ARTS AND CRAFTS
ROCKS OF GRATITUDE
Materials:
Rocks (various sizes, avoid shiny or glossy rocks)
Light stock paper (such as news print)
Low-gloss varnish or clear finish
Steps:
1. Collect an assortment of rocks.
2. Clean with soap and water, then paint with fall colored acrylic paints (It's not necessary to cover the entire rock with paint, leave some areas exposed if you wish. Let dry.
3. Print words of wisdom or Thanksgiving quotes on paper. Tear out the sayings (ragged edges).
4. Glue the sayings to your rocks using either white glue or Modge Podge.
5. Finish off the rocks by applying low-gloss varnish or polyurethane.
At home a variety of rocks good be arranged for centerpiece or in a cornucopia along with some other dried elements, such as nuts or grasses.
After Thanksgiving this makes a nice paper weight or addition to a garden!
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I AM THANKFUL HANDPRINT TREE
Gather colored paper (red, orange, brown, green, yellow) Trace the children's hands onto several sheets of several colors. Cut out. Then cut out a brown tree trunk branches in proportion to the amount of leaves. Have the children glue the hand shapes to the tree trunk to form the leaves of the tree. Have the child think of things to be thankful for and label the hand/leaves.
Thankful Tree Display is a sample from Mann School Art Appreciation.
Version #2 of Thankful Tree! (Image from Discount School Supply)
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THANKFUL WREATH OF LEAVES
Children can make a beautiful wreath of leaves that displays what they are thankful for. This wreath makes a great Autumn or Thanksgiving decoration.
Materials:
A plain white paper plate
Construction paper (orange, red, yellow, brown, and other earth tones)
Templates of leaf shapes
Crayons or markers
Scissors
Glue or a glue stick
• Cut a HALF CIRCLE OUT OF THE CENTER of a plain paper plate. Cut out a lot of leaves from construction paper. Draw the leaf veins if you wish. If you'd like, use a leaf template.
• Glue the leaves all around the rim of the paper plate.
In the lower center of the wreath, (the half circle part that was NOT cut out) write, "I am thankful for," and then have the children write or draw what they are thankful for.
• Put the child's name on the wreath (or let them sign it).
For variations on this wreath: instead of using leaves, use cut-out handprints of the child, tissue paper baking cups or torn-up scraps of paper.
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PINE CONE TURKEY
Need:
A pine cone
An acorn or a nut in the shell
Brown, red, orange and yellow construction paper
Pencil or marker
Scissors
Glue
Hot glue
Googly eyes
Clay
1. Cut out construction paper feathers.
2. Put a small blob of clay on one side of the pine cone to steady it on the table. The pine cone will be the turkey's body.
3. Glue the "feathers" to the top of the wide side of the pine cone.
• Glue the acorn to the front of the turkey using hot glue.
• Glue on two googly eyes and a small piece of red construction paper (for the turkey's wattle). Let the glue set.
You now have a great Thanksgiving table turkey decoration. To avoid staining a tablecloth with the clay, put the turkey on a small plate.
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HAND AND FOOT PRINT TURKEY
• I painted the kids fingers different (Turkey) colors and placed them on a piece of tag board. Then I painted one foot.
• Place foot opposite way so the heel is on the top, your toes are the turkey feet and your heel is the head.
• The funny part is I told all the kids is they had to scrub their feet the night before. They didn't know why and their parents were questioning. I told them it is for a gift for them.
• We wrapped them up and gave it to the parents for Thanksgiving. Some are framed and hanging in homes every Thanksgiving. I didn't have a poem including the feet but that would be adorable.
Mrs. Z/Rochester Mi.
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Mrs. Z...I think the following poem would work (Barb)
This isn't just a turkey,
As anyone can see-
I made it with my hands and feet...
Which are part of me.
It comes with lots of love
And especially today…
I hope you have a very
Happy Thanksgiving Day!
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HOLIDAY SCENTS!
Materials: Construction paper or tag board, glue, paintbrush, different seasonal spices such as: nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, whatever smells good!
1. Trace children's hands on tag board or construction paper. Have the children then put glue on the palm and finger shapes.
2. Spices are then sprinkled on the glue. They can be mixed or put on areas of fingers and hands...
3. To make the spiced handprint become a turkey, draw-feet, eyes, beak and wattle.
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APPLE TURKEYS (A snack and craft in one!)
These are fun to make. The tail feathers can be colored mini-marshmallows, gumdrops or a ring cereal such as Froot Loops. The feet can be whatever you decide--such as gum drops or candy corn
TURKEY: (Sample and Photo by KidActivities) Need: apples, ingredients for feathers, candy corn, large marshmallows and colored toothpicks.
• The apple is the body of the turkey.
• Add colored mini-marshmallows or gum drops to 5 or 6 toothpicks; stick them in one end of the apple.
• Use a toothpick for the neck.
• Use a marshmallow for a head -tiny raisin pieces for the eyes - a cut up cany corn for the beak. Use 3 toothpicks for legs (in a triangular position so your turkey can stand up) If you decide not to add legs, cut a small slice from the bottom of the apple to sit straight.
Personally, I like to then eat the spice gum-drops! When you are making food crafts with children, make sure to have a few extra pieces for the kids to munch on!
The "Apple Turkeys" would look nice with the centerpieces at the bottom of the page...
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PLYMOUTH ROCK SEATING--A fun alternative to place cards!
Version #1
Materials
Smooth rocks
Craft paint
Paintbrushes
1. Make sure rocks are clean and dry.
2. Paint the stone/rock entirely or with designs on it.
3. After the rocks are dry, paint names of Thanksgiving Day dinner guests!
Version #2
Materials:
Medium sized smooth stones
Pasta Letters
Coat stones in brightly colored craft paint. When paint is dry, glue on pasta letters.
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THANKFUL FOR YOU "BECAUSE" BAGS...
A Connecting and Feel Good Activity
These can double as an activity and for decorations on the tables. You'll need:
• Brown paper lunch sacks
• Green paint pen
• Raffia
• Tissue leaves in autumn colors.
• Plenty of small pieces of paper (approx. 3" X 4" size).
1. Cut the top of each sack in a decorative manner. (Use pinking shears, or regular scissors to trim the size, and give the bag a little character.)
2. Glue one autumn leaf to the center of each bag at an angle.
3. Tie raffia into little bows, and glue one to the base of each leaf with a hot glue gun. Write the name of each child on the bags with the green paint pen.
Place small pieces of paper in a basket along with pens and markers. Have each child write a note or draw a picture (little ones) of why they are thankful for each person.
• If your group is having a party-this can be done in the days preceding the party. Drop notes into bags. Allow time during the party or program for the children to read their notes. A great self-esteem building activity!!!
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MAKE A THANKSGIVING TREE in a container
Supplies:
• Leaves (these can be commercial silks, plastic leaves, or children can children trace and cut out their own leaves.
• A branch to make the tree
• A container and rocks to support the tree
• Magazines
• Paper
• Scissors
• Markers
• Needle
• Thread
• Low-tack tape
Instructions
1. Fill the container with rocks. Remove leaves and unnecessary branches from the tree. Put branch in container. Make sure that the branch is securely anchored by the rocks.
2. Use the needle and thread to make individual hangers for the leaves.
3. Have children cut out or draw images of things for which they are thankful or have them write a list of things they are thankful for and cut out the words.
4. Use the tape to stick the thanksgiving items to the leaves. Hint: Any adhesive would work but if you use a low tack adhesive you can use the leaves again next year.
5. Hang the leaves on the tree.
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THANKSGIVING CARD
You'll need: leaf cutouts, glue, dried kernel corn
1. Write a greeting on a sheet of construction paper or card-stock-
such as Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Autumn, Give Thanks, etc.
2. Have the children glue the corn to form the letters of the words. 3. Glue leaf cutouts around the rest of the picture for decoration
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PAPER PLATE TURKEY
•Color paper plates with markers
•Glue turkey head on to T-paper tube.
•Staple the tube to the plate.
Photo and idea courtesy of Renee Glashow at lilteacher
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'Words' for Younger Children's Hand-Print Turkeys
This isn't just a turkey, 
As anyone can see-
I made it with my hand
Which is part of me.
It comes with lots of love
And especially today-
I hope you have a very
Happy Thanksgiving Day!
Handprint photo is courtesy of Ms. Glashow's class at lilteacher
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Be sure to check out the Art and Craft Ideas in the Autumn/Fall Category!
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ACTIVITY BOOK
175 Easy-To-Do Thanksgiving Crafts (Creative Uses for Recyclables) (Paperback)by Sharon Dunn Umnik
$7.95 new and starting at $2.97 used at Amazon.com
A review: This book is an incredible asset to any classroom. The directions are clear and concise and the full color pictures of the end result are great! I would highly recommend this book to any teacher in need of extra ideas! Mary Ellen Fuentes
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MISCELLANEOUS ACTIVITIES
FOUR IDEAS FOR PROGRAM COOKBOOKS...
IDEA # 1
Have the children write or dictate their own recipes for a Thanksgiving feast. Write each recipe on a large index card and ask them to illustrate their recipes. Then mount the recipe cards below the pictures.
IDEA # 2 (Similar to #1)
Give each child a clip-art decorated page and have them write or dictate their favorite recipe (from their perspective) and compile all into a "center cook book". You will come out with a very humorous book!
IDEA #3
You could also put the recipes together and make a "Class Book" to display at your parents' center.
IDEA #4
Ask each child to bring a favorite "real" Thanksgiving Family recipe from home. Compile all and make a cookbook for each family!
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TURKEY DAY WISH...
This would be really cute for your November Newsletter (October if you live in Canada) or posted at your 'Info Center'. It could also be said at your Turkey-Day table!!!
MAY YOUR STUFFING BE TASTY,
MAY YOUR TURKEY BE PLUMP.
MAY YOUR POTATOES AND GRAVY HAVE NARY A LUMP.
MAY YOUR YAMS BE DELICIOUS,
MAY YOUR PIES TAKE THE PRIZE,
MAY YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER STAY OFF OF YOUR THIGHS.
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FIVE LITTLE TURKEYS
Five little turkeys standing at the door,
One waddled off, and then there were four.
Four little turkeys sitting near a tree,
One waddled off,and then there were three.
Three little turkeys with nothing to do,
One waddled off, and then there were two.
Two little turkeys in the morning sun,
One waddled off, and then there was one.
One little turkey better run away,
For soon it will be Thanksgiving Day.
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Love this idea from lilteacher
Children took home a copy of a plain turkey. The fun was to disguise the turkey in a creative manner! If you're concerned that parents in your program are in the mist of time-challenge constraints--form groups of 2 to 4 children to come up with their own version of a "Disguised Turkey"! Create a wonderful display with their vision! Put names of the 'Turkey" under the creations. Example: Gramma, Santa, Superman, etc.
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ALBUQUERQUE TURKEY
(Sung to tune of: My Darlin Clementine)
Albuquerque is a turkey
And he's feathered and he's fine...
And he wobbles and he gobbles
And he's absolutely mine!
He's the best pet you can get yet
Better than a dog or cat
He's my Albuquerque turkey
And I'm awfully proud of that!
And my Albuquerque turkey
Is so happy in his bed-
'Cause for our Thanks-giving Dinner...
We have spaghetti innnnn-stead
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Instead of the Hokey Pokey Dance--do THE TURKEY JERKY
You put your right wing in, you put your right wing out,
You put your right wing in, and you gobble all about.
You do the turkey jerky and you turn yourself around,
That's what it's all about.
Next would be:
Left wing
Drumsticks
Head
Tail feathers
Turkey body
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Check out the Category with Thanksgiving Jokes!
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HAVE A PROGRAM THANKSGIVING POTLUCK BUFFET
1.) Weeks ahead---Post and hand-out a save-the date. Invite parents to attend and have them sign up to bring in foods traditional to Thanksgiving such as:
Turkey, sweet potatoes, vegetables, applesauce, pies, fruits, etc.
2.) Estimate the amounts you will need and put out a sign-up sheet with how much you'll need.
Example-
Pies: Salads
1. ____________ 1.__________________
2. ____________ 2. __________________
3. ____________ 3. __________________
4. ___________
5. _____________
3.) Parents then sign up for their choice. Be sure to tell them to bring their contribution ready to go and serve!
Have the center provide juice, water, sturdy plates, napkins and utensils.
4.) Time is short for us all; however, there are so many good food stores that make excellent turkey breast, chicken pieces, potatoes, fruit, etc. Tell families their contribution does not need to be home-made!
5.) For the feast, have children make THEMED-PLACE MATS and decorations the weeks before the event!
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CENTERPIECES
MAKE AN APPLE CANDLE HOLDER for your Holiday Table
This table centerpiece is short lived ---but pretty while it lasts.
Materials:
Large Rome Beauty apples (that will stand straight on the table)
Candles
Waxed paper and potato peeler
Lemon juice
1. Using an apple corer, make a hole about halfway through the middle of an apple. Make the hole as straight as possible and remove the core piece.
2. Insert a candle into the hole. It should fit tightly; if the hole is too large, wrap waxed paper around the candle's end.
3. Older kids can decorate the apples by carefully carving designs in the skins with the tip of a potato peeler (to prevent the designs from turning brown, rub them with lemon juice).
4. Arrange the candleholders in a circle on a plate or cutting board.
Make sure that the apples are stable. Cut the bottom accordingly if not.
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PUMPKIN CENTERPIECE
Thoroughly carve out a small to medium-sized, round pumpkin. Place a block of florist's foam inside the scooped pumpkin; place an assortment of harvest-themed artificial berries and flowers, available at arts and crafts stores, into the foam block. Abundantly fill the foam block so that you cannot see the opening of the pumpkin. This makes a festive Fall and Thanksgiving centerpiece!
THANKSGIVING CENTERPIECE
An easy and pretty centerpiece for early October to Thanksgiving is to pile gourds, pumkins and silk leaves in the middle of the table and tumbling out of a basket. This centerpiece would be pretty piled on a serving tray/basket/dish! (This example is made with artificial gourds-by KidActivities.net)
SIMPLE AND BEAUTIFUL!
Don't have a basket?
Just take gourds, pumpkins and green moss stones like No Fuss Fabulous did! Start with tallest gourd in center and build from there...(This example is made using real gourds and pumpkins) Photo courtesy of No Fuss.
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GLITTER PUMPKIN CENTERPIECE
Materials: Sponge brush, glitter, glue and wax paper
Lightly put glue on entire pumpkin while it sits on wax paper. Quickly sprinkle glitter on the pumpkin.
(The sample uses Martha Stewart's powder glitter in penny, persimmon, orange, and pink champagne!)
Let dry and then brush off excess glitter.
Tie with ribbon and bow draping with long ends cut on diagonal.
(Sample photo is from Martha Stewart)
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Thanksgiving Ideas Menu
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