Gratitude Tree

 

I'm always trying to find ways to teach my kids how to be thankful for what we have, so for the month of November I created a gratitude tree. I purchased green florist's foam and stuck branches in it to make a tree, then cut a supply of leaves out of card stock. On a leaf we write things we are thankful for and hang them on the tree to be read on Thanksgiving. I didn't want to put pressure on the kids to think of something every day, but so far they are quite eager to fill the tree. I am also not suggesting what they should write, so we have a few leaves naming favorite toys and TV shows, but that is their world and I don't expect a three year old to say "the economic stimulus package."

 

Everything is within their reach and it's sweet when one of them walks up to me with a leaf and pencil, asking for help to write something down. This may become our new November tradition.

 

Monday will start book week, so if you are interested, please leave me a comment and I will add you to the list.  

Comments

[Sarah Jackson]

I love that idea! After the morning I just had, I need a gratitude tree. Sometimes we need a little reminder around here.

[Janet Rhoads]

Anne that is really beautiful! Not only do I love the idea but the way you put it together is top notch. :)I think I am going to have to copycat you when Jake gets a little older.

[lina]

Very nice Anne.

[melissa s.]

i love this idea. hope you don't mind if we borrow it. i'm ready for book week!!

[Crystal]

We have done this for years. I love it! Our usual "tree" is a brown paper cutout taped up on a door. Most years the brown paper cut out bears no resembalance to a tree... I might have to copy yout branch idea. :)

[Di]

I love the gratitude tree idea! A great way of making your kids see the good things in life! I may need to try it myself!

[Tracy]

Oh wow, that's pretty awesome.

[Visty]

I have a friend who does that and saves the leaves. Every year they add one to the tree. I keep thinking of doing it...I think I will!

[Kate]

That is truly marvelous and if you don't mind I think we might need to borrow your idea!!
Thanks!

[Paper Dolls for Boys]

We made something like that last year but I didn't do a great job of "selling" it to the kids so it was mostly my gratitude up there. Seeing yours has inspired me to try again.

Count me in for book week!

[brit]

I love it all though my two year old said World Peace! okay, maybe not....

[Patty]

I think this is such a great idea! Anne, I wanted to thank you for your halloween embroidery patterns. Did you see the comments on my blog about how cute the candy corn cards were? I could not have made them if I didn't have your designs since I can't function without a pattern. Thank you so much for sharing them!!

[sarah]

hey.

how are you?

long time no talk.

sorry about that.

i love this idea. i think it might be just the thing for me this year. i love how you put it all together. so great.

[jessica]

I absolutely love this idea! Your gratitude tree is perfect for this time of year...

[Amy C]

this is so sweet and it looks stunning, what a great fun idea

[Brooke Lytle]

Here is one idea.....or you can make one with heavy paper to put on a wall or door. :)

[Cheryl]

Book week? I'm in!