Gracias/Thanks
What’s inside...
In a series of poetic sentences, a young boy (biracial Mexican/Caucasian) tells about some of the everyday things for which he is thankful. Come share the joy, and think about all the things for which you can say, ¡Gracias! Thanks!
Discussion points
What are some things you are grateful for and why?
How did the boy in the story show his appreciation for the simple things around him?
Can you think of a time someone said 'thanks' to you? How did it make you feel?
Why do you think it's important to say 'thank you'?
How can we show gratitude to people and things around us every day?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading the book, ask your child what 'gratitude' means to them. This will set a thoughtful groundwork for the themes of the book.
While reading, pause at each expression of thanks in the book and discuss what your child feels about it. Is it similar to something they've experienced?
Encourage your child to think of unique ways they can express gratitude in their daily life, similar to the character in the book.
After reading the book, together think of people or things to whom you both can show appreciation that week.
Use examples from the book to connect with real-life situations of gratitude, enhancing empathetic understanding and personal connection to the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Gratitude
Explanation: The book revolves around a young boy expressing gratitude for everyday moments and things, from the sun warming him to a ladybug landing on his thumb.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to appreciate the small blessings in life and fosters an attitude of gratitude.
Example Lesson: Family and Community Bonds
Explanation: The protagonist thanks various family members and people in his community, highlighting the importance of relationships.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to appreciate and recognize the roles different people play in their lives, aiding in social development.
Example Lesson: Mindfulness
Explanation: Each of the boy’s thanks is tied to a specific, often simple experience, promoting an awareness of the present moment.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to live in the moment and find joy in the present, which can enhance emotional well-being.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: The book is bilingual, presenting the text in both Spanish and English, which highlights cultural inclusivity and bilingual communication.
Real-World Application: Offers children an opportunity to learn and appreciate a new language and culture, broadening their worldview.
Example Lesson: Positive Thinking
Explanation: By focusing on the positive aspects and thankful moments throughout his day, the boy exemplifies an optimistic outlook.
Real-World Application: Promotes a positive mindset among children, which can lead to better resilience and mental health outcomes.