Preparation on Thanksgiving Day is strenuous and vast, making it difficult to attend to the children.
If you don’t want little fingers creeping up onto the counter to snag the cookie dough, or throw a lego in the turkey before it could make it into the oven then finding a structured activity is essential.
On a day when the last thing you want to think about is crafts, we can provide you with the tools necessary to gather the children in glee while you set the table for a joyous time with family.
Here are three activities that have an easy set-up and an easy clean-up, while still entertaining the kids.
Gratitude Turkey
No need to get the messy paint out for this one! To make a gratitude turkey all you need is:
- Toilet paper roll
- Construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Silly eyes (optional)
- Markers
On the toilet paper roll glue eyes, or draw them on. Underneath glue a triangle piece of construction paper for the beak, and then draw a snood (the dangling piece of flesh over a turkey’s beak) with a marker.
Cut out six marquise shaped pieces of construction paper, and on the top have the kids tell you six things they are thankful for.
Glue the marquise shaped paper on the back of the paper roll in the shape of turkey feathers. Have the kids present their crafts to the table after dinner to bring an air of thanks to the meal.
Dazzling Leaves
All you need for this pretty and simple craft is:
- Foam sheets
- Peel-and-stick gems
- Ribbon
- Scissors
Have the children cut leaf shapes out of the foam sheets, and then add the gems they desire to one side of the cutout.
Poke a hole with the scissors at the base of the leaf shape and string a ribbon through for hanging on the window or doorknob. Adding an additional ribbon bow at the base brings a more elaborate look to the craft.
The kids can hand the leaves out as gifts to grandparents or a favorite aunt or uncle to remember their time together.
Woven Placemats
This activity is great for fine motor skills, and is able to be used during dinner so the kids can show off their accomplishments.
Gather the materials needed prior to getting lost in a mountain of pies and stuffing:
- Construction paper
- Scissors
- Tape
Fold one piece of construction paper in half and cut five lines almost to the end. Using orange, red, black, and brown paper makes it look more festive.
Cut some strips with the remaining paper. Have the kids weave the strips in and out of the slits in the full sheet, taping the ends so it can’t come out.
When they are finished they can write their names and one thing they are thankful for, and then use the placemat at their seat during the Thanksgiving feast.
Sometimes a little structure and fun can make or break a day, giving the children a healthy outlet to explore, work with their hands, and be productive.
(h/t Mommy Underground)