Kids can Make a Thankful Turkey for Thanksgiving
Looking back over five years of blogging, I can add more input to previous posts with the advantage of hindsight and experience.
Last year, I featured a thankful tree to get kids involved in Thanksgiving preparations. Put the kids in charge of cutting construction paper leaves beforehand. Then, ask every Thanksgiving guest to write what they are thankful for on the leaves. Read these sentiments aloud at the table.
Attach the leaves to bare branches set in a vase to create a thankful tree. This activity helps everyone to focus on the intention of Thanksgiving. It’s not about the turkey but our appreciation for our blessings.
A Thankful Turkey
This year, I’ve decided to add a twist. Instead of hanging leaves on branches, we’ll tuck these leaves into turkeys made from toilet paper rolls, my favorite free crafting material. The leaves will now become turkey feathers.
The turkey is interactive, a way each guest can seriously think about what they are thankful for, and express their thanks to share at the table. Guests write these sentiments on the feathers. Then they attach the feathers to the back of the turkey, tucked into pre-made slits.
You can also use the thankful turkey as a simple craft project kids can make as a Thanksgiving decoration. Make a flock of turkeys in different shades of brown to dress a Thanksgiving table. Kids can write what they are thankful for on the feathers, or just leave the feathers blank.
Caution: An adult must cut slits into the toilet paper roll to insert the feathers. This will take some careful stabbing into the toilet roll with a craft or utility knife. It’s not a job for kids.
Check out the complete thankful turkey instructions at the bottom of last year’s post on making a thankful tree.
Whether a turkey or a tree, finding a vehicle for adults and kids to express gratitude on Thanksgiving starts a wonderful tradition. It’s a fun activity aligned with the focus of the holiday.
Next Week
We’ll make a pumpkin dessert for Thanksgiving.
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