Thankful Turkey: A Kid’s Thanksgiving Craft

by on November 23, 2011
in crafts, holidays & celebrations · 3 Comments

The following post is by contributor Vanessa Brown of I Never Grew Up.

A few days ago I spoke to over 100 kids about being grateful and it was harder than I thought! Their eyes quickly glazed over or the only thing that could come to their mind to be thankful of were video games and the list of holiday presents they were ready to receive.

So I had them close their eyes and I asked them more specific questions like, “What is your favorite smell out in nature?”

“Do you like a certain type of weather, how does it make you feel inside?”

“What do you like to do with your Mom or Dad that make you feel really special? Aren’t you grateful that they do that with you?”

“Where is your favorite spot in your home, who is grateful for the wonderful home they have?”

Soon the kids started enjoying thinking of things they were grateful for and I realized that they just needed a little help to get the ball rolling. With my girls I have noticed when I do a fun craft, art project or recipe while we are sitting around and working on it they really open up and can understand more fully what being thankful means.

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Simple Gift Giving: Want, Need, Wear, Read

by on November 21, 2011
in holidays & celebrations · 28 Comments

The following post is by editor Kara Fleck.

This Christmas I find myself with my hands a little fuller than usual, after the birth of our fourth child in August.  And, perhaps like many of you, we’re finding that the budget at the Fleck house is a little tighter this holiday season, too.

Instead of focusing on the things we cannot do, I’d rather shift the focus to appreciating what we can do, and enjoying the spirit of the season.

I’ve always been more of a quality over quantity person, and I hope to raise my kids to have the same attitude.

So, this year, more than ever, I’m committed to a simple holiday. 

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Weekend Links

by on November 20, 2011
in showcase · Leave a Comment

Thanksgiving Cookies: An Edible Craft

by on November 18, 2011
in crafts, holidays & celebrations · 16 Comments

The following post was written by contributor Rae Grant and originally appeared November 2010.

With the Thanksgiving holiday upon us, home is a busy place. Thanksgiving Day is always a good time to offer kids a craft focus and it is the perfect opportunity to make new traditions.

Over the years, we have made pinecone turkeys, turkey handprints, wreaths, and nature centerpieces for the children’s table. I’ve found it is always a good idea to have a simple, seasonal craft project in mind when you have a group of kids for a holiday. It brings them together and adds an element of tradition to the festivities. It will also give them things to remember years later.

I recall one Thanksgiving when my brother was dive-bombing his small green plastic toy soldier directly into the mashed potatoes and gravy on his plate. No adults were watching and we kids were highly amused. We should have been crafting!

This year, I’ve decided to do something a little different to keep the kids busy on Thanksgiving Day. After watching all the lovely changes in the leaves, making hand-cut sugar cookies in the shape of an autumn leaf seems like the perfect ending to a beautiful season.

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Seeds of Potential: Exploring Similarities and Differences with Children

by on November 16, 2011
in play learn explore · 19 Comments

As children grow older their social world begins to expand and to take an ever-increasing role in their life and minds. As a classroom teacher and a parent I have witnessed first hand the enormous benefits that come from the explicit introduction of social and emotional skills to children. When children have the language and skills that are necessary to effectively express themselves and to navigate through a variety of circumstances, they have more energy and time to dedicate to playing, learning and growing.

Families that explore these concepts together develop a shared language and lines of communication that will become ever so important as children become exposed to more complex social dynamics.

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