The Grateful Wrap Game
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Get ready for some gratitude time as you review the story of the Ten Lepers. This game includes some fun treats, gratitude prompts, and a little scripture study. At the end you can send them home with their own Grateful Frame of Mind handout to continue thinking about how they can be grateful for their blessings.
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First, you need to prepare your stuffed animal leper. Print and cut out all the gratitude prompts and grab some treats. Treats can be things like scratch n sniff stickers (my favorite), tootsie rolls, quarters, small plastic toys like a jumping frog, etc. Think small things that will bring a smile. Next, you will need a bandage or something similar. The reusable bandage wraps work really well as does toilet paper (if you dare to use such a precious commodity 😉). Wrap the stuffed animal with treats and the gratitude prompts inside. It’s best to mix it up somewhat evenly so everyone gets some kind of treat before getting a prompt.
In Luke 17:11-19, we read the story of the Ten Lepers. Explain how lepers often wore bandages to cover up their sores. Show your stuffed animal as an example then read the story. Ask your family or church group how they feel about it, what they notice, and the lesson this gospel writer wants us to learn from the short experience.
After someone points out how we need to remember to give thanks to God for our blessings, explain your activity. One person starts with the stuffed animal and starts to unwrap the bandage. They should get treats first then eventually a gratitude prompt. When they get to the prompt, they have to read and answer it out loud then pass the animal on to the next person. Continue until your stuffed animal is all the way unwrapped and “cured.”
Now here’s the best part. Did your family or church group learn the lesson? Have they expressed gratitude to you yet for the treats they have unraveled? It’s great if they mentioned it as a part of the card but did they specifically tell YOU Thank You? If not, point it out again. It’s a great way to really apply this story to real life. Then pass out the Grateful Frame of Mind handouts and encourage them to continue to think of the blessings they have and find ways to show their gratitude.
Tweens and Teens Variation
Instead of having the person stop unwrapping the animal at a gratitude prompt, use a pair of dice. One child unwraps at a reasonable speed while the next person in line rolls the dice until they get doubles. When they do, they get the stuffed animal and get to unwrap until the next person gets doubles. This allows for some people to get a ton of treats and others only a little (which is why it’s better for older ones). You’ll need to wrap your stuffed animal a lot more for this version so it doesn’t end too fast. They still have to answer the gratitude prompts as they come up but they don’t have to read it out loud first, just answer it.
Keep the Gratitude Going
Continue to encourage the habit of gratitude with my unique Journal that Gratitude Gospel Fun Kit. 32 page prompts to help you think of your blessings in a whole new way! Get ready to drip, smear, paint, color, and more with this fun thankful activity!
