Just mentioning the word "Thanksgiving" often conjures up memories for
many. Traditions are relived and new ones are born on this joyous family
holiday. Why not start a new one with your children with this fun and
simple activity.
To make your own Thanksgiving Tree you will need the following
materials:
sheet of white poster board
pencil
tempera paint, markers or crayons
construction paper in red, yellow and orange
markers
scissors
glue or tape
glitter glue (optional)
Variation: This project can also be easily adapted to a cork board (see
photo) by simply using colored push pins to match the leaves. Use brown
construction paper to make the tree trunk.You may draw the tree trunk
freehand or print out our template by clicking here.
At the top of the posterboard, entitle your tree "Smith Kids
Thanksgiving Tree", inserting your family surname in the title.
With a pencil on poster board, draw a basic tree with a branch for each
child in the family. If you only have 1-2 children, it might be fun to
include two or three branches for each child.
Using tempera paint, markers, or crayons color the tree trunk brown. On
red, orange, green and yellow construction paper, trace 10 copies of
each child's hand. Cut out and give each child their "leaves".
Each child writes one thing that they are thankful for on each leaf
(grown ups can help if needed!). You may decorate the leaves with
glitter glue if you like. Next, tape or glue the leaves onto their
designated branches.
This makes a great activity to keep kids happy during a large family
gathering. Hint: Make the base ahead of time for quick start up.
Hang up the Thanksgiving Tree where the whole family can see it. Makes a
great conversation piece! Later, after dinner, have the children present
their tree to the family gathered around. Each child tells what they are
thankful for and why.
For added fun, make additional posterboard bases up ahead of time so
that the rest of the family can add their leaves as well. Have supplies
at the ready!
Photo Copyright © 2000 FamilyCorner.com Magazine, Inc.
About the author
Amanda Formaro is the entrepreneurial mother of four children. She and
her husband live in southeastern Wisconsin. She is also the owner of
FamilyCorner.com Magazine. Subscribe to her free holiday newsletter,
Family Holidays, by sending any email message to
holidays-on@mail-list.com or by visiting her website at
http://familycorner.com.
