Saying Grace: A Prayer of Thanksgiving (Traditions of Faith)
Traditions Of Faith Series
What’s inside...
Grace is concerned about the upcoming winter but it turns out to be mild. The following fall during Thanksgiving, Grace initiates a tradition of giving thanks before the meal. The book includes an author's note on the history of saying grace and suggested activities. Readers can also find special mealtime prayers and Thanksgiving activities inside. This story follows Grace as she learns about the importance of prayer during mealtime with her pioneer family during their first Thanksgiving.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some things you are thankful for, and why do you think gratitude is important?
How do you feel when someone says 'thank you' to you, and why do you think it makes you feel that way?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone, and how did it make you feel?
What are some ways we can show gratitude to others every day?
How does saying grace or a prayer change the way we think about our meals and the people we share them with?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their own thoughts and feelings about gratitude and its role in their daily life. Use the book's themes to introduce the concept of thanksgiving in diverse cultures and how it strengthens community bonds. Help them draw parallels between the book's message and their personal experiences. Reinforce the idea that gratitude can be shown in various ways and discuss how they might incorporate these practices into their lives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Gratitude
Explanation: The story underscores the importance of expressing thanks, as the main character practices various traditions of gratitude.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to say thank you for meals, help from others, and express appreciation in daily life.
Example Lesson: Cultural respect and appreciation
Explanation: Through the family's diverse expressions of thanks, the book teaches respect and appreciation for different cultural and religious practices.
Real-World Application: Children can celebrate diversity by learning about and respecting various cultural traditions in their community.
Example Lesson: Family bonding
Explanation: The book highlights the nurturing aspect of family gatherings and traditions, showing how these moments strengthen family ties.
Real-World Application: Children can engage in family traditions or create new ones to strengthen their family bonds.
Example Lesson: Mindfulness
Explanation: It encourages awareness and reflection on the small blessings in everyday life, promoting a mindful approach to living.
Real-World Application: Children can practice mindfulness by taking a moment to reflect on their day and find aspects they are thankful for.