ST. PAUL (WCCO) – The incredible thing about kids is that while they have so much to learn, they can often be the best teachers.

“I am thankful for my food because other kids don’t have food,” 7-year-old Neveah said.

The day before the long holiday weekend, WCCO visited the first-graders at Battle Creek Environmental Magnet School to learn what they’re thankful for this holiday season.

“I’m thankful for the Army people because they save our country,” 6-year-old Suha said.

“I’m thankful for my mom because she feeds us vegetables that make us healthy and stronger,” said 7 year old Jeremiah.

“I’m thankful for my uncles because they play with me,” 7-year-old Xavier said.

First grade teacher Tina Woods says the classes have spent part of this week discussing the meaning of Thanksgiving.

“They’re really cute. Number one is mom and dad — they’re very thankful for mom and dad,” she said.

That much was obvious from a walk through the hallways and checking out the thankful posters. Almost everyone wrote in Mom and Dad.

While Battle Creek’s first graders might not be able to say how or why Thanksgiving was started back in 1789, they can certainly share what giving thanks means to them.

“My house, because some kids don’t have houses,” 6-year-old Amy said. “I’m a lucky kid.”