Gracie the Gourd Who Was Glad to Be Different | Fall Preschool Bible Lesson

🎃 Gracie the Gourd Who Was Glad to Be Different

📖 Bible Theme:

God made each of us special — and we can thank Him for making us just the way we are.

📖 Bible Verse (Toddler-Friendly):

“Give thanks in everything.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
(short version for toddlers: “I can thank God for everything!”)

🌟 Main Point to Repeat with Kids:

👉 “God made me special, and I can thank Him for it!”

(Have kids point to themselves, make a heart with their hands, then point up to God.)

📚 Toddler Story: Gracie the Gourd Who Was Glad to Be Different

In a bright, busy pumpkin patch, there lived a little green gourd named Gracie. 🍃

Gracie wasn’t round or smooth like the pumpkins around her. She was small, bumpy, and twisty. The big pumpkins giggled and said, “You’re too funny-looking to be picked!”

Gracie tried not to cry. “I wish I looked like them,” she whispered. “Maybe then someone would want me.”

Soon, the farmer came to the patch. One by one, he picked the big pumpkins for the market — but not Gracie. She sat alone and prayed softly,
“God, did You forget about me?”

The next morning, a little girl named Emma came to the pumpkin patch with her family. She looked around and smiled when she spotted Gracie.

“Oh, Mama! Look at this one! She’s bumpy and perfect!” 💛

Emma’s mama smiled. “She’s beautiful, honey. God made her that way on purpose.”

Gracie’s heart felt full of sunshine. ☀️

When Emma brought her home, she placed Gracie right in the middle of the table — beside a Bible and a candle.
“Now you’ll remind us to thank God for everything He made,” said Emma.

Every night, Gracie watched the family pray and say, “Thank You, God, for our food, our family, and all the good things You made.”

Gracie whispered her own little prayer too:
“Thank You, God, for making me me.” 🌻

And from then on, Gracie never wanted to look like anyone else again.

🌟 Story Reflection:

Gracie learned that God made her just the way she was — bumps and all — for a special purpose.
God made each of us unique, and that’s something to be thankful for!

💬 Faith Truth for Kids:

God made me special, and I can thank Him for it!

🎶 Song Connection – “Thank You, God, for Making Me!”

(To the tune of “Jesus Loves Me”)

🎵 Thank You, God, for making me,
Different shapes and colors, see?
You made gourds and pumpkins too,
All unique, just like You do!

🎵 Yes, God made me!
Yes, God made me!
Yes, God made me —
And I thank Him happily! 🎶

🎲 Activity – “God Made Me Special Parade”

Have each child stand and say one thing special about themselves (or have you say it for them).
For example: “God made me with curly hair!” or “God made me love to sing!”
Then have everyone clap and say:
💬 “Thank You, God, for making us special!”

Gracie the Gourd Who Was Glad to Be Different Fall Preschool Bible Lesson Craft with Green rhinestone jewel stickers October Autumn Printable craft - Adaptive Learning

🎨 Craft – Gracie the Thankful Gourd

Supplies:

Gourd, pumpkin cutouts or Gracie the Gourd Template
Crayons or markers
Tissue paper, stickers or green rhinestone sticker jewels
Label that says: “God made me special!”

Instructions:

Let kids decorate their gourd however they want — bumpy, spotted, colorful — all different! You can print the free pdf Gracie the Gourd template for this craft: CLICK HERE
Add the label: “Thank You, God, for making me special!”

🖍️ Coloring Page:

“Gracie the Gourd Gives Thanks!”
“God made me special!” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Grab the free pdf download for this coloring page right here: CLICK HERE

🎵 Song: “Thank You, God, for Making Me!”

Verse 1
In the pumpkin patch I see, 🎃
So many shapes, not just like me.
Some are tall and some are small,
God made each one — He made them all! 🌾

Chorus
Thank You, God, for making me,
Bumpy, lumpy, perfectly!
Different colors, shapes, and size,
All are special in Your eyes! 💛

Verse 2
Gracie the gourd was feeling blue,
She didn’t know what God could do.
Then someone smiled and picked her up,
“God made you special — that’s enough!” 🌻

Chorus
Thank You, God, for making me,
Bumpy, lumpy, perfectly!
Different colors, shapes, and size,
All are special in Your eyes!

Bridge
I don’t need to look like you,
God made me with purpose too!
In His plan, I have a place,
Filled with love and full of grace. ✨

Chorus
Thank You, God, for making me,
Bumpy, lumpy, perfectly!
Different colors, shapes, and size,
All are special in Your eyes!

Tag (Ending)
Pumpkins, gourds, and you and me,
God made us all wonderfully!
I’ll give thanks both night and day,
For God made me this special way! 🙌🎶

🌟 Main Message:

Every child (and gourd!) is special because God made them that way. Gratitude brings joy!

🎃 Performance Idea: “Thank You, God, for Making Me!”

(A Preschool Fall Performance Featuring Gracie the Gourd and Friends)

🌾 Stage Setup:

Background: Paper pumpkin patch or hay bales with fall leaves.
Kids: Dressed as gourds or pumpkins in different colors and shapes (yellow, green, orange, striped, etc.).
Center: One child plays Gracie the Gourd (with a flower or bow on her head).
Others are “gourd friends,” each with a small sign or paper leaf that says something they’re thankful for (family, friends, food, pets, etc.).
Optional prop: A big Bible cutout or a small table with a pretend “Thankful Basket.”

🎵 Song + Motions Breakdown:

Verse 1

🎶 “In the pumpkin patch I see…”
👉 Everyone points around the “pumpkin patch.”

🎶 “So many shapes, not just like me.”
👉 Spread arms wide, point to yourself, then point to others.

🎶 “Some are tall and some are small…”
👉 Stand on tiptoes for tall, crouch down for small.

🎶 “God made each one — He made them all!”
👉 Point up to the sky for “God,” then hold out both hands like you’re showing off “all.”

Chorus

🎶 “Thank You, God, for making me…”
👉 Point up to God, then point to yourself.

🎶 “Bumpy, lumpy, perfectly!”
👉 Touch your arms, make silly “bumpy” motions, then give a big happy pose on “perfectly.”

🎶 “Different colors, shapes, and size…”
👉 Spin slowly, point to your costume and friends around you.

🎶 “All are special in Your eyes!”
👉 Make heart hands, then point up to heaven. 💛

Verse 2

🎶 “Gracie the gourd was feeling blue…”
👉 Everyone puts hands on their cheeks and looks sad.

🎶 “She didn’t know what God could do.”
👉 Shake your head gently, then point up like you’re thinking.

🎶 “Then someone smiled and picked her up…”
👉 Smile big and pretend to lift a gourd gently.

🎶 “‘God made you special — that’s enough!’”
👉 Point to yourself proudly, then up to God.

Chorus (again)

Do same motions — encourage big smiles and loud “Thank You, God!” energy!

Bridge

🎶 “I don’t need to look like you…”
👉 Shake head gently, then point to a friend beside you.

🎶 “God made me with purpose too!”
👉 Point to your heart, then up to God.

🎶 “In His plan, I have a place…”
👉 Spread arms like you’re showing a big field, then pat your chest proudly.

🎶 “Filled with love and full of grace.”
👉 Hug yourself or make a big heart with your hands.

Final Chorus

🎶 “Thank You, God, for making me…”
👉 Point up, then to yourself with joy.

🎶 “Bumpy, lumpy, perfectly!”
👉 Dance in place with funny wiggly “gourd” movements!

🎶 “Different colors, shapes, and size…”
👉 Spin around slowly showing costumes.

🎶 “All are special in Your eyes!”
👉 Big finish — all kids make a heart shape or look up and smile.

Tag (Ending)

🎶 “Pumpkins, gourds, and you and me…”
👉 Point around the group.

🎶 “God made us all wonderfully!”
👉 Raise hands high like you’re praising.

🎶 “I’ll give thanks both night and day…”
👉 Wiggle fingers up like the sun, then down like the moon.

🎶 “For God made me this special way!”
👉 End with hands on heart, big smile, and everyone shouts together:
🎉 “Thank You, God!”

🌟 Performance Tips for Teachers:

Let each child wear a different color gourd/pumpkin shirt or headband.
Add small hand props like mini pumpkins, paper leaves, or heart cutouts.
Keep movements simple, repeatable, and full of joy.
End with the kids holding up their thankful signs for a big finale moment.

🎙️ Performance Introduction Script for “Gracie the Gourd Who Gave Thanks”

(Teacher or narrator stands up front with a smile — kids are lined up or seated behind, dressed as colorful gourds and pumpkins!)

Narrator/Teacher:
“Welcome everyone! 🍁 We’re so glad you’re here to celebrate fall with us. Today, our preschoolers want to share a special Bible truth — that God made each of us special and we can thank Him for it!

This story comes from our Bible lesson about Gracie the Gourd, a little gourd who didn’t look like all the other pumpkins. She was small, bumpy, and twisty — and she thought no one would ever pick her.

But then one day, a little girl named Emma saw her and said, ‘She’s beautiful! God made her that way on purpose.’

That’s when Gracie learned that God makes everyone unique — and that’s something to be thankful for!

Today, our preschoolers are dressed as gourds and pumpkins to remind us that, just like in a pumpkin patch, every single one is different — and that’s what makes them beautiful! 🎃

Now they’d like to share a song with you all about how God made each of us special.
It’s called…
🎵 ‘Thank You, God, for Making Me!’

Let’s give them a big round of applause!” 👏👏👏

🎙️ Closing Narration Script (After the Song)

(As the final “Thank You, God!” line fades out, the teacher steps forward with a big smile. The kids stay in place, still in costume.)

Teacher/Narrator:
“Wasn’t that wonderful? 🎵💛 Let’s give our little gourds and pumpkins another big hand for doing such a great job!” 👏👏👏

“Today, they reminded us of something very important — that God made each one of us special. Just like Gracie the Gourd in our story, we don’t all look the same, sound the same, or have the same gifts… and that’s exactly how God planned it!” 🌟

“When we thank God for how He made us — bumpy, lumpy, silly, or smooth — we make Him smile. Because He loves us just the way we are.” 💖

“So as we go home today, let’s remember to say, ‘Thank You, God, for making me!’ every single day.” 🙌

(Pause and smile at the kids.)
“Let’s close with a prayer together.”

🙏 Short Closing Prayer:

“Dear God,
Thank You for making each of us special and unique.
Thank You for our families, our friends, and Your love.
Help us to always be thankful and to shine for You.
Amen.”

🌾 Optional Finale Idea:

Have the children hold up their “Thank You, God!” signs or heart cutouts at the very end while everyone claps.
Cue soft instrumental music as families take photos! 📸

Gracie the Gourd Who Was Glad to Be Different Fall Preschool Bible Lesson Snack Idea Fruit Cocktail October Autumn

🍎 Snack – “Thankful Gourds”

Give each child a small cup of fruit or veggies in different colors and shapes.
Talk about how God made lots of different kinds of food, just like He made each person special!
💬 “Thank You, God, for all the good things You made!”

🎭 Pretend Play – Pumpkin Patch Friends

Set up a little “pumpkin patch” area with gourds or paper pumpkins.
Kids can pretend to be pumpkins, gourds, or farmers picking them for their homes.
When each child is “picked,” have everyone say:
🎉 “Thank You, God, for making us all different!”

💬 Let’s Talk About It (with Answers):

1. Why did Gracie feel sad at first?
➡️ Because she didn’t look like the other pumpkins and thought no one would want her.

2. What made Gracie feel special again?
➡️ Emma picked her and said she was beautiful, reminding her that God made her that way on purpose.

3. What did Gracie learn about God?
➡️ That God made her just the way she is, and she can thank Him for it!

🙏 Closing Prayer:

“Dear God,
Thank You for making me special.
Thank You for my family, friends, and all You made.
Help me to be thankful every day.
Amen.”

📬 Optional Take-Home Note for Parents:

Today we learned about Gracie the Gourd, who thought she had to be like everyone else to be special.
But Gracie learned that God made her unique on purpose — and that’s something to be thankful for!
Encourage your child to say, “God made me special, and I can thank Him for it!”

🌟 Adaptive Learning – How Everyone Can Join In

📚 Story Time

Use a small pumpkin or gourd while telling the story.
For nonverbal children, provide cards with “gourd,” “pumpkin,” “Bible,” and “thankful.”

🎲 Activity – “God Made Me Special Parade”

Children who can’t speak can point to a picture or card that shows what makes them special (smile, hands, color, etc.).

🎨 Craft – Gracie the Thankful Gourd

Pre-cut shapes and stickers for easier handling.
For limited mobility, let children choose colors while helpers glue.

🖍️ Coloring Page

Offer thick crayons or adaptive grips.
For non-coloring participants, let them point to colors or press a “Thank You, God!” sound button.

🍎 Snack Time

Offer texture-friendly options.
Use picture cards for snack choices.

🎵 Song & Motions

Add rhythm shakers or bells.
For nonverbal kids, record “Thank You, God!” on a sound button to press during the chorus.

🎭 Pretend Play

Children can choose roles or participate with gestures, sounds, or smiles.

💛 Special Inclusion Note:
Every child can thank God — with their voice, their smile, their heart, or their joy.
👉 “God made me special, and I can thank Him for it!”

🌟 Inclusive Song Participation Ideas

🎵 1. Focus on Expression, Not Motion

Participation doesn’t have to mean movement — it means engagement.
These children can express the song’s meaning through facial expressions, eye contact, smiles, sounds, or even light or sound cues.
You could say to the class:

“Everyone worships God in their own way — some use hands, some use feet, and some use smiles!”

🎶 2. Use Sound Buttons or Switches

Record simple parts of the song like “Thank You, God!”, “Yes, God made me!”, or “Amen!” on large sound buttons or adaptive switches.
The child can press their switch at key moments in the song — they’ll light up the room when their part plays.
🟢 Example:
During the chorus —
🎵 “Thank You, God, for making me!”
➡️ The child presses a button that says, “Thank You, God!”

💛 3. Visual Worship Props

Give them a small light-up heart, sparkly wand, or ribbon attached to their chair that they can control with one small movement or switch.
As the class sings “God made me special,” their light can glow — it’s a beautiful, symbolic way to “shine” God’s light. ✨

🎨 4. Partner Participation (Buddy System)

Pair the child with a class “buddy.” Their friend can help move props, lift up a sign, or wave a ribbon on their behalf.
The buddy can also hold up a sign that says “God made me special!” when it’s that child’s verse or part.

🎭 5. Add a Role Just for Them

You can give them a special leadership role in the performance!
Here are a few ideas:

“Gracie’s Light” – They turn on a little LED candle at the start or end of the song, symbolizing thankfulness.
“Bible Reader” – Their sound switch plays the Bible verse aloud: “Give thanks in everything!”
“Lead Sign Holder” – They hold (or have attached to their chair) a large sign with the song’s title or the verse.