If you’re looking for a Thanksgiving craft that is simple to prepare, doesn’t require a ton of gluing, and will help children express gratitude in a meaningful way, you’ll love these ideas! Suitable for use at home or school, these November activities are great for Kindergarten or lower elementary children.
Are these crafts free?
The gratitude jar is a free download! The other 2 can be purchased from my TPT store.
What these crafts are great for:
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Thanksgiving classroom displays
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Encouraging self-expression
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Developing fine motor and scissor skills
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Practicing following directions
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Sweet keepsakes for children and their families
Categories that might help children decide what to add to their craft
For children learning how to express gratitude, it can be helpful to break down ideas into categories. Here are some examples;
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People (e.g., family, friends, school staff, community helpers)
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Food and drink
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Objects
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A skill, ability, or positive attribute they have
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Animals
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Places
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Hobbies, activities, and interests
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Experiences and memories
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A religious belief
The crafts
Free gratitude jar writing craft
This free, no-prep PDF is a simple way for students to show what they are thankful for, and can be used as a hanging classroom display when completed. Children start by coloring the front of the gratitude jar. Next, they’ll cut out the jar template and fold it in half (a bit like a greeting card). Inside, there is space to write 4 things they are grateful for. If you print on cardstock, the finished jars can also stand up.
Download the free gratitude jar here
Thankful Turkey write and fold craft
This foldout turkey craft is a sweet way for children to express their gratitude and practice their fine motor/scissor skills. There are multiple template options in different sizes, including versions for kids who are less confident with cutting. Children will color a turkey (or use the pre-colored option), draw and write about what they are thankful for, cut, and fold it. Pop them into an interactive notebook, or send home with students as a keepsake to share with their family.
With 160+ 5-star reviews on TeachersPayTeachers, this is a tried and tested activity that students LOVE!
View the thankful turkey activity on TeachersPayTeachers here.
Thankful writing foldout
This writing craft encourages children to think about what they are thankful for AND why. The writing prompt ‘I am thankful for…because…’ is a great way to really get them thinking and reasoning! There’s also a template option for students to draw, alongside their writing.
View the Thankful writing foldout on TeachersPayTeachers here.
Thankful turkey crown
For something children can wear on Thanksgiving (or during the lead up to the day), these thankful turkey crowns are easy and adorable! With space to write and draw 3 things they are grateful for, children can color their turkey crown template, then attach it to a band to wear. Perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations in the classroom or at home.
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