Friends and Family

Last week, our discussion centered around expressing gratitude for items and experiences that begin with the letter E. This week, we invite you to join us in sharing something for which you are thankful that starts with the letter F. Your contributions will help cultivate a spirit of appreciation and reflection.

I feel incredibly thankful for the wonderful Family and Friends in my life! They bring so much joy and support. What about you? Is there something special you’re grateful for that starts with the letter F?

👯‍♀️ From Giggles to Group Hugs: The Magic of Friends & Family

Whether it's your bestie who shares your snack stash or your cousin who joins every kitchen dance party, friends and family add color, comfort, and connection to our everyday lives. They’re like the sprinkles AND the cake.

Let’s unwrap what makes these relationships so special!

💬 What Makes a Friend?

A friend is someone who:

• Laughs with you (even at your llama impressions).
• Builds the tallest pillow fort with you.
• Shows up when your science fair volcano erupts... emotionally.

Friends are the choose-your-own-adventure companions that help us explore, grow, and bounce back when our cupcakes fall frosting-first.

🏡 What Makes a Family?

Family isn’t just about last names or shared DNA. It’s about love in all its forms:

• Grandparents who sneak you extra dessert.
• Parents who become bedtime story narrators and full-time cheerleaders.
• Siblings who borrow your stuff... and sometimes give it back.

Families are our first team, teaching us how to care, communicate, and co-exist (even when someone steals the last cookie).

🌍 Connections Around the World

Different cultures have their own ways of celebrating loved ones:

• In Ghana, big gatherings called family meetings bring generations together for updates, laughter, and food.
• In South Korea, Chuseok is a holiday where families honor ancestors and share meals.
• In Brazil, friends are often considered chosen family, and affection is expressed through hugs, kisses, and heartfelt nicknames.

🎉 Fun-Filled Facts!

• Elephants stay in tight-knit family groups led by grandmothers called matriarchs.
• Penguins give their mates pebbles as love gifts, and parents take turns keeping eggs warm.
• Laughing with friends and hugging family members releases oxytocin, the "feel-good" brain chemical that helps us bond and trust.

📅 Days to Celebrate

• International Friendship Day: First Sunday in August
• National Family Day: Celebrated in the U.S. on the fourth Monday in September

Perfect excuses to play games, share a snack, or start a giant group gratitude session.

 

There are so many things to be thankful for! Showing gratitude not only boosts your own happiness but also brings joy to those around you. So, let’s always keep that spirit of thankfulness alive!

Get ready for an exhilarating week ahead as we embark on a thrilling celebration of everything that starts with the letter G! Let’s come together and unleash our gratitude for all things great, from the coziest comforts to the most captivating curiosities. It’s time to fully embrace and revel in the extraordinary wonders that this delightful letter brings! Don't miss out on the fun!

Get your worksheet here:

💛 F Is for Friends & Family: “Gratitude Garland”

Let kids celebrate the special people in their lives by creating a colorful garland of thank-you notes, names, and happy memories - one paper link at a time!

🖍️ What You’ll Need:

• Colored paper (or construction paper)
• Scissors
• Markers or crayons
• Tape, glue, or a stapler
• Optional: string or ribbon to hang the garland

🎨 Instructions:

1. Cut paper into strips (about 1" x 6")
2. On each strip, kids write:
   • The name of a friend or family member
   • One reason they’re grateful for that person (e.g., “Grandpa tells the best jokes” or “Tia makes great soup when I'm sick”)
   • Bonus: decorate with hearts, smiley faces, or favorite colors!
3. Loop the strips into rings and link them together to build a Gratitude Garland
4. Hang the garland on a wall, doorway, or around their workspace to remind them of the love all around.

🧠 Optional Extension:

• Add a “Memory Chain” where each link shares a favorite moment with a loved one.
• Create a mini booklet titled “My Family & Friends Gratitude Journal” using folded paper and drawings.
• Ask: “How can I show my gratitude to someone today?”

Here is a list of books about friends:

1. Teach Your Dragon to Make Friends: by Steve Herman
2. The Little Book Of Friendship: by Laurie Friedman
3. How to Be a Friend: by Laurie Brown
4. Making Friends by Fred Rogers
5. Moon's First Friends: By Susanna Hill
6. The Things I Love About Friends by Trace Moroney

As you dive into story time with your child, take a moment to check that the books on your list are just right for their age! Finding the perfect match can make every reading adventure even more exciting and enjoyable. Happy reading!

Return to the Alphabet Hub!