Does your family like to share what each person is thankful for on Thanksgiving Day, or throughout the holiday season? Helping our kids take a moment to stop and think of all the things they have to be thankful for is a great idea, in my opinion. Most kids get into this idea if my past preschool classes are any indication, and little ones will enjoy it even more if you combine it with an arts and crafts project or two.
Here is one idea:
Thanksgiving Tree
Any flowerpot will work, but a sturdy one like terra cotta is preferred. Paint or decorate the pot as desired. You can fill it will soil, sand, or stones, or you can use a large piece of heavy floral foam. You will need to find a piece of branch with several twigs branching off or glue some twigs together. Remove any leaves and clean the twigs. If you prefer, you can form a tree from craft sticks.
Secure your “tree” inside the pot. Make leaves by drawing your own design, printing leaf images from your computer, or tracing real or even artificial leaves. Use colored paper or paint or color the leaves. Poke or punch a small hole at one end and thread string through it to hang the leaf from a branch.
Have your children write down (or tell you so you can write down) what they are thankful for on each leaf. You can make a bunch of leaves all at once, or make one each day until Thanksgiving to help count down the days until it arrives.
You can place a plate or a piece of felt beneath the pot and use it atop a dresser or table. This project makes a great conversation piece or a centerpiece.
*Check back for other ideas.
More holiday stuff:
Let’s Talk Turkey… Crafts that is!