Thanksgiving is officially known as “turkey day.” The turkey was introduced by the Indians to the Pilgrims in the mid-1600s, and it was considered one of the main sources of food for the settlers. The turkey was also considered a noble bird by the late Patriot, Benjamin Franklin, who actually suggested the turkey be the National bird. Children will love learning about turkey through crafting. All these crafts are simple and fun to make.
Turkey Magnets
These magnets can be placed on the fridge, and are made from easy to find items.
- Brown, red, yellow, orange, and black construction paper
- Gold or red glitter
- Glue
- Scissors
- 1 black marker
- 1 self-adhesive magnet for each turkey
Directions:
- Cut out a large brown circle and a smaller brown oval head for the body of the turkey. Glue together.
- Make a small yellow triangle for the beak and glue to the face.
- Cut stripes (longer than the turkey) in the shape of feathers out of the red, yellow, and orange paper (5 or more). Glue to the backside of the turkey.
- Spread glue around the belly of the turkey, and sprinkle glitter onto it. Let the glue on the turkey dry for a few minutes.
- When the glue is dry, draw the eyes and stick the magnet on the back of the bird. Put it on the fridge, and have a happy turkey day.
Turkey Hats
This is another papercraft, and all items are readily available at local retailers or craft stores.
Items needed:
- 2 pieces of brown construction paper
- Red, orange, and yellow construction paper
- Stapler and staples
- Double-sided tape
- Scissors
Directions:
- Cut a 1-2 inch wide piece of brown paper to fit around the child’s head.
- Make two medium-size yellow circles for eyes and a triangle for the beak. Use the double-sided tape to attach to the front, center of the headband.
- Use the stapler to connect the ends of the headband together.
- Cut out large feather-shaped stripes of red, orange, and yellow paper to use as feathers. Use the stapler to connect them to the inside back of the headband.
The turkey hat is a good craft for teachers, or for Thanksgiving programs. Children can wear the hats during a Thanksgiving play or the school dinner.
Turkey Hand Prints
Handprints are some of the easiest, yet most enjoyable crafts. Little handprints mean so much, and parents will want to keep these little turkey prints as a keepsake.
Items needed:
- Brown, red, yellow, orange, and purple paint
- 5 paint small or medium paint brushes
- 1 piece of large white paper
- 1 box of crayons
Directions:
- Have the children draw a Thanksgiving scene or some trees with fall colored leaves.
- Paint the palm and thumb of the child’s hand brown. Paint the remaining fingers 1 of the 4 colors listed.
- Make a handprint on the picture and let it dry.
The child can make as many prints as he likes. Parents could even frame the picture and hang in his room.
Turkey hats, turkey hand prints, and turkey magnets are just a few simple craft ideas for the Thanksgiving season. Try incorporating funny turkey tales or the history of Thanksgiving into the crafts.