Read the book We are Grateful Otsaliheliga / Activity Analysis

Art

• The child can create illustrations inspired by the book, using vibrant colors and symbols that represent gratitude.
• They can explore different art techniques such as collages or watercolor painting to depict scenes from the book.
• They can design their own gratitude jar and decorate it with images and words that represent what they are grateful for.

English Language Arts

• The child can write a short story or poem about gratitude, using descriptive language and sensory details.
• They can practice reading aloud a passage from the book, focusing on intonation and expression.
• They can create a gratitude journal and write daily entries expressing their gratitude for different things in their lives.

Foreign Language

• The child can learn how to say "thank you" in different languages and create a mini language guidebook.
• They can practice writing simple sentences expressing gratitude in the foreign language they are learning.
• They can create flashcards with images and words related to gratitude in the foreign language.

Music

• The child can compose a gratitude song, using simple melodies and lyrics that reflect the themes in the book.
• They can learn to play a musical instrument and perform a piece that conveys a sense of gratitude.
• They can explore different genres of music and identify songs that evoke feelings of gratitude.

Science

• The child can conduct a nature walk, observing and documenting things they are grateful for in the natural world.
• They can explore the concept of photosynthesis and create a visual representation of how plants convert sunlight into energy, highlighting the importance of gratitude for the sun.
• They can learn about the water cycle and create a model or diagram showing their appreciation for the water cycle's role in providing clean water.

Social Studies

• The child can research different cultures and traditions related to gratitude and create a cultural collage.
• They can learn about Native American history and the significance of gratitude in indigenous cultures.
• They can interview family members or community members about their experiences with gratitude and create a gratitude timeline.

Encourage the child to explore their creativity further by incorporating elements from different subjects. For example, they can create a gratitude-inspired artwork while listening to music that reflects the themes of the book or write a poem about gratitude in a foreign language they are learning. Providing opportunities for cross-disciplinary exploration will enhance their understanding and appreciation of the concepts presented in the book.

Book Recommendations

• Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks by Margaret Sutherland: A simple and engaging book that teaches children about the importance of gratitude during the Thanksgiving season.
• The Thankful Book by Todd Parr: This colorful picture book encourages children to appreciate the small things in life and find joy in expressing gratitude.
• Gracias/Thanks by Pat Mora: This bilingual book celebrates gratitude in both English and Spanish, highlighting the diverse ways people express thanks.