11 Thanksgiving Crafts for Preschoolers
Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to teach preschoolers about gratitude, kindness, and generosity toward friends and neighbors. During this special time of year, help students express their creativity while learning these important lessons with 11 Thanksgiving crafts for preschoolers.
Here are some harvest-inspired ideas to keep preschoolers busy and remembering what they’re thankful for.
DIY Thanksgiving Treat Box
Any preschool craft involving brightly colored feathers is sure to be a hit, and this Thanksgiving treat box is no exception. The finished product can be used to gather notes from family at the Thanksgiving table about what everyone is grateful for, or little ones can pick out a small item to stash inside for dinner attendees. However it’s used, preschoolers will be so proud to contribute to the Thanksgiving feast.
Colorful Turkey Craft
This colorful turkey craft lets kids list out something they are thankful for on each of the turkey’s feathers. The materials are simple—cardstock, yarn, markers, and glue—but the end result is a meaningful conversation with students about all the things they have to be grateful for.
Are you ready to see your preschoolers dance with excitement? This “Dancing Corn” activity from Preschool With a Purpose will have their eyes popping and their minds exploding with the science behind making corn “dance.” Download the free activity!
DIY Turkey Napkin Holder
Let preschoolers take pride in their contribution to the Thanksgiving table with these adorable DIY turkey napkin holders. Students will love crumpling up pieces of tissue paper to craft the turkey feathers and seeing the turkey’s construction paper face take shape. This craft can be displayed during a classroom Thanksgiving feast before being sent home to adorn the table for the family meal.
Fall Nature Collage
Lead preschoolers on a peaceful walk through nature to collect dried leaves, tiny acorns, twigs, and more for this sweet fall nature collage. Talk to students about all the amazing colors that show up in autumn and let their creativity take the lead. Aside from the found nature items, all you need for this texture-filled collage is pieces of cardboard and some double-sided tape.
Cupcake Liner Paper Turkey
These cupcake liner paper turkeys are too cute and easy to assemble on a piece of paper. The texture of the cupcake liner makes for perfect turkey feathers, and kids will delight in crafting with an item that’s usually wrapped around a favorite dessert. As an added sensory experience, go on a class nature walk to pick up some dried leaves or acorn tops to add to the background.
Pumpkin Pie Craft
It’s not Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie! Let preschoolers create their own version of the classic Thanksgiving dessert with this pumpkin pie craft. Students will layer pieces of orange tissue paper until they’re satisfied with their piece of pie and when it’s done, they can finish it off with a dollop of whipped cream (a few cotton balls). Bon appetit!
Sponge Painted Fall Tree Craft
A few pieces of sponge and a palate of fall-themed paint colors will have preschoolers creating a beautiful sponge painted fall tree craft. Students can get creative by combining and layering different colors while watching their tree fill in. The texture of the sponge will provide a rustic result that will make little ones proud of their unique creation.
Handprint Turkey
It’s a classic preschool Thanksgiving craft for a reason! This brightly colored handprint turkey will memorialize the size of those tiny preschooler hands while letting kids enjoy a little sensory play with the paint. Attach a sweet poem or let the turkey stand on its own. Either way, it’s a keepsake parents will certainly appreciate for years to come.
Pine cone Turkey Craft
This pine cone turkey craft can begin with a class nature walk so everyone can find their pine cone. Then, a little paint, wiggle eyes, and a few fuzzy sticks will help bring these darling turkeys to life. This craft does call for a hot glue gun, but double-sided tape should also do the trick!
Tissue Paper Fall Tree Craft
Preschoolers can get super creative when making this tissue paper fall tree craft. Crumpling up bits of colorful tissue paper is not just fun, it’s valuable fine-motor skills practice. The end result is a full and fluffy fall tree they’ll be excited to show off to family at the Thanksgiving table.
Handprint Fall Leaves
This simple handprint fall leaves craft will make a precious keepsake for caregivers while letting preschoolers have a sensory experience dipping their hands in red, orange, and yellow paints. After students create their special “leaves,” an adult can help them draw the veins of the leaf with a marker.
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About the Author:
Valerie Williams is a seasoned writer and editor who has spent her career creating content in the parenting and women's wellness spaces. Her bylines include Scary Mommy, SheKnows, Forbes Health, and others. When she's not helping women and families live their best and healthiest lives, she's spending time with her husband and teen kids, walking her dogs, reading, cooking, or attending HIIT classes at the gym.