I had the idea a while back to make some pretty printable place mats for the table that I could laminate so the kids could color on them while waiting for dinner. And then I read the book “One Thousand Gifts” by Ann Voskamp. If you haven’t read it, you need to get your hands on it. There have been 2 books in my life that have literally changed the course of my life after reading them, and this one is the 3rd. Beautifully written, but powerful in its simplicity. I am still letting it rain down on me, over me, through me. Studying thanks throughout the bible, asking God to open my eyes to more, more of HIM!
So as I have been pondering this act of thanks, offering it up as an act of worship, I have been thinking about ways to teach my kids about what I am learning. To help them practice the praise of lips to the glory of God. To see the blessings, to count the gifts surrounding them. And then I remembered my little place mat idea, and voila! Thanks Giving place mats. A way for their little hands to record the wonder, the gifts, the blessings, all around them. I printed them out, laminated them with simple contact paper from Walmart (in the kitchen section), and used the crayola dry erase crayons (any dry erase marker will do) for the kids to draw their 3 favorite gifts or blessings from the day. It’s a great way to express creativity, practice gratitude, and sure does help to keep them occupied before dinner which is a plus! It is also a great conversation starter for the dinner table!
So here they are for you to print, share, and love!
I have several different ways you can do it:
- There is a 8.5×11 that you can print on regular cardstock
- A 11×17 you can print whole if you have a printer that prints this large
- Or you can print 2 regular sheets with half of the image on it (this is what I did) and then just put the seams together and cover with contact paper (you can see the seem only slightly).
Giving Thanks Place Mat (8.5×11 format)
Giving Thanks Place Mat (11×17 format)
Each of the files are above, so just choose what works best for you. I pray that these are a blessing to you and your family and that they help each of you find the blessings in the everyday grace of God.
Blessings to you all!
Oh, this is lovely AND fun! What a fantastic idea. I love that it encourages the kids to think of what they are thankful for each time they sit at the table. A wonderful practice for sure! Thanks for sharing at For the Kids Fridays! I am featuring this post at this week’s party! Stop by and grab a featured button! Yippee!!!
so so pretty. they are really great to set the table for a family dinner. I’d love if you would link this to our #kidsinthekitchen series today (and each friday), it really shows off the fun kids can have in the kitchen that doesn’t involve food everytime.
http://lookwhatmomfound.com/2013/03/notes-in-the-lunchbox-kidsinthekitchen.html
me again.:) LOOVVEE this!! is it too small to print with regular size paper for a placemat? should i take it somewhere to be printed larger? SUCH a good idea!
The 8.5 x 11 file is normal sized paper. So you can print that one at home! Or if you want it bigger you can use the 11×17 and have it printed for you. ;o)
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