Safari :: I can give thanks to God.

October 31, 2020 | 6 weeks - 2 years

We’re learning… I can give thanks to God.

Bible Story: The Ten Lepers ● Luke 17:11-19

Bible Story Activity

WHAT YOU NEED: Bible (Use a children’s Bible if you have one) 

WHAT YOU SAY: “I love reading the Bible and spending time with Jesus. Let’s read our Bible story together right now!”

WHAT YOU DO: Read “The Ten Lepers — Luke 17:11-19 from the Bible.

TODDLER ACTIVITIES
Use these activities each week to help your toddler learn that we can give thanks to God!

November 1:

Song Activity: Give God Thanks

WHAT YOU DO: Lead your toddler in singing the following to the tune of “The Mulberry Bush.”

    We can always give God thanks,
    Give God thanks, give God thanks.
    We can always give God thanks,
    For everything He does.

WHAT YOU SAY: “You did a wonderful job singing! Who can give thanks to God?” Encourage your toddler to say, “I can give thanks to God!”

 

November 8:

Game Activity: Give Thanks

WHAT YOU DO: 

  • Read each of the prompts below and encourage your toddler to respond.
    • If you can give thanks to God for your friends, clap your hands!
    • If you can give thanks to God for toys to play with, pat the ground!
    • If you can give thanks to God for your family, give yourself a hug!
    • If you can give thanks to God for yummy food to eat, pat your tummy!
    • If you can give thanks to God for your church, wave your arms in the air!
    • If you can give thanks to God for the clothes you wear, pat your head!

WHAT YOU SAY: “Great job! God has given us so many wonderful things, and we can give thanks to Him for everything! Who can give thanks to God?” Encourage your toddler to say, “I can give thanks to God!”

 

November 15:

Memory Verse Activity: Freeze Dance

WHAT YOU NEED: Safari Playlist

WHAT YOU SAY: “Our memory verse helps us remember that we can give thanks to God!”

WHAT YOU DO:

  • Lead toddlers in saying Ephesians 5:20 three times. Say the verse, line by line, encouraging your toddler to repeat and complete the actions after you.

“Always (spread arms wide)
give thanks (move hand away from chin)
to God.” (point up
Ephesians 5:20, NCV (open hands like a book)

  • Then turn the music on and have a dance party! After about 30 seconds, pause the music and encourage your toddler to stand very still or FREEZE. After they respond, lead your toddler in saying the memory verse with the actions. Then turn the music on again and repeat the activity in 30-second increments.

 

November 22:

Song Activity: If You’re Thankful And You Know It

WHAT YOU DO:

  • Lead your toddler in singing the following to the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It.”

If you’re thankful and you know it, clap your hands! (clap, clap)
If you’re thankful and you know it, clap your hands! (clap, clap)
If you’re thankful and you know it,
Giving thanks will surely show it.
If you’re thankful and you know it, clap your hands! (clap, clap)

If you’re thankful and you know it, stomp your feet! (stomp, stomp)
If you’re thankful and you know it, stomp your feet! (stomp, stomp)
If you’re thankful and you know it,
Giving thanks will surely show it.
If you’re thankful and you know it, stomp your feet! (stomp, stomp)

If you’re thankful and you know it, shout “Hooray!” (“Hooray!”)
If you’re thankful and you know it, shout “Hooray!” (“Hooray!”)
If you’re thankful and you know it,
Giving thanks will surely show it.
If you’re thankful and you know it, shout “Hooray!” (“Hooray!”)
You can also put all three together for a fourth verse. (clap, clap, stomp, stomp, “Hooray!”)

WHAT YOU SAY: “You did a wonderful job singing! Who can give thanks to God?” Encourage your toddler to say, “I can give thanks to God!”

 

November 29:

Game Activity: I Spy… 

WHAT YOU DO:

  • Say, “I spy… ” and point out different things your toddler is familiar with. (e.g., toys, snacks, etc.) 
  • After each item, say, “Can you give thanks to God for (name of item)?” Pause for your toddler to respond.
  • Continue the activity, choosing a different item each time.

WHAT YOU SAY: “Remember, God has given us so many wonderful things, and we can give thanks to Him for everything! Who can give thanks to God?” Encourage your toddler to say, “I can give thanks to God!”