Introduction
Hey readers,
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, reflect on our blessings, and give thanks for all that we have. For toddlers, this holiday can be a special time to learn about the true meaning of Thanksgiving and engage in activities that foster gratitude and joy. In this article, we’ll explore a range of Christian Thanksgiving activities that you can enjoy with your little ones, helping them to connect with their faith and celebrate this meaningful holiday.
Thanksgiving Symbol Scavenger Hunt
What You’ll Need:
- Pictures of Thanksgiving symbols (e.g., turkey, pumpkin, corn)
- Hide the pictures around your house or yard
How to Play:
Have your toddler search for the hidden pictures. Once they find all the pictures, talk to them about each symbol and its significance to Thanksgiving. For example, explain that the turkey represents the bountiful harvest, the pumpkin symbolizes the autumn season, and the corn represents the blessings of the earth.
Sensory Thanksgiving Bin
What You’ll Need:
- Clear bin
- Fall-themed sensory items (e.g., dried corn kernels, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon sticks)
How to Prepare:
Fill the bin with the sensory items and set it on the floor. Encourage your toddler to explore the different textures and scents. This activity helps to develop their sensory skills while engaging them in the spirit of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Storytime
What You’ll Need:
- Children’s book about Thanksgiving
How to Read:
Gather your toddler on a comfy couch or in their favorite reading spot. Read aloud a children’s book that tells the story of Thanksgiving. Discuss the main themes of the story, such as gratitude, sharing, and giving back to others. Encourage your toddler to ask questions and share their thoughts about the story.
Gratitude Garland
What You’ll Need:
- Construction paper
- Markers or crayons
- Ribbon or string
How to Make:
Help your toddler cut out shapes from construction paper (e.g., leaves, turkeys). Have them draw or write things they are grateful for on the shapes. Attach the shapes to a ribbon or string to create a gratitude garland. Display the garland in a prominent place to remind your family of all the blessings you share.
Thanksgiving Sing-Along
What You’ll Need:
- Thanksgiving songs for children (e.g., “Over the River and Through the Woods”)
How to Sing:
Gather your toddler around a piano or play Thanksgiving songs on your electronic device. Encourage them to sing along and dance to the music. Singing and dancing together is a fun and interactive way to celebrate the holiday.
Thanksgiving Crafts
What You’ll Need:
- Craft supplies such as crayons, markers, glue, construction paper
How to Create:
Engage your toddler in simple and age-appropriate Thanksgiving craft activities. For example, they can make turkey handprints or design pumpkin decorations. These crafts provide a creative outlet and help your toddler express their holiday spirit.
| Activity | Materials Needed | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Thankful Tree | Paper plate, markers, construction paper | Create a paper plate tree with branches. Cut out leaves from construction paper and have your toddler write or draw things they are thankful for on the leaves. |
| Fall Sensory Bin | Plastic bin, fall-themed items (e.g., leaves, acorns, pine cones) | Fill the bin with fall-themed items for your toddler to explore and touch. |
| Turkey Mask | Paper bag, markers, construction paper | Cut out turkey feathers from construction paper and glue them to a paper bag to create a turkey mask. |
| Pumpkin Playdough | Flour, salt, water, pumpkin puree | Make playdough using pumpkin puree for a festive twist. |
| Thanksgiving Song Sing-Along | Music player, Thanksgiving songs | Play Thanksgiving songs and encourage your toddler to sing and dance along. |
Conclusion
Christian Thanksgiving activities for toddlers are a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday while fostering their spiritual growth and creativity. By engaging in these activities, you can help your little ones to understand the true meaning of Thanksgiving and to appreciate the blessings in their lives. As you gather around the table this Thanksgiving, take a moment to reflect on the joy and gratitude that these activities have brought to your family.
If you’re looking for more ways to celebrate Thanksgiving with your toddler, check out our other articles on:
- Thanksgiving Educational Activities for Toddlers
- Thanksgiving Recipes for Toddlers
- Thanksgiving Family Activities
FAQ about Christian Thanksgiving Activities For Toddlers
What can toddlers do for Thanksgiving?
Toddlers can participate in many Thanksgiving activities, such as:
- Coloring pictures of turkeys and pilgrims
- Making handprint turkeys
- Singing Thanksgiving songs
- Listening to stories about the first Thanksgiving
- Helping to set the table
- Playing Thanksgiving-themed games
What are some kid-friendly Thanksgiving crafts?
Some kid-friendly Thanksgiving crafts include:
- Making handprint turkeys
- Coloring pictures of turkeys and pilgrims
- Creating a Thanksgiving collage
- Building a miniature log cabin
- Making a paper plate turkey
What are some Thanksgiving songs for toddlers?
Some Thanksgiving songs for toddlers include:
- “Over the River and Through the Woods”
- “We Gather Together”
- “Thank You, God, for Food”
- “Autumn Leaves Are Falling Down”
- “Turkey Time”
What are some Thanksgiving stories for toddlers?
Some Thanksgiving stories for toddlers include:
- “The Story of the First Thanksgiving”
- “Squanto and the Pilgrims”
- “Turkey Trouble”
- “Thanksgiving at the Tappletons'”
- “Little Pilgrim’s First Thanksgiving”
What are some Thanksgiving-themed games for toddlers?
Some Thanksgiving-themed games for toddlers include:
- Pin the Feather on the Turkey
- Turkey Toss
- Pumpkin Bowling
- Harvest Beanbag Toss
- Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt
How can I help my toddler learn about the meaning of Thanksgiving?
You can help your toddler learn about the meaning of Thanksgiving by:
- Talking to them about the holiday’s history
- Reading them Thanksgiving stories
- Singing Thanksgiving songs
- Participating in Thanksgiving activities together
- Explaining that Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for all the good things in our lives
What are some Thanksgiving prayers for toddlers?
Some Thanksgiving prayers for toddlers include:
- “Dear God, thank you for our food and our families. Amen.”
- “Thank you, God, for the turkey and the stuffing. Amen.”
- “We are thankful for our homes and our health. Amen.”
- “Thank you, God, for keeping us safe. Amen.”
- “We love you, God. Amen.”
What are some Thanksgiving blessings for toddlers?
Some Thanksgiving blessings for toddlers include:
- “May your Thanksgiving be filled with joy and laughter.”
- “May you be thankful for all the good things in your life.”
- “May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends.”
- “May your Thanksgiving be a time of peace and reflection.”
- “May you be blessed with abundance on Thanksgiving and always.”
What are some Thanksgiving safety tips for toddlers?
Some Thanksgiving safety tips for toddlers include:
- Keep them away from hot food and drinks.
- Make sure they don’t eat too much candy.
- Watch them carefully around candles and fireplaces.
- Don’t let them play with sharp objects.
- Be aware of their surroundings and keep them safe.
What are some Thanksgiving traditions that I can start with my toddler?
Some Thanksgiving traditions that you can start with your toddler include:
- Going for a walk after dinner
- Playing Thanksgiving games
- Watching a Thanksgiving movie
- Reading a Thanksgiving story
- Saying a Thanksgiving prayer