thanksgiving craft toddler
Thanksgiving is a special holiday that is celebrated in the United States and Canada. It is a time for families and friends to come together, give thanks and enjoy a delicious meal. For many, it is also a time to reflect on the blessings and good things in their lives. As parents, it is important to instill the value of gratitude in our children and what better way to do so than through fun and engaging Thanksgiving crafts. In this article, we will explore some easy and creative Thanksgiving craft ideas for toddlers that will not only keep them entertained but also teach them important lessons about this holiday.
1. Handprint Turkey Wreath
One of the most popular Thanksgiving crafts for toddlers is the handprint turkey wreath. This is a simple and fun activity that will not only keep your little ones occupied but also make a beautiful decoration for your home. All you need is some construction paper, scissors, glue, and some markers. Start by tracing your child’s hand on different colored construction paper and cutting them out. Then, have your child glue the handprints onto a circular paper plate to create a wreath. Add a face and some feathers to the handprints to complete the turkey. Hang the wreath on your front door or in your child’s room to add some festive Thanksgiving spirit to your home.
2. Gratitude Tree
Teaching your child about gratitude is an important lesson during the Thanksgiving season. A gratitude tree is a wonderful craft that will help your child understand the concept of being thankful. All you need is some construction paper, scissors, and a marker. Cut out a tree trunk from brown construction paper and glue it onto a piece of white paper. Then, cut out leaf shapes from different colored construction paper and have your child write down things they are thankful for on each leaf. Glue the leaves onto the tree branches to create a beautiful gratitude tree. This craft can be displayed in your home as a reminder to be grateful for all the blessings in our lives.
3. Paper Plate Pilgrim Hats
Pilgrim hats are a classic symbol of Thanksgiving and your toddler can make their own with just a few simple materials. Take a paper plate and cut out the center to create the brim of the hat. Then, have your child paint the paper plate black. Once the paint is dry, cut out a rectangular piece of black construction paper and roll it into a cylinder shape to create the top of the hat. Glue the cylinder onto the paper plate to complete the pilgrim hat. Your child can wear their hat during Thanksgiving dinner or use it as a decoration for the table.
4. Handprint Cornucopia
The cornucopia, also known as the “horn of plenty”, is a symbol of abundance and harvest. This craft is perfect for teaching your child about the meaning of Thanksgiving. Start by tracing your child’s hand on a piece of brown construction paper and cutting it out. Then, have your child cut out different colored fruits and vegetables from construction paper. Glue the handprint onto a piece of white paper and have your child glue the fruits and vegetables inside the handprint to create a cornucopia. This craft can be displayed on the fridge or as a table centerpiece.
5. Thankful Turkey Craft
Another fun way to teach your child about gratitude is by making a thankful turkey craft. For this activity, you will need a paper plate, construction paper, scissors, and markers. Cut out a turkey shape from brown construction paper and glue it onto a paper plate. Then, have your child cut out feather shapes from different colored construction paper and write down things they are thankful for on each feather. Glue the feathers onto the back of the paper plate to create the turkey’s feathers. This craft can be hung on the wall or displayed on a shelf as a reminder to be thankful.
6. Pilgrim Handprint Craft
This craft is a great way to incorporate history into your Thanksgiving celebrations. Have your child trace their hand on black construction paper and cut it out. Then, have them cut out a white collar shape and a rectangular shape from white construction paper. Glue the collar onto the bottom of the handprint and the rectangular shape onto the top to create a pilgrim’s hat. Your child can draw a face and add details to the hat to complete the craft.
7. Fingerprint Turkey Cards
If you’re looking for a Thanksgiving craft that can also be a gift for family and friends, then fingerprint turkey cards are perfect. Take a piece of cardstock and fold it in half to create a card. Then, have your child dip their fingers in different colored paint and make fingerprint turkeys on the front of the card. They can add details such as eyes, beak, and feathers with a marker. Your child can then write a special message inside the card for their loved ones.
8. Thanksgiving Placemats
Get your toddler involved in preparing for Thanksgiving dinner by making their own placemats. This craft is simple and can be customized to your child’s liking. Start with a plain white placemat and have your child paint or color it with Thanksgiving-themed designs. They can draw turkeys, pumpkins, leaves, or anything else that reminds them of Thanksgiving. Once the placemat is dry, laminate it to make it durable for use during the meal.
9. Pinecone Turkey
Pinecones are a versatile material for crafting and they make adorable turkey decorations. Take a pinecone and have your child paint it with brown paint. Once the paint is dry, have them glue on googly eyes, a beak, and a wattle (the red fleshy part under a turkey’s beak) to create a turkey face. Then, cut out feather shapes from different colored construction paper and glue them onto the back of the pinecone to create the turkey’s feathers. This craft can be displayed on a mantle or table as a Thanksgiving decoration.
10. Pumpkin Pie Craft
Thanksgiving dinner is not complete without a delicious pumpkin pie. Your toddler can make their own pumpkin pie craft using just a few materials. Take a small paper plate and have your child paint it orange. Once the paint is dry, they can glue on a brown construction paper crust and add details using markers. They can also cut out whipped cream shapes from white paper and glue them on top of the pie. This craft can be displayed on a Thanksgiving-themed table or used as a decoration in your child’s play kitchen.
In conclusion, Thanksgiving crafts for toddlers are not only fun and entertaining but also a great way to teach them about the meaning of this holiday. These activities will not only keep your child occupied but also allow them to express their creativity and imagination. So this Thanksgiving, gather your materials and get crafting with your little ones. Happy Thanksgiving!
non screen activities for 10 year olds
In today’s technology-driven world, it can be challenging to keep children away from screens. With the rise of smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices, it seems like everyone, including 10-year-olds, is constantly glued to a screen. However, excessive screen time can have negative effects on children, such as hindering their social and cognitive development, increasing the risk of obesity, and affecting their sleep patterns. As parents, it is essential to find alternative non-screen activities for 10-year-olds to promote a healthy and balanced lifestyle. In this article, we will explore some fun and engaging non-screen activities that are suitable for 10-year-olds.
1. Outdoor Sports and Activities
One of the best ways to keep 10-year-olds away from screens is to get them involved in outdoor sports and activities. Not only do these activities promote physical health, but they also provide an opportunity for children to socialize and develop essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Encourage your child to try out various sports such as soccer, basketball, or tennis. Alternatively, you can plan a family hike, bike ride, or a day at the beach. These activities will not only keep your child away from screens but also allow them to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.
2. Art and Craft Projects
Artistic activities are not only an excellent way to keep children engaged, but they also help in developing their creativity and imagination. You can encourage your 10-year-old to explore different art forms such as painting, drawing, sculpting, or even photography. You can also make it a family activity by planning a DIY project or a craft session with your child. These activities will not only keep them away from screens, but they will also learn new skills and create something that they can be proud of.
3. Reading and Writing
Reading and writing are essential skills that are necessary for a child’s academic and personal development. Encourage your child to read books, magazines, or comics that they find interesting. You can also plan a trip to the library or bookstore and let them choose their own books to read. Additionally, you can encourage them to write stories, poems, or even keep a journal. These activities will not only keep them away from screens, but they will also help in improving their vocabulary, grammar, and writing skills.
4. Cooking and Baking
Cooking and baking are not only fun activities, but they also teach children important life skills such as following instructions, time management, and basic math. Let your child help you in the kitchen by measuring ingredients, mixing, and decorating. You can also plan a cooking or baking session where they can learn to make their favorite snacks or desserts. These activities will not only keep them away from screens, but they will also develop their interest in cooking and baking.
5. Gardening
Gardening is a great way to connect with nature and promote environmental awareness in children. You can plan a small garden in your backyard or a balcony and involve your child in planting, watering, and caring for the plants. They will not only learn about different plants and their growth cycle, but they will also develop a sense of responsibility. Additionally, gardening is a great stress-relieving activity and can help in improving a child’s mood and overall well-being.
6. Board Games and Puzzles
Board games and puzzles are not only fun and entertaining, but they also help in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills in children. You can have a family game night where you can play different board games such as Monopoly, Scrabble, or Chess. Alternatively, you can encourage your child to solve puzzles such as crosswords, Sudoku, or jigsaw puzzles. These activities will not only keep them away from screens, but they will also promote healthy competition and family bonding.
7. Music and Dance
Music and dance are great ways to keep children engaged and physically active. Encourage your child to learn a musical instrument or enroll them in a dance class. They can also create their own music or dance routines and perform for the family. These activities will not only keep them away from screens, but they will also develop their creativity, coordination, and self-expression.
8. Volunteering and Community Service
Volunteering and community service are excellent ways to teach children the importance of giving back to the community. You can involve your child in activities such as cleaning up the neighborhood, visiting a nursing home, or volunteering at a local charity. These activities will not only keep them away from screens, but they will also develop empathy, compassion, and social responsibility in children.
9. Sports and Games
Apart from outdoor sports, there are many indoor sports and games that you can encourage your child to play. These include table tennis, badminton, bowling, or even a game of catch. These activities will not only keep them away from screens, but they will also provide an opportunity for children to exercise and release excess energy.
10. Science Experiments and STEM Activities
Science experiments and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities are a great way to stimulate a child’s curiosity and interest in these subjects. You can find many simple and fun experiments online that you can do with your child at home. Additionally, there are many STEM kits available in the market that allow children to build and create using their hands. These activities will not only keep them away from screens, but they will also develop their problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity skills.
In conclusion, it is essential to find a balance between screen time and non-screen activities for 10-year-olds. While some screen time is necessary, it is crucial to limit it and encourage children to engage in other meaningful and healthy activities. As parents, it is our responsibility to provide our children with a variety of options and opportunities to explore their interests and develop essential life skills. So, next time your child reaches for a screen, try offering them one of these non-screen activities instead.