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November- Gratitude & Family History
- Cristal Tejeda
- Nov 12
- 4 min read
🌻 Read to You 365 Presents: Gratitude & Family History
A November Celebration of Love, Legacy, and Thankfulness
🕊 Opening Prayer
“Dear Heavenly Father, We thank You for the warmth of family, for the lessons of those who came before us, and for the chance to gather in gratitude. May our hearts be full, our minds open, and our spirits connected as we honor our ancestors and build new memories. Amen.”
💌 Letter to Our Young Scholars and Supporters
Dear Young Scholars, Families, and Friends,
November is a season of reflection — a time to remember where we come from and give thanks for all that we have. Gratitude is more than saying thank you; it’s an action, a vibration, and a daily reminder of how far we’ve come as a people.
This month, we invite you to take a journey through your family history. Ask questions, listen to the stories of your elders, and write down the moments that shaped your family. Every story matters — from your great-grandmother’s laughter to your father’s favorite childhood song.
Let’s teach our children that family is legacy, and legacy is what keeps our stories alive.
With gratitude and love,
Cristal J. Tejeda (CJT)
Founder of Read to You 365 & Young Scholar
✊🏾 Theme of the Month: Gratitude & Family History
Gratitude is the heartbeat of the Black community — it’s found in every meal shared, every song sung in church, and every prayer whispered for better days. Family History gives us roots. It’s how we stay connected to our ancestors and understand our own strength.
Together, these two themes remind us that every child’s story is part of a greater legacy — one filled with resilience, love, and purpose.
🪶 The Power of Gratitude in the Black Community
In our community, gratitude is resistance — the act of choosing joy even in hard times. It’s saying, “We made it.” Encourage your children to keep a Gratitude Journal (like our “My first gratitude” journal! preorder or get the downloadable version here at our Shop here) write down one thing each day they’re thankful for — whether it’s grandma’s hugs, a good friend, or their favorite book.
🪞 Discussion : “Who are you most thankful for in your family, and why?”
Storytelling: Learning & Preserving Family History
Storytelling is one of our greatest traditions. Before we had written history, we had griots — storytellers who carried the memories of their people in their voices.
Here are some fun ways to keep your family stories alive:
Host a Family Story Night — record elders sharing their memories.
Create a Family History Scrapbook with photos, drawings, and written memories.
Have your child interview a relative using questions like:
“What was your favorite subject in school?”
“Who taught you your biggest life lesson?”
“What was your dream when you were my age?”
Books that Celebrate Black Family Traditions
“The Year We Learned to Fly” by Jacqueline Woodson
A poetic story about family, imagination, and finding strength together.
“Thank You, Omu!” by Oge Mora
A heartwarming tale of community, sharing, and love — perfect for Thanksgiving.
“The Nutcracker in Harlem” by T.E. McMorrow
A festive retelling of a classic story set in the Harlem Renaissance.
“Before She Was Harriet” by Lesa Cline-Ransome
An inspiring look at family history and one woman’s lifelong journey toward freedom.
“Our Children Can Soar” by Michelle Cook
A celebration of the Black pioneers who paved the way for today’s children.
“Full, Full, Full of Love” by Trish Cooke
A heartwarming story of family dinner, laughter, and love.
“Big mama’s” by Donald Crews
A nostalgic look at visiting grandparents and cherishing family bonds.
“The Roots of Rap” by Carole Boston Weatherford**
Teaches children how storytelling evolved through rhythm, rhyme, and culture.
👨🏽👩🏾👧🏾 Parent Suggestions
Start a Gratitude Tree: Write what your family is thankful for on paper leaves and hang them from a small branch or poster board.
Build a Family Cookbook: Gather recipes from relatives and share the stories behind them. (This can become a beautiful keepsake!)
Create a Family Motto: Write one sentence that defines your family’s values — something you can repeat together daily.
🎲 Games & Coloring Pages
Game: “Who Am I?” Family Edition
Write names of family members (or ancestors) on cards.
Take turns giving clues until someone guesses who it is!
Mix in famous Black historical figures for extra learning fun.
Coloring Page
🎨 Activity for the Classroom or Home
Create a Family Crest or Coat of Arms
Draw symbols that represent your family’s values — books for learning, hearts for love, or stars for dreams. Label each symbol and display it proudly on your wall or fridge.
🕯 Honoring the Ancestors
This month, take time to light a candle or say a prayer for those who came before you. Speak their names out loud and teach your children that remembrance is sacred. “When we call their names, they live again through us.”
💫 Ending Affirmation
“I am thankful for my family and my history. I honor those who came before me. I am part of something greater —and I will carry our legacy forward with love.”
I love you and i am so grateful for you.
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