Being Thankful with Gabrielle: A Book about Gratitude
#3 in Gabrielle's Growth Series
on Goodreads (2)
What’s inside...
Young readers learn about gratitude with help from their friends at Sesame Street. From sunny days to time spent with friends and family, there is a lot to be thankful for every day. Being thankful means feeling happy for the good things in our lives. Learn with Gabrielle and the rest of your friends on Sesame Street how to be grateful for sunny and rainy days.
Character compass
Gabrielle
Discussion points
What are some things Gabrielle is thankful for in the story, and what are you thankful for?
How does saying 'thank you' make Gabrielle and the other characters feel?
Can you think of a time when someone thanked you? How did that make you feel?
Why do you think it's important to show gratitude?
What are some ways we can show gratitude to people around us every day?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about gratitude and what they think it means to be thankful.
While reading, pause at moments where Gabrielle expresses thankfulness and discuss the reactions of other characters.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture or write a short note about something or someone they are grateful for.
Use examples from the book to highlight how expressing gratitude can strengthen relationships and increase personal happiness.
Reiterate the importance of daily gratitude practices by sharing personal stories related to the theme.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Gratitude
Explanation: Gabrielle, the book’s protagonist, goes through various daily scenarios where she learns to recognize and appreciate the simple joys and people around her.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to say thank you for meals, express appreciation for friends' company, or be grateful for family support on regular days.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: By observing how Gabrielle reacts positively to others' happiness and success, children see the value in understanding others' feelings and situations.
Real-World Application: Children can practice acknowledging their peers' feelings, showing concern during distress, and celebrating their achievements.
Example Lesson: Positive Attitude
Explanation: Gabrielle demonstrates how maintaining a positive outlook leads to a happier life, as seen in her interactions and adventures throughout the book.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by looking for good in challenging situations, like trying again after failing a test or finding fun in a rainy day.
Example Lesson: Mindfulness
Explanation: The story highlights moments where Gabrielle is fully present and appreciates the current moment, which impacts her gratitude level.
Real-World Application: Children can practice being in the 'here and now' by focusing fully on tasks like playing a game, listening to a story, or eating a snack.
Example Lesson: Generosity
Explanation: Through Gabrielle's actions of sharing and giving, the book teaches the joy and importance of being generous.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to share toys with siblings or donate old clothes and toys to those in need.