Lesson Suggestion – Ages: 7-10
Lesson: Gratitude – Lesson 2
By: Bernadete F. Leal
Focus: To reflect on gratitude through the story of the Ten Lepers
Before teaching this lesson, we strongly suggest you teach the first lesson, which introduces the story of the ten lepers.
Topic
Inspirational message:
“Man easily forgets the goodness received, preferring to remember only afflictions. If we were to register day by day the many benefits we receive, without even having asked for them, we would be greatly surprised to perceive there are so very many that we have swept from our minds and would feel ashamed of our ingratitude.”
The Gospel According to Spiritism Chap. 28 -Item 28
Time suggestion
Objective
Children will review last week’s story about the Ten Lepers and learn the importance of gratitude.
Luke 17:11-19
Opening Prayer
Ask each child to say one thing they are grateful for: “I’m grateful for…” or ‘Thank you, God, for…”
5
Material
- Small paper, one letter per paper, spelling the word “Gratitude.” Depending on the number of participants, you may need to make more than one set.
- Post it or small pieces of paper.
- Timer
- Paper and markers to create a gratitude wall or tree.
- Squares of paper in the following colors in a bag or box: red, blue, yellow, brown, and orange.
Motivation
- With partners or in small groups, give a set of letters cut into small squares, spelling the word: G-R-A-T-I-T-U-D-E. The letters should be out of order. Depending on the number of children, you can make two or more sets.
- Instruct children to put the letters correctly to determine the word.
- Depending on the difficulty level and the children’s age, the spiritist educator can help them by saying that the word starts with “G” and ends with “E.” If young children still need help, keep giving clues until they get the word.
- Ask them to explain gratitude and give an example.
10
Launching
- Tell the children they will review last week’s story about Jesus and the Ten Lepers. You can read the adapted story from lesson 1 or find a video online to share with the children.
- Ask some children to share what they think about the story. Were all the lepers grateful?
15
Exploring
- Ask the children what the expression “Taking it for granted” means.
Children share their explanations. - “Take for granted” means giving little attention to or underestimating the value, failing to appreciate it, assuming it will always be there.
- Explain that we take a lot of things for granted (people and things). We do not know if things and people or what/who we care about will always be there.
- In small groups, have children discuss the following scenarios. How would you feel and what would you do if you woke up tomorrow and you didn’t have… (suggestions):
- a computer
- transportation
- a home
- water
- health
- lost a limb (ex, leg or arm)
- someone you love
- food
- lost your pet
- add your own
- Children share their answers with the group. Then, discuss the importance of being grateful!
Discussion:
How do you think Jesus felt when just one man returned? (sad, disappointed?) How would you feel in that situation?
Sometimes, we are just like the other nine lepers. We forget to thank God for what we have. How can we become more like the one leper man who returned instead of the nine others?
Gratitude Wall or Tree
Divide the class into partners or small groups.
Give 10 Post-it/sticky notes to each partner/group.
Have a timer and give them 5 minutes; together, they must write, one on each paper, ten things they are grateful for. If they finish it quickly, they can have more pieces of paper.
Next, create a gratitude wall or tree with the children’s notes.
Gratitude Game – Let’s Practice Gratitude:
Have squares of paper in the following colors in a bag or box: red, blue, yellow, brown, and orange.
Children will pick one colored paper or object and have to say what they are grateful for based on the color.
- Red: I am thankful for … (Person)
- Blue: Object
- Yellow: Place
- Brown: Thing
- Orange: Other (Anything else)
20
Conclusion
1. Checking:
Today, we learned that we take many things for granted and should be grateful for all we have.
2. Summarizing:
This week, let’s start a Gratitude Journal. Every night before you go to bed, you write three things you were grateful for that day.
3. Reflection of the Week:
Print this message and give it to the parents to talk to their children:
“On lifting up our soul to God each night, we should remember in our innermost self the many favors that He has granted us during the day and offer thanks for them. But most especially, at the moment we receive the effects of His goodness and protection, we should spontaneously bear witness to our gratitude.”
The Gospel According to Spiritism Chap. 28 -Item 28
5
Closing Prayer
Educator’s Choice
5
Passe
Total: 60min
