately celebrated by giving thanks to God. What are three things for which you’d like to thank someone?