Thanksgiving Day Activities for an Unforgettable Preschool Celebration
Hey readers,
Thanksgiving Day is a time for family, friends, and giving thanks for all the blessings in our lives. It’s also a great opportunity to spend some quality time with our little ones and create lasting memories.
Festive Crafts for Little Hands
Thankful Turkey Craft
- Materials: Brown paper plate, colored construction paper, glue, scissors
- Instructions: Cut out a turkey shape from the brown paper plate. Let the preschoolers glue on feathers, eyes, and a beak made from colored construction paper. Encourage them to write or draw what they’re thankful for on their turkey.
Cornucopia Harvest Scene
- Materials: Empty toilet paper roll, orange and yellow construction paper, scissors, glue
- Instructions: Paint the toilet paper roll brown. Cut out corn kernels and cornucopia shapes from the construction paper. Glue the corn kernels onto the cornucopia and attach it to the painted toilet paper roll.
Thanksgiving-Themed Sensory Activities
Pumpkin Pie Sensory Bin
- Materials: Mini pumpkins, pumpkin pie spices, measuring cups, spoons
- Instructions: Set out a bin filled with mini pumpkins and pumpkin pie spices. Let the preschoolers explore the textures, scents, and flavors. Encourage them to use the measuring cups and spoons to “bake” their own pumpkin pies.
Cranberry Bog Sensory Play
- Materials: Fake or real cranberries, shallow bin, water
- Instructions: Fill a shallow bin with water and add cranberries. Let the preschoolers explore the squishy berries and learn about the cranberry bog harvesting process.
Thanksgiving Music and Movement Activities
Gobble Gobble Turkey Dance
- Materials: Not required
- Instructions: Play music and have the preschoolers pretend to be turkeys. Encourage them to gobble, flap their wings, and walk around.
Dancing to “Over the River and Through the Wood”
- Materials: Music player, music for “Over the River and Through the Wood”
- Instructions: Play the song and have the preschoolers dance and sing along. Encourage them to use scarves or ribbons as props.
Thanksgiving Day Table Breakdown
| Activity | Materials | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Thankful Turkey Craft | Brown paper plate, colored construction paper, glue, scissors | Cut out a turkey shape from the paper plate and glue on feathers, eyes, and a beak. |
| Cornucopia Harvest Scene | Empty toilet paper roll, orange and yellow construction paper, scissors, glue | Paint the toilet paper roll brown and glue on corn kernels and a cornucopia. |
| Pumpkin Pie Sensory Bin | Mini pumpkins, pumpkin pie spices, measuring cups, spoons | Fill a bin with mini pumpkins and spices and let preschoolers explore. |
| Cranberry Bog Sensory Play | Fake or real cranberries, shallow bin, water | Fill a bin with water and cranberries and let preschoolers explore. |
| Gobble Gobble Turkey Dance | Not required | Play music and have preschoolers pretend to be turkeys. |
| Dancing to “Over the River and Through the Wood” | Music player, music for “Over the River and Through the Wood” | Play the song and have preschoolers dance and sing. |
Conclusion
Thanksgiving Day is a wonderful opportunity to create special memories with your preschoolers. These activities are just a few ideas to get you started. We hope you have a memorable and meaningful Thanksgiving celebration!
Check out our other articles for more Thanksgiving Day activities, recipes, and crafts.
FAQ about Thanksgiving Day Activities Preschool
What are some age-appropriate Thanksgiving activities for preschoolers?
Create handprint or fingerprint turkeys, make Thanksgiving-themed crafts like paper bag pilgrims and corn husk dolls, and sing Thanksgiving songs like “Over the River and Through the Woods.”
How can I incorporate Thanksgiving into our daily routine?
Talk about the history and significance of Thanksgiving, read Thanksgiving-themed books during story time, and play Thanksgiving-themed games like “Pin the Feather on the Turkey.”
What are some fun ways to engage preschoolers in sensory play on Thanksgiving?
Use pumpkin puree, cranberry sauce, and cinnamon sticks to create a sensory bin, set up a “turkey hunt” with hidden turkey figurines, and let kids experiment with mixing fall colors like orange, yellow, and red.
How can I make Thanksgiving crafts more educational?
Discuss the shapes and colors used in Thanksgiving crafts, talk about the different foods that are associated with Thanksgiving, and encourage kids to count the items they create.
What are some simple Thanksgiving recipes for preschoolers?
Make pumpkin muffins, cranberry sauce dip, or cornbread stuffing that are easy for little hands to help with and are kid-friendly.
How can I encourage preschoolers to express gratitude on Thanksgiving?
Have them draw or write about what they are thankful for, create a gratitude tree with leaves that list their blessings, or engage in storytelling and sharing about their favorite Thanksgiving memories.
What are some ways to make Thanksgiving activities inclusive for all preschoolers?
Provide a variety of activities that cater to different interests and abilities, use adaptive materials as needed, and ensure that all kids feel comfortable and respected.
How can I extend Thanksgiving learning beyond the holiday itself?
Talk about the concept of giving thanks throughout the year, encourage kids to help prepare for Thanksgiving meals, and continue reading Thanksgiving-themed books and singing Thanksgiving songs.
What are some safety tips to keep in mind during Thanksgiving activities?
Supervise kids closely during cooking and crafting activities, avoid potential choking hazards, and be mindful of fire safety when using candles or other open flames.
How can I make Thanksgiving Day activities more meaningful for preschoolers?
Connect activities to real-life experiences, such as showing them how cranberries are used in Thanksgiving dishes, and encourage family participation to create lasting memories.