Looking for a fun and easy Thanksgiving craft for kids? This free thankful turkey printable craft is a great way to help preschoolers and kindergarteners celebrate Thanksgiving while learning about gratitude.
Kids will love making their own colorful paper turkey and thinking of things they are thankful for. This simple Thanksgiving activity is perfect for the classroom, homeschool, or a fun afternoon craft at home.
With the free printable turkey template, a few basic craft supplies, and a little creativity, children can make an adorable Thanksgiving decoration to display or take home to share with their families.
This thankful turkey craft is an easy, hands-on way to practice cutting, coloring, and fine motor skills while encouraging children to talk about the people and things that make them happy.
Download the free thankful turkey printable below and get started making this cute Thanksgiving craft with your kids!
Free Printable Build a Thankful Turkey Template PDF
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How to Make Thanksgiving Thankful Turkey Printable Craft
Supplies
- white card stock
- scissors
- crayons, markers, colored pencils or paint
- glue
- black marker
Free Printable Build a Thankful Turkey Template PDF
Click on the photo or title to print out this thankful turkey template PDF file.
Turkey Feathers Printable
Step 1.
Print out the thankful turkey template on white card stock and let dry for a few minutes.
Step 2.
Next, write what you are thankful for one each feather using a black marker.
Then, color the feathers and the turkey body and feet using crayons or colored pencils. Color around the writing.
Step 3.
Cut the turkey and feathers out. Glue the feathers to the turkey body leaving the writing showing. Let dry.
What Can Kids Write on Their Thankful Turkey?
Before starting this Thanksgiving turkey craft, talk with your kids about what it means to be thankful. Ask them to think about people, pets, places, and things that make them happy.
Here are some easy thankful turkey ideas for preschoolers and kindergarteners:
- My family
- My friends
- My pets
- My home
- My favorite toys
- My teacher
- Yummy food
- Playing outside
- Books and stories
- Hugs and love
Have kids choose something they are thankful for and write one idea on each turkey feather.
For younger preschoolers: Let them draw pictures of the things they are thankful for instead of writing words. An adult can help write the words underneath their drawings.
For kindergarteners: Encourage children to write short sentences, such as "I am thankful for my family."
When everyone is finished, let each child share one thing they are thankful for with the group.
Instead of coloring the the turkey and feathers you can use it as a template and make your own turkey out of colored construction paper. After you cut the turkey out, write what you are thankful for in a dark color. Then, glue the turkey together.
Try some of these fun Thanksgiving crafts for kids: 17 Colorful Paper Plate Turkey Crafts, 43 Easy Thanksgiving Activities & Preschool Crafts, or 50 Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids
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Fun Ways to Use Your Thankful Turkey Printable
There are several fun ways to use this free Thanksgiving turkey printable at home or in the classroom.
Thanksgiving bulletin board: Make a classroom display with the finished turkeys and the words "We Are Thankful!"
Thanksgiving table decorations: Use the colorful paper turkeys as homemade decorations for your Thanksgiving dinner table.
Daily gratitude activity: Have children complete one feather each day leading up to Thanksgiving.
Family Thanksgiving craft: Let each family member make their own thankful turkey. Share your finished turkeys during Thanksgiving dinner.
Turkey writing activity: Older children can write a complete sentence on each feather explaining why they are thankful for something.
You can also use the turkey template with colored construction paper instead of coloring the printable. Cut the turkey body and feathers out of construction paper, write thankful messages, and glue the pieces together.
Thankful Turkey Printable Craft FAQs
Is this thankful turkey printable free?
Yes! You can download and print the free Thanksgiving turkey template using the PDF links above. The printable includes the turkey pieces and feathers needed to make the craft.
What age is this Thanksgiving turkey craft for?
This craft is great for preschoolers, pre-K, kindergarteners, and elementary-aged children. Younger kids may need help cutting and writing, while older children can complete more of the craft independently.
Can preschoolers make this craft without writing?
Yes! Preschoolers can draw pictures on the turkey feathers or tell an adult what they are thankful for. An adult can write the words for them.
What kind of paper works best?
White cardstock makes a sturdy turkey craft, but regular printer paper works too. You can also trace the printable pieces onto colored construction paper.
How can I use this thankful turkey craft in the classroom?
Use the printable during a Thanksgiving theme, gratitude lesson, writing center, or fine motor activity. Display the finished turkeys on a classroom bulletin board or send them home to share with families.