Heartfelt Thanks Facilitation Guide Heartfelt Thanks!
Facilitation Guide • Preschool
10 Minutes
Why Teach This?
Teaching gratitude at a young age helps foster positive emotional development, empathy, and social skills. It encourages children to appreciate simple joys and reduces feelings of entitlement.
Learning Objective
Students will be able to identify and express at least one thing they are thankful for, understanding that gratitude makes them and others feel happy.
Before You Start (5 Min Prep)
Review the story "The Little Bear's Big Thanks" for pacing.
Gather an optional soft ball or beanbag for the "Gratitude Go-Round" game.
Open the Heartfelt Thanks Slide Deck on your presentation screen.
Lesson Roadmap
1m
Intro: What is Thankful?
Display Slide 1. Ask: "What does it mean to be thankful?" Allow a few brief responses.
3m
Story Time: Little Bear's Big Thanks
Move to Slide 2. Read the story aloud with expressions. Ask: "How do you think Little Bear feels now?"
3m
Discussion: Talking About Thanks
Refer to: Discussion Guide
Focus on Little Bear's feelings and connect them to students' own happy experiences.
2m
Game: Gratitude Go-Round
Refer to: Game Instructions
Sit in a circle. Share one thing you are thankful for, then pass to a student.
1m
Conclusion: Happy Hearts
Reinforce that being thankful makes us happy. Encourage children to spot "thanks" moments today.
Little Bears Big Thanks Reading The Little Bear's Big Thanks
Little Bear woke up one sunny morning feeling extra happy. The sun peeked through his window, and he heard the birds singing a cheerful song. "What a lovely day!" he thought.
He hopped out of bed and went to the kitchen. Mama Bear had made him a warm bowl of honey and berries. "Mmm, thank you, Mama!" Little Bear said with a big smile. Mama Bear hugged him tight.
After breakfast, Little Bear went outside to play. His friend, Squirrel, was waiting for him by the big oak tree. "Want to climb?" Squirrel chattered. "Yes! Thank you for waiting for me, Squirrel!" Little Bear cheered. They had so much fun climbing and playing hide-and-seek.
Later, Little Bear saw his friend, Owl, resting on a branch. "Little Bear, you are a very kind friend," Owl hooted softly. Little Bear felt a warm feeling in his chest. "Thank you, Owl! You are a kind friend too!"
As the day ended, Little Bear snuggled in his bed. He thought about the sunny morning, Mama Bear's yummy breakfast, playing with Squirrel, and Owl's kind words. He felt his heart fill with a special, warm feeling. "I am thankful for so many things today," he whispered. And with a happy sigh, Little Bear drifted off to sleep.
Read slowly and with warmth. Pause for students to point out the happy parts!
Talking About Thanks Discussion Guide Talking About Thanks
Discussion Guide • Reflection Time
The Goal:
To help students reflect on the story and identify things they are thankful for in their own lives.
The Hook
"That was a sweet story about Little Bear, wasn't it? He felt so happy and thankful for many things. What do you remember Little Bear being thankful for?"
Key Questions
1. How did Little Bear feel when Mama Bear made him breakfast? Why do you think he felt that way?
2. When Squirrel waited for him, how did that make Little Bear feel? Have your friends ever done something kind for you?
3. Owl told Little Bear he was a kind friend. How did Little Bear feel? What makes YOU feel good?
4. At the end, Little Bear whispered "I am thankful." What does it mean to be thankful?
5. Can you think of one thing right now that makes you feel happy or thankful? It could be anything!
Wrap-up & Transition
"It's wonderful to think about all the things that make us happy! Just like Little Bear, we have so many good things. Now, let's play a game where we can all share what we are thankful for!"
Gratitude Go Round Game Guide Gratitude Go-Round!
Interactive Classroom Game
Objective
Students will practice identifying and expressing things they are thankful for in a fun, interactive way.
Materials
None needed! (Optional: a soft ball or beanbag)
Setup
Gather students in a circle on the floor.
How to Play
1
Start the Round: The teacher starts by saying, "I am thankful for..." (e.g., "I am thankful for sunny days!").
2
Pass it On: Gently pat a student on the shoulder (or pass the ball) to show it's their turn.
3
Student Share: The student says one thing they are thankful for (toys, family, food, friends).
4
Continue: Pass the turn around the circle until everyone has shared.
Teacher Tips
Keep it quick and lighthearted.
If a child is shy, offer a gentle prompt.
Celebrate every share with a smile and a nod.
It's okay to repeat what others said!
Heartfelt Thanks Slides Deck Heartfelt Thanks!
"What does it mean to be thankful?"
Teacher: Ask children what 'thankful' might mean.
Story Time!
Let's read about a little bear who learns to be thankful for many things!
Teacher: Read story aloud with expressions.
Let's Talk!
What made Little Bear thankful?
What makes YOU thankful?
Teacher: Refer to Discussion Guide prompts.
Gratitude Go-Round Game!
TIME TO PLAY!
Let's share what we are thankful for!
Teacher: Explain game rules and start the circle.
A Heart Full of Thanks!
Being thankful makes our hearts happy!
Teacher: Encourage them to find "thanks" moments today.