Giving Thanks

Giving Thanks.  It’s one of the tenants of life I’d like to instill in the kiddos.  Thankfulness and appreciation for the life we have is so very important.  While we didn’t focus on these concepts this week, I preface this because I believe it’s a vital part of life.  Nonetheless, our week was truly enjoyable:  Family was in town, we had TONS of delicious food to eat, and in general, had the opportunity to enjoy one another each and every day. 

Our week:

Our learning activities were the following:

Number Recognition: H can count pretty well, but place a written number in front of him, and he struggles.  Therefore, I thought I could take the time to focus on numbers.  We did so in a few different ways:

-                    Pin the correct number of turkey feathers – H painted clothespins and we used these as turkey feathers.  A number was placed in front of him and he had to count the correct number of “turkey feathers” and put them on the turkey.

-                    Top the pie – Same concept, different medium.   This was drawn from http://homeschoolcreations.com - I printed a pumpkin pie and used cotton balls as the whipped cream topping.  A number was drawn and H had to recognize the number, and count the correct number of cotton balls to place on top.

-                    Count the … - Using anther printable http://homeschoolcreations.com, H counted the items on the page and circled the correct number.

The letter “M” & “P” – We used a new resource this week to supplement our learning - http://homeschoolcreations.com.  I really like this because it encouraged H to trace more than our main focus letters.

Mini-Puzzles – H was provided a puzzle with corresponding numbers 1 – 10 and encouraged to put the puzzle together.  We used it as a regular puzzle and as an affirmation of number recognition.  This was drawn again from http://homeschoolcreations.com.

Identify the Letter – H was provided a sheet with pictures. I read the word and H had to identify which letter the word started with. 

Tracing – H traced different lines; squiggly, zig-zag, and straight.  This activity helps in preparation for writing. 

As an aside, while H is focusing on these, higher-level projects, Ness is either napping or coloring.  I thought I should mention this, as often projects that apply to H do not apply to Ness.  It is the never-ending battle of how to keep both entertained.

Games and Activities:

Pin the Feather on the Turkey – Using feathers, construction paper and contact paper, I cut turkeys and then pasted them to the window.  Contact paper was placed, sticky side out, on the window so the kids could stick the feathers on the turkey.  Both (actually all kids) enjoyed this activity.  Given the week, this was a great activity that gave me 15 minutes to cut veggies while they stuck feathers on turkeys. 

Thanksgiving Sensory Bag – Using (extremely cheap) hair gel, I created sensory bags for the kids.  Each could play at a different level; H could count the different leaves, identify colors.  While he was busy, Ness just enjoyed squeezing and squishing. 

Fine-Motor Turkey’s -  Using kebab sticks, left over pumpkins (small) and beads, I created a fine motor turkey.  Truly all of the kiddos loved this activity.  I stuck the kebab sticks in the pumpkins and let the kiddos thread beads onto as “turkey feathers”.  H was encouraged to create patterns.  Ness just enjoyed sticking the beads onto the sticks.

Turkey Races – I made racetracks from string and racing turkeys out of balloons, straws, and the cut out turkeys for feather counting (from above).  The string was thread through the straw and taped to each balloon-turkey.   The balloons were blown up and released.  We made two.  I think, to be truthful, the kids liked the “fart” noises (as H aptly put it) more than the race.  

Kiddo-Pumpkin Pies – I had extra pie crust and filling.  I though this would be a fun thing for the kids to complete.  Each were given crust to roll out and filling to whisk and pour.  As an added treat, they were able to eat the pies they made.  Too cute.  I love cooking with the babies!

Art Projects:

Creating Place Settings – H helped me create our Thanksgiving place-settings by creating turkeys.  These were purchased at Target.  They were really cute. 

Turkey Hats – The kids traced their hands to create turkey feathers.  H was able to construct his hat.  Ness helped glue the hats together.  They were adorable! I found the idea here - http://squishideasforpreschool.blogspot.com/p/november.html?m=1. 

Thanksgiving Turkey Plates -  Not only was this craft fun for the kids, but it’s a fantastic keep-sake for me.  Using enamel paint and white plates (purchased from the dollar store), the kids created the plates they used for Thanksgiving supper. 

Turkey Painting – I found turkeys at Michaels on clearance; 3 for a dollar.  The kids painted them. They love to paint, so I always enjoy these activities.

Books:

The Littlest Pilgrim

A Kids Guide to Native American History – a great resource for crafts and activities

Gus the Pilgrim Turkey

The Story of Thanksgiving

Cradle Me

Trips:

The Thanksgiving Day Parade – Parades touch so closely to my heart, it’s hard to pass up a parade.  I enjoy them, the kids (for the most part) enjoy them, and fresh air is a staple in our lives.

What we missed: I’m sure there are thousands (probably hundreds of thousands) of Thanksgiving crafts and learning activities for kids.  This week, I was actually able to complete all of the projects I had planned.

I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to do such fun and wonderful activities with my kids.  I’m thankful that I have the support and love to do so.  I’m thankful that I’m willing to admit that I don’t always do this correctly, but I’m more thankful that I can, many days, think I’ve done most things correctly.  Happy Thanksgiving!