Teaching Gratitude to Kids with Music: ‘Thanks a Lot’ by Raffi Activities

 

Gratitude Activities for Kids Inspired by “Thanks a Lot” by Raffi

Gratitude is like a superpower we can all tap into, whether for ourselves or as a lesson for the little ones in our lives. There is an abundance of research out there singing praises about the benefits of gratitude and how it can help us appreciate the good around us, even the little things. It's a skill that gets better with practice, just like learning other skills. But the best part? The rewards are absolutely worth it. Gratitude supports kids through difficult times knowing they have caring people and little joys in their lives to lean on. Plus, it's a booster for our emotional well-being, self-esteem, and even our physical health. Gratitude is like the glue that bonds us with others, and that connection is a key ingredient for wellbeing.

Looking for meaningful and simple gratitude activities for preschoolers and young children? Through music, little ones can practice gratitude, build friendships, and learn simple calming strategies—all important social-emotional skills. In this post, you’ll find creative gratitude activities inspired by Raffi’s classic children’s song “Thanks a Lot,” including movement ideas, art extensions, and sing-along prompts you can use at home, in music class, or during circle time.

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Fill-In-the-Blank Gratitude Lyric Activity

"Thanks A Lot" by Raffi is definitely a favorite when it comes to gratitude songs for kids. It's a lovely, soothing song, and easy to sing along to and even adapt. Children can personalize the song by adding the specific things they are grateful for in their own lives. Together, you can create a new version of the song by filling in the last word of each phrase.

Thanks a lot, thanks for the _________

Thanks a lot, thanks for the _________

Thanks a lot, thanks for the _________

Thanks a lot, thanks for the _________

Thanks a lot, thanks for the _________

Thanks a lot, thanks for the _________

Thanks a lot, thanks for the _________

Thanks a lot, thanks for the_________

Thanks for the ________

Thanks for the ________

Thanks for the ________

Thanks a lot

Thanks for all I've got

Thanks for all I've got

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“Thanks a Lot” Art + Coloring Activity for Kids

For a creative activity, you can pair the song with a coloring sheet, you can find here! Kids can color in pictures that match the song lyrics while they listen. Afterward, children can discuss what they are thankful for and either draw, write, or have someone help them in noting their gratitude in the space provided on the page.

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 Gratitude Movement Activity Based on “Thanks a Lot”

To add an extra layer of fun, consider incorporating movement along with the song. The Good to Know Network's blog post has some great movement ideas to pair with the different elements in this song: sun in the sky, clouds so high, whispering wind…

Check out the post here for the movement ideas!

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Use the “Thanks a Lot” Singable Story for a Gratitude Lesson

To my delight, I recently discovered that this song is available in the form of a singable story. This exciting find presents yet another creative opportunity to incorporate the song into a gratitude-themed activity for young children.

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More Songs for Teaching Gratitude and Emotional Wellbeing

If you’d like to add more gratitude songs to your days with the little ones in your life, check out my list of “35 Kids’ Songs for Emotional Wellbeing.” This selection of songs was thoughtfully curated to include songs centered around themes of gratitude, emotions, affirmations, movement, connection, calm and relaxation.

Free Song List Download

Helping Little Ones Build Everyday Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful emotional skill that grows stronger with practice, and music is such a joyful way to help children explore it. Whether you sing, move, draw, or read together, these simple activities can spark meaningful conversations and help little ones notice the good things all around them.