Elementary Game: Remind Kids to Give Thanks
Need a Thanksgiving-themed Sunday school game? Remind kids to give thanks using this upbeat game, Happy Harvesters.
What You’ll Need
- Bible (check out this kid-friendly version!)
- toy fruits and/or vegetables (1 for every 2 people)
- sturdy disposable bowls (1 per person)
Play the Elementary Game
- Form pairs. You and any other adult or teen helpers can partner with kids, too!
- Guide everyone to form two lines in the middle of the room with partners facing each other about an arm’s length apart. Make sure there’s plenty of space as the pairs will be stepping farther apart as they play.
- Give each person a sturdy disposable bowl. Place a toy fruit or vegetable in each bowl in one of the lines. One person from each pair should now have a fruit or vegetable.
- Players must hold their bowls with both hands and toss the fruit or vegetable to their partners by lobbing the toy food out of the bowl. The partners must try to catch the food in their bowls.
- After they catch it, they should take one small step backward. When anyone drops a fruit or vegetable, they must scoop it up with the bowl and name one thing they’re thankful for before tossing the fruit or vegetable back to their partner.
Remind Kids to Give Thanks
After playing this game, invite everyone to sit down in small groups. Ask:
- How hard or easy was it to think of something you’re thankful for in this game? Why was it easy or hard?
- What are some things God gives us every day?
- What are some other things you can give thanks for?
Read aloud Ephesians 5:20.
Say: The Bible tells us that we can always give thanks to God for everything, not just at Thanksgiving time, but every day!
Close in prayer, thanking God for his many blessings.
This idea is adapted from The Encyclopedia of Bible Games for Children’s Ministry. This resource is loaded with 175 easy-to-lead games that add fun to any lesson—or any day in the life of your children’s ministry!