thanksgiving food craft ideas for preschool
Thanksgiving is a holiday that is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy in many parts of the world. It is a time for families and friends to come together and give thanks for the blessings in their lives. For preschoolers, Thanksgiving is an exciting time as they get to learn about the history and traditions of this holiday, as well as participate in various activities and crafts. One of the best ways to engage preschoolers in the Thanksgiving spirit is through food-related crafts. These crafts not only allow children to be creative, but also teach them about different types of food and how they are an important part of the Thanksgiving celebration. In this article, we will explore some fun and easy food craft ideas for preschoolers to celebrate Thanksgiving.
1. Handprint Turkey Cookies
Handprint crafts are always a hit with preschoolers, and this one is no exception. To make handprint turkey cookies, you will need sugar cookies, chocolate chips, candy corn, and frosting. Start by having the children decorate the sugar cookies with frosting as the base of their turkey. Then, have them press their hand onto the cookie to create the turkey’s body. Next, they can add chocolate chips for the eyes and candy corn for the feathers. This craft not only allows children to use their creativity, but also teaches them about the different parts of a turkey.
2. Cornucopia Fruit Cups
Cornucopia, also known as the “horn of plenty”, is a symbol of abundance and prosperity often associated with Thanksgiving. This craft is a fun and healthy way to teach children about the tradition of the cornucopia. For this craft, you will need small cups, various fruits such as grapes, strawberries, and kiwi, and a sugar cone. Start by having the children fill the cup with fruit, leaving some space at the top. Then, have them roll up a sugar cone to create the cornucopia shape and place it at the top of the cup. This craft is not only easy and fun, but also encourages children to eat a variety of fruits.
3. Pumpkin Pie Playdough
Playdough is always a hit with preschoolers, and this homemade pumpkin pie playdough is a perfect Thanksgiving craft. To make this playdough, you will need flour, salt, cream of tartar, pumpkin pie spice, vegetable oil, and orange food coloring. Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl, then add the oil and food coloring. Have the children knead the playdough until it is smooth and pliable. You can also add small pumpkin pie props such as mini rolling pins and cookie cutters for the children to play with. This craft not only allows children to explore different textures, but also teaches them about the ingredients used in a pumpkin pie.
4. Turkey Vegetable Tray
Thanksgiving is often associated with indulgent and heavy meals, but this craft offers a healthy twist to the traditional Thanksgiving food. For this craft, you will need a variety of vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Start by having the children arrange the vegetables on a platter to create a turkey shape. You can also add a bowl of dip for the turkey’s head. This craft not only teaches children about different types of vegetables, but also encourages them to eat a balanced and nutritious meal.
5. Pumpkin Seed Art
Pumpkins are a staple of Thanksgiving, and this craft allows children to use pumpkin seeds in a creative way. To make pumpkin seed art, you will need construction paper, glue, and pumpkin seeds. Have the children draw a pumpkin shape on the construction paper and then fill it in with glue. Next, have them place pumpkin seeds on the glue, creating a mosaic effect. This craft not only allows children to be creative, but also teaches them about the different parts of a pumpkin.
6. Apple Pie in a Cup
Apple pie is a classic Thanksgiving dessert, and this craft gives children a chance to make their own mini version. For this craft, you will need small clear cups, graham crackers, apple pie filling, and whipped cream. Start by having the children crush the graham crackers and place them at the bottom of the cup. Then, have them add a layer of apple pie filling and top it off with whipped cream. This craft not only allows children to explore different textures and flavors, but also teaches them about the ingredients used in an apple pie.
7. Thanksgiving Trail Mix
Trail mix is a popular snack, and this craft allows children to make their own Thanksgiving version. For this craft, you will need a variety of snacks such as pretzels, dried fruits, and nuts. Have the children mix the snacks together in a bowl and then divide it into small bags. You can also have the children decorate the bags with fall-themed stickers or drawings. This craft not only teaches children about different types of snacks, but also encourages them to share and be thankful for what they have.
8. Pinecone Turkey
Pinecones are a common element in fall and Thanksgiving decor, and this craft gives children a chance to make their own turkey using pinecones. For this craft, you will need pinecones, feathers, googly eyes, and glue. Start by gluing the feathers onto the back of the pinecone to create the turkey’s tail. Then, have the children glue googly eyes onto the front of the pinecone. This craft not only allows children to use their imagination, but also teaches them about different textures and the anatomy of a turkey.
9. Fruit and Vegetable Turkeys
This craft is a fun and healthy way to teach children about the different food groups. For this craft, you will need various fruits and vegetables such as grapes, carrots, and celery. Start by having the children arrange the fruits and vegetables on a plate to create a turkey shape. You can also add a bowl of dip for the turkey’s head. This craft not only encourages children to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, but also teaches them about the different food groups and their importance in a balanced diet.
10. Pilgrim Hat Cookies
Pilgrim hats are a traditional Thanksgiving symbol, and this craft gives children a chance to make their own edible version. For this craft, you will need chocolate sandwich cookies, chocolate kisses, and frosting. Start by having the children twist apart the cookies and place a chocolate kiss on the cream side. Then, have them use frosting to secure the chocolate kiss to the cookie. This craft not only allows children to be creative, but also teaches them about the different parts of a pilgrim’s hat.
In conclusion, food-related crafts are a great way to engage preschoolers in the Thanksgiving spirit. These crafts not only allow children to use their creativity, but also teach them about different types of food and their importance in the Thanksgiving celebration. By incorporating these fun and easy food craft ideas into your Thanksgiving activities, you can make this holiday even more memorable for your preschoolers.
children’s authors of color
In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards diversity and inclusion in literature, particularly in the world of children’s books. One important aspect of this movement is the representation of authors of color, who bring unique perspectives and experiences to the literary world. Children’s authors of color not only provide representation for children who may not see themselves in traditional literature, but also offer a diverse range of stories and characters that can educate and inspire readers of all backgrounds. In this article, we will explore the impact and importance of children’s authors of color, and highlight some of the most influential and talented writers in this field.
The lack of diversity in children’s literature has been a long-standing issue. For many years, the majority of books written for young readers featured white, middle-class characters, with little representation of people of color. This lack of diversity not only limits the experiences and perspectives available to children, but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and biases. As a result, it is crucial for children to have access to books written by authors of color, who can provide a more accurate and diverse representation of the world.
One of the most influential children’s authors of color is Jacqueline Woodson. With over 30 books to her name, Woodson’s writing explores themes of identity, family, and race. In her award-winning book “Brown Girl Dreaming”, Woodson tells the story of her childhood as an African American girl growing up in the 1960s and 1970s. The book received critical acclaim and won numerous awards, including the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. Through her writing, Woodson has become a voice for marginalized communities and has made a significant impact in diversifying the landscape of children’s literature.
Another notable children’s author of color is Jason Reynolds. Known for his powerful and moving stories, Reynolds has written numerous books for young readers that tackle themes of race, identity, and social justice. His book “Ghost”, which follows the story of a young African American boy who discovers his talent for running, has been praised for its relatable and authentic depiction of the challenges faced by young people of color. Reynolds’ work has earned him several awards and accolades, including the Coretta Scott King Award and a Newbery Honor.
In addition to individual authors, there are also organizations and initiatives that are dedicated to promoting and supporting children’s authors of color. One such organization is We Need Diverse Books (WNDB), which was founded in 2014 with the goal of increasing diversity in children’s literature. WNDB offers grants and awards to authors of color, hosts writing workshops and mentorship programs, and works with publishers to increase the representation of diverse voices in the industry. Their efforts have already made a significant impact, with the number of books featuring diverse characters and authors increasing in recent years.
The impact of children’s authors of color goes beyond representation and diversity. These writers also offer a diverse range of stories and characters that can educate and inspire readers of all backgrounds. For example, author and illustrator Grace Lin’s books explore Chinese culture and mythology, providing a window into a world that may be unfamiliar to many young readers. Through her books, Lin not only offers representation for children of Chinese descent but also educates readers about different cultures and traditions.
Similarly, author and illustrator Yuyi Morales’s books draw on her Mexican heritage and incorporate elements of Mexican folklore in her stories. Her book “Viva Frida” celebrates the life and legacy of iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, while also introducing young readers to Mexican culture and art. Through her work, Morales aims to challenge stereotypes and showcase the beauty and diversity of Mexican culture.
Another notable children’s author of color is Kwame Alexander. His books, such as “The Crossover” and “Rebound”, use poetry and sports to tell captivating stories about young African American boys. Through his writing, Alexander aims to inspire and empower young readers, particularly boys of color, to find their passion and potential. In addition to his books, Alexander also founded the “Book-in-a-Day” program, which provides young people in underserved communities with the tools and resources to write and publish their own books.
In recent years, there has been a push for more diverse and inclusive representation in children’s literature, and this has led to an increase in the number of authors of color being published. However, there is still a long way to go. According to a study by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center, only 5% of children’s books published in 2019 featured African American characters, and only 1% featured Native American or Latinx characters. This lack of representation highlights the ongoing need for more children’s authors of color to bring their unique perspectives and stories to the literary world.
In conclusion, children’s authors of color have a significant impact on the world of literature, providing much-needed representation and diversity in the stories and characters available to young readers. Their work not only gives a voice to marginalized communities but also educates and inspires readers of all backgrounds. It is crucial for the publishing industry to continue supporting and promoting diverse voices, and for readers to seek out and support books written by authors of color. By doing so, we can ensure that all children have access to a diverse range of stories and characters that reflect the world they live in.