Getting Crafty on Thanksgiving

Kids of all ages love to get in the holiday spirit! For Thanksgiving, let them get creative while you ready the house, the turkey, the guest bedroom…well, you get the picture. These word searches, quizzes and crosswords work great when you need your team to sit still. For the littlest ones, try some coloring pages.

Also, here are two fun crafts to try from Disney’s Spoonful website. They each require a bit of time from an adult (calling Dad, Grandma or Grandpa) to kick things off:

Turkey Hats (see above) 

Materials:
brown paper bags
scissors (adult supervision depending on age)
colored construction paper
glue stick
black marker
cardboard (cereal boxes work well)
pom poms (optional)

Instructions:
– From the brown paper bags, cut a circle 3 1/2 inches in diameter for the turkey’s head. Next, cut a 3-inch-wide band to fit around your child’s head.
– From the cardboard, cut a strip 5 by 1 1/2 inches to use for a neck. Fold it three times accordion style, then glue one end to the back of the paper circle.
– For a beak, fold yellow construction paper and cut out a small double triangle (1 1/2 inches along the fold). Cut a rounded L from red paper for the turkey’s wattle.
– To create eyes, draw a black circle on each pom-pom with the marker. Glue the eyes, wattle and one side of the beak to the head. Let them dry. Then, glue the loose end of the neck to the center of the headband.
–  Now, wrap the headband around your child’s head; mark where the ends overlap, then remove the band and glue the ends. Finally, glue on construction paper feathers and wings.

Nature’s Garland

Materials:
Pinecones
Acorns
Shells
Twine or rope
Hot glue gun (adult supervision required)

Instructions:
– Have the kids go on a “hunt” in the backyard for pinecones, acorns, shells and twigs.
– Wrap and knot the twine around each pine cone and twig.
– Use hot glue gun to attach shells and acorns.
– Stark decking the halls with your new garland!

Lots more crafts on Disney’s Spoonful’s site.