Fall Fun: “I Am Thankful For…”

Children create themselves using various materials to say what they are grateful for– a perfect activity for Thanksgiving!

Materials

• Large construction paper or bristol board (18 inches X 12 inches/ 45.7 cm X 30.5 cm)
• Multicultural construction paper
• Printer
• Basket printout thanksgiving_basket
• Tag printout thanksgiving_tags
• Scissors
• Craft glue
• Various materials to make yourself (fabric, beads, felt, foam, buttons, jewels, beads, ribbon etc.)
• Craft knife/ cutting mat (to be used by an adult)

Directions

• Make yourself out of various materials that you may have.  As always, it is a good idea to lay out the pieces of your idea before gluing them together to make sure everything works/fits together.  With craft glue, attach yourself to a large piece of construction paper or bristol board.

• Trace your arms and hands onto construction paper.  Cut them out and glue them under your outfit where your shoulders would be.

• Print your basket onto cardstock, cut it out.  Have an adult cut the rim of the basket (as shown in the photo) with a craft knife and a cutting mat.

• Cut things out to represent what you are thankful for and tuck them into your basket.  If you like, add the provided tags to indicate what they are.

• Attach your basket to your created self and glue your hands onto the front so it appears that you are holding onto it.  Make a fold at your elbow so they look like your arms are bending forward.

• Hang “yourself” up and share all that you are grateful for!

Purpose

• To show appreciation
• Using various materials
• Opportunities for writing (making labels)

Safety Notes

• Use scissors with adult supervision.
• If you use materials that could be choking hazards such as beads, buttons etc., be sure to keep them out the reach of young (0-3 year old) children.