Thanksgiving Craft Ideas For Children's Church
Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks and celebrating with family and friends. It is also a great opportunity to teach children about the importance of gratitude and the history of the holiday. One of the best ways to do this is through fun and engaging craft activities. Here are some Thanksgiving craft ideas for children's church that are sure to be a hit.
1. Gratitude Trees
A gratitude tree is a simple but meaningful craft that helps children reflect on what they are thankful for. To make a gratitude tree, you will need some construction paper, scissors, and markers. Cut out a tree trunk and branches from brown paper, and then cut out leaves in various colors. Have the children write things they are thankful for on the leaves and then attach them to the branches of the tree.
2. Handprint Turkeys
Handprint turkeys are a classic Thanksgiving craft that children love to make. To make a handprint turkey, you will need some brown, red, orange, and yellow construction paper, scissors, and glue. Trace the child's hand on brown paper and cut it out. Cut out a turkey body from brown paper and a beak and wattle from red and orange paper. Glue the handprint onto the turkey body and then attach the beak and wattle.
3. Thankful Wreaths
A thankful wreath is a beautiful way for children to express gratitude. To make a thankful wreath, you will need a paper plate, scissors, and markers. Cut out the center of the paper plate and then have the children write things they are thankful for on the remaining outer edge of the plate. Attach a ribbon to the back of the plate to hang it up.
4. Cornucopias
A cornucopia is a symbol of abundance and is a great craft for teaching children about the importance of sharing and giving. To make a cornucopia, you will need a brown paper bag, scissors, and markers. Cut the bag into the shape of a horn and then have the children fill it with pictures of food or other things they are grateful for.
5. Turkey Place Cards
Turkey place cards are a fun and festive way to decorate the Thanksgiving table. To make turkey place cards, you will need some cardstock, scissors, and markers. Cut out turkey shapes from the cardstock and then have the children write the names of the guests on the body of the turkey. Attach a feather to the back of the turkey to create a fun and colorful decoration.
6. Pilgrim Hats
Pilgrim hats are a classic Thanksgiving craft that children love to make. To make a pilgrim hat, you will need some black cardstock, white cardstock, scissors, and glue. Cut out a hat shape from the black cardstock and a buckle shape from the white cardstock. Glue the buckle onto the front of the hat and then have the children wear them during a Thanksgiving play or meal.
7. Mayflower Ships
A Mayflower ship is a great craft for teaching children about the history of Thanksgiving. To make a Mayflower ship, you will need some paper cups, construction paper, scissors, and glue. Cut out sails and a hull from the construction paper and attach them to the cup with glue. Have the children draw or write about what life was like on the Mayflower.
8. Pumpkin Pie Playdough
Pumpkin pie playdough is a fun and sensory way for children to explore the flavors of Thanksgiving. To make pumpkin pie playdough, you will need some flour, salt, cream of tartar, pumpkin pie spice, oil, and water. Mix the dry ingredients together and then add the oil and water. Cook the mixture over low heat until it forms a dough. Add orange food coloring for an extra festive touch.
These are just a few of the many Thanksgiving craft ideas for children's church. By incorporating these activities into your lesson plans, you can help children learn about the importance of gratitude and the history of the holiday in a fun and engaging way.