As a teacher, the period leading up to Thanksgiving can be both exciting and challenging. With the holiday just around the corner, students are naturally more energetic and restless. One way to keep them engaged, motivated, and on-task is through incorporating fun Thanksgiving-themed crafts into your lesson plans. Here is a guide on how to survive teaching until Thanksgiving with the help of some crafty ideas.
1. Create a Thankful Tree
Start by having students cut out leaves from red, orange, yellow, and brown construction paper. Ask each student to write something they are thankful for on their leaves. Now create a tree trunk and branches on a bulletin board or large piece of paper, and have students add their thankful leaves. Watch as your classroom’s Thankful Tree comes to life!
2. Turkey Handprints
This classic craft never gets old! Have your students trace their hands on construction paper and cut out their handprint patterns. They can then decorate these handprints to look like turkeys by gluing googly eyes on the thumbprint and colorful feathers onto the other fingers. Encourage them to display their creative turkeys around the room.
3. Paper Plate Pilgrim Hats
With a few simple materials like black paper plates, construction paper, glue, and scissors, students can create their own Pilgrim hats to wear in class or take home. This activity not only reinforces fine motor skills but also serves as an opportunity for discussing early American history.
4. Gratitude Journals
In preparation for Thanksgiving, it can be beneficial for your students to reflect on things they are grateful for in their lives. Provide each student with a small notebook or have them staple several sheets of paper together. Designate time every day for students to write in their Gratitude Journals, fostering a sense of mindfulness and appreciation.
5. Native American Dreamcatchers
Teach students about the cultural significance of dreamcatchers in Native American communities and guide them in making their own. You only need paper plates, yarn, beads, and feathers to complete this project. With the finished product, students can hang their dreamcatchers in their homes as a reminder of what they’ve learned and how it ties into Thanksgiving history.
Incorporating these Thanksgiving-themed crafts into your classroom routine will keep students engaged and excited about learning as they anticipate the upcoming holiday. With each craft, remember to emphasize teamwork, collaboration, and gratitude for an even more meaningful experience. By doing so, you’ll be well on your way to surviving teaching until Thanksgiving!
