The Watermelon That Thanked God Toddler Bible Lesson

🍉 The Watermelon That Thanked God

With a thankful story, fun craft, movement game, catchy song, and snack idea, this Fourth of July toddler Bible lesson is perfect for Sunday School, preschool, homeschool, or children’s church.

Bible Theme:

Thankfulness

Bible Verse (Toddler Version):

"Give thanks no matter what!" – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (Simplified)

Main Point to Repeat with Kids:

“I can thank God for everything!”
(Have kids say it while smiling, raising arms, or patting their bellies like they’re full of watermelon!)

Toddler-Friendly Story:

The Watermelon That Thanked God

Wally the watermelon was the happiest fruit at the Fourth of July picnic.

He sat in a big bowl with his friends — strawberries, grapes, and slices of cantaloupe.

“Thank You, God!” Wally cheered.
“Thank You for sunshine! Thank You for being with me!”

The strawberries giggled. “Wally, you’re always thanking God!”

“I can’t help it!” said Wally. “Everything good reminds me of Him!”

Then — BOOM! The first firework lit up the sky.
“WOW! Thank You, God!” Wally shouted.

But soon, dark clouds rolled in…
SPLAT! Rain poured down.

The fruit bowl got soggy. The parade was canceled. The picnic ended early.

“Oh no!” cried the cantaloupe.
“The fun is ruined!” sighed the grapes.

But Wally smiled and said,
“Thank You, God, even for the rain! You are still good!”

The other fruits blinked.
“You’re thankful when it rains?”

Wally nodded.
“God is always with us, no matter what. That makes my heart thankful all the time.”

And the fruit bowl smiled together — even in the rain.

Activity:

“Thank You, God!” Toss Game

Use a small beach ball or beanbag.
Sit in a circle. Toss the ball and say one thing you're thankful for:
"Thank You, God, for my family!"
"Thank You for watermelon!"
"Thank You for hugs!"
Keep going with giggles and gratitude!

Craft:

Wally the Thankful Watermelon

Supplies Needed:

Paper plates (cut in half to look like watermelon slices)
Green and red construction paper
Glue, scissors
Black buttons or paper dots (for seeds)
Googly eyes or marker for face
Label:
“I can thank God for everything! – 1 Thessalonians 5:18”

Directions:

Make the Watermelon Slice:
Glue red paper onto the inside of the plate half, and green paper on the edge like a rind.
Add the Seeds:
Glue on black dots or buttons.
Add the Face:
Let kids draw or glue on eyes and a smile for Wally.
Attach the Label:
Add the Bible verse to the back or bottom.
Hold It Up and Say Thanks:
Kids can hold Wally up and say:
“Thank You, God!”

Wally Watermelon Paper Plate Idea

White Paper Plate
Red, Green & Black Markers or Crayons
Green Construction Paper
Scissors
Glue Stick

Color only the top part of the paper plate red.
Leave the middle white and color the bottom part green.
Use the black marker or crayon and add seeds, a smiley face and words.
Cut out two tiny legs from green construction paper and glue to back of paper plate.

Song Title:

🎵 "Thank You, God, for Everything!"
(To the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It”)

🎶
If you’re thankful and you know it, say “Thank You!”
(Thank You!)
If you’re thankful and you know it, say “Thank You!”
(Thank You!)
If you’re thankful and you know it,
Then your heart will surely show it,
If you’re thankful and you know it, say “Thank You!”
(THANK YOU!)

Poem:

Wally’s Way
Wally said thank you every day,
When skies were blue or skies were gray.
He smiled and praised in rain or sun—
Because with God, there’s always fun!

Pretend Play Game:

Picnic of Praise
Lay down a picnic blanket and pretend to serve watermelon (or real)
Each child picks something to “eat” and says:
“Thank You, God, for ___!”
Great for building imagination and gratitude!

🍉 Game: “Watermelon Wobble Toss”

A silly, movement-packed game full of laughter and wiggly fun!

Supplies:

3–6 fake watermelon slices (foam, plush, or plastic)
A laundry basket or picnic blanket on the floor
Optional: Sunglasses or silly hat for the “Watermelon Wobbler”

How to Play:

Pick a “Wobbler”:
One child puts on the silly hat or glasses and becomes the “Watermelon Wobbler.”
Wobble to the Target:
The Wobbler picks up a fake watermelon slice, waddles, hops, or tiptoes to the basket (or picnic blanket), and drops it in — without running! The funnier the movement, the better!
Say a Thank You Rhyme:
After placing the watermelon, the Wobbler says:
“Thank You, God, for watermelon!” or
“Thank You, God, for juicy fruit!”
Take Turns:
Keep switching Wobblers until all watermelon pieces are delivered.

Optional Silly Rules:

Wobble like a penguin
Wiggle like Jell-O
Walk backwards with a watermelon on your head
Balance the watermelon on your elbow or shoulder

Purpose:

Teaches thankfulness in a fun way
Gets toddlers moving and giggling
Reinforces the lesson that praise can be joyful and silly too!

Snack Idea:

Watermelon Pops!

Serve slices of watermelon on sticks like popsicles (or watermelon flavored popsicles)
Optional: Add blueberries and whipped cream stars for a patriotic touch
Before eating, say:
“Thank You, God, for every bite!”

Closing Prayer (Repeat After Me):

Dear God,
Thank You for sunshine,
Thank You for rain,
Thank You for watermelon,
And fun again!
Help me say “thank You”
Every single day.

Amen!

Optional Take-Home Note for Parents:

Today your child met Wally the watermelon, who thanked God for everything — sunshine, fireworks, and even rain! This joyful lesson reminded us that thankfulness doesn’t depend on circumstances. Talk with your child about something you’re thankful for, even on a rainy day.