Thanksgiving Crafts and Activities

• 1 toilet paper roll
• 1 plastic bowl
• assorted colors of construction paper
• tape
• glue
• scissors
• pens

After the feathers were added to the bowl, we started on the body. My son drew eyes for the turkey and we used a small piece of yellow paper glued on as the nose. For the feet, we traced my sons hand and cut out the shape. This then got taped onto the body. We even created a (fairly lame) hat for the turkey. The body got taped to the bowl and we were all done!

 

Thanksgiving place mats

 

 Here is a fun free Thanksgiving Placemat you can print out for each of the kids!

 

Or have the kids make their very own to help keep them out of your hair (and your kitchen).

Supplies:

• construction paper
• glue
• scissors for children
• feathers
• beads
• crayons/markers
• yarn

  Lay out the supplies so that the kids can create whatever they want. Some fun ideas for the place mats are a picture of the Indians and Pilgrims first Thanksgiving feast or of a beautiful Indian headdress. You can also buy large beads and yarn and tell the children to make their own necklaces just like the beautiful jewelry that the Indians wore.

Circle Turkey

• Brown Paper Bags
• Scrap Construction Paper
• Glue
• Crayons
• Scissors

Cut two circles out of paper bags; one about 5 inches and one about 3 inches. Cut out a strip (about 1 inch by 3-4 inches) and accordion fold it. Glue one end toward the top of the large circle and the other end in the middle of the small circle. Cut an oval (about 2 inches by 4-5 inches) to be the head and neck. Glue it to the middle of the small circle. From the scrap construction paper, cut out feathers on glue them to the top edge of the large circle. Color on eyes, beak, etc.

Indian Vest

• Paper Bag
• Scissors 
• Optional Materials (see below)

Cut a vest from the paper bag, cut a slit up the front and neck and arm holes. To decorate, either cut out construction paper shape (arrows, sun, designs, etc.) and glue them on, or, use potatoes to paint them (slice potato in half, cut design into potatoes, dip in paint and print onto vest).

Indian Headband

• Brown Construction Paper
• Scissors
• Stapler or Tape
• Scrap Construction Paper

Cut brown construction paper into strips, fit it around child's head and staple or tape ends together. Cut feathers out of scrap construction paper and glue or staple onto headband.

Thanksgiving Characters

• Toilet Paper Roll
• Crayons
• Glue
• Construction Paper 
• Scissors

Cover roll with black paper. Cut a small circle, draw a face on it, and glue it onto the roll. Other things to add: arms, feet hair hat brim, apron, etc. You can also make Indians and turkeys this way.

Hand Print Turkey

• Heavy Paper
• Brown Paint 
• Feathers

Dip child's hand in paint, and make a handprint on the paper (make sure the fingers are spread). Draw on a beak and glue on feathers. We have also added beads for eyes.

Indian Drum

• Oatmeal Box or any can with a lid,
• Tape
• Construction Paper
• Rubber Bands
• Crayons
• Scissors

Cut a piece of construction paper to fit around can. Draw "Indian" designs on it, and tape it onto can. Cut 2 circles out of construction paper about an inch bigger than the lid. Put it over the top and bottom of the can, and use rubber bands to hold it on.

Paper Bag Turkey

• Brown Paper Bag
• Scrap Construction Paper
• Newspaper,
• Glue,
• Crayons
• Scissors

Stuff the paper bag with newspaper, leaving about 3 inches to fold shut. Try to fold it so both ends look the same and then glue it shut. Cut out feather shapes and glue onto bag. Draw and cut out turkey head and neck; making two tabs where the base of the neck will be. Fold one tab forward and one tab back and attach it to the bag

Thanksgiving Cornucopia

• Paper Grocery Bags
• Magazines
• Glue,
• Crayons 
• Scissors

Cut the paper bag so you can flatten it. Cut out the cornucopia cone shape, add a circle to the "open" end. Color it if desired. Cut out pictures of fruit from magazines and glue them onto circle of the horn.

Totem Pole

• Egg Cartons
• Scrap Paper
• Feathers,
• Beads, etc.
• Glue,
• Crayons
• Scissors

Cut egg cartons into 4 rows of 3 cups. Glue 2 sections together, back to back, to form the totem pole. Decorate as desired.

Tree of Thanks

• 2 Paper Grocery Bags
• Construction Paper (fall Colors)
• Crayons
• Markers or Pencils
• Glue 
• Scissors