Handprint Turkeys: A Classic Thanksgiving Craft
One of the simplest and most popular Thanksgiving crafts is the handprint turkey. It’s an easy project for kids of all ages, and MBF Sitters can guide them step by step.What You’ll Need
- Construction paper (in fall colors)
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers
- Googly eyes (optional)
How to Do It
1. Have the child trace their hand on a piece of construction paper. Cut out the hand shape. 2. Each finger becomes a feather of the turkey. Let the kids color them in with bright fall colors like red, yellow, orange, and brown. 3. Add a googly eye and draw on a beak to complete the turkey’s face on the thumb. 4. For older kids, you can turn this into a gratitude activity by having them write what they are thankful for on each feather.
Why It Works
This craft isn’t just fun; it also gives kids a chance to talk about gratitude. The simple activity of writing or talking about what they’re thankful for opens up meaningful conversations that help kids reflect on the holiday’s purpose.
Gratitude Jars: A Thoughtful Tradition
A Gratitude Jar is another wonderful way to encourage kids to think about thankfulness during Thanksgiving. It’s easy for MBF Sitters to introduce this project, and it can become a family tradition.What You’ll Need
- A mason jar or any container
- Colored paper or construction paper
- Scissors
- Markers or crayons
- Ribbon or stickers for decoration
How to Do It
1. Have the kids decorate the jar with stickers, ribbon, or any materials you have on hand.
2. Cut the construction paper into small slips, and ask the kids to write (or dictate) something they are grateful for on each one.
3. Every day leading up to Thanksgiving, encourage the family to add notes of gratitude to the jar. On Thanksgiving, read them aloud as a group.
Why It Works
Gratitude jars foster a daily habit of reflecting on what we’re thankful for. It’s a simple yet powerful way to reinforce the values of Thanksgiving, helping kids appreciate the little things in their lives.
Pumpkin Painting: A Fun, Mess-Free Alternative to Carving
Carving pumpkins is a beloved Halloween activity, but painting pumpkins can be just as fun—and a lot less messy and dangerous! This project allows for creativity without the need for sharp tools, making it perfect for younger kids.What You’ll Need
- Small pumpkins (real or plastic)
- Acrylic paint
- Paintbrushes
- Newspaper or paper towels for easy cleanup
How to Do It
1. Lay down some newspaper or towels to keep the area clean.
2. Let the kids pick out their favorite colors and paint their pumpkins however they like. They can make silly faces, fall scenes, or even abstract designs.
3. Once the paint is dry, you can display the pumpkins as part of your Thanksgiving décor.
Why It Works
Painting pumpkins gives kids the freedom to explore their creativity, and because there’s no carving involved, it’s a safe, low-stress activity. Plus, these painted pumpkins can serve as festive decorations throughout the season.Autumn Leaf Collage: Bringing Nature Indoors
Kids love to explore the outdoors, and autumn provides a perfect opportunity to gather materials for a fun and colorful leaf collage. MBF Sitters can help kids collect leaves and turn them into a beautiful work of art.What You’ll Need
- A variety of leaves (different colors and shapes)
- Construction paper or cardboard
- Glue sticks
- Markers
How to Do It
1. Go on a leaf hunt! This is a great way to start the project—encourage kids to find different shapes, sizes, and colors of leaves.
2. Once you’ve gathered the leaves, arrange them on a piece of construction paper or cardboard to create a pattern or scene.
3. Glue the leaves down, and let the kids add details with markers. They can even label the types of leaves if you’re making it an educational experience.
Why It Works
Collecting and identifying leaves turns this craft into an outdoor adventure, and the creative part helps kids develop fine motor skills and spatial awareness. It’s a perfect blend of education and art.
Pinecone Turkeys: Nature Meets Crafting
Pinecones are abundant in the fall, and they make an excellent base for a Thanksgiving craft project. With just a few simple materials, MBF Sitters can help kids transform pinecones into adorable turkeys.What You’ll Need
- Pinecones
- Googly eyes
- Construction paper (for feathers and beak)
- Glue
- Scissors
How to Do It
1. Cut out feather shapes from construction paper. You’ll need several feathers per pinecone. 2. Glue the feathers to the back of the pinecone to form the turkey’s tail. 3. Add googly eyes and a small paper beak to the front to complete the turkey.
Why It Works
Pinecone turkeys are a great way to bring natural materials into a crafting project, and the result is a cute, personalized decoration that can be used on the Thanksgiving table.Fall-Themed Sensory Bins: Fun for Little Hands
Sensory bins are a great way to engage younger children in a hands-on activity that stimulates their senses. With a few simple materials, MBF Sitters can create a fall-themed sensory experience that’s both fun and educational.What You’ll Need
- Dried corn kernels or fall-colored rice
- Small pumpkins or gourds
- Acorns, pinecones, or other natural materials
- Plastic containers or trays
How to Do It
1. Fill a large plastic bin or tray with dried corn kernels or rice as a base.
2. Add in small pumpkins, acorns, and pinecones for the kids to explore.
3. Provide small scoops, spoons, or containers for the kids to use as they dig through the sensory bin.
Why It Works
Sensory bins help develop fine motor skills and encourage exploratory play. The fall-themed items add a seasonal twist that keeps the activity fresh and engaging.Conclusion: MBF Sitters Make Thanksgiving Special
Thanksgiving is all about family, gratitude, and creativity, and with the help of MBF Sitters, these values come to life through fun and easy crafts. From handprint turkeys to gratitude jars, these activities give children a chance to express themselves while learning important lessons about thankfulness and community. With MBF Sitters guiding the way, parents can rest assured that their children are not only being cared for but are also engaging in meaningful and enriching activities.
These Thanksgiving crafts are more than just decorations—they’re opportunities to create lasting memories and to instill in kids the spirit of the holiday. So this season, let MBF Sitters take the reins and help your family celebrate with creativity, joy, and gratitude.
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As parents, we all know how important it is to keep our kids engaged and entertained, especially during those long summer days or school breaks. That's where our trusted MBF sitters come in! Not only do they provide top-notch childcare, but they also bring a special touch of creativity to keep your little ones entertained with fun and educational crafts.
At MBF Agency, we believe that crafting is an excellent way to foster creativity, fine motor skills, and a sense of accomplishment in children. That's why our sitters are trained to plan and execute a variety of age-appropriate craft projects that will captivate your kids' imaginations and keep them happily occupied.
Let's take a look at some of the exciting craft ideas our sitters have in store:
1. Homemade Play Dough
What's better than playing with soft, squishy play dough? Making it from scratch, of course! This classic craft is not only fun but also helps develop hand strength and dexterity. Our sitters will guide your kids through mixing the simple ingredients (flour, salt, water, and food coloring) and then let their creativity run wild as they mold, sculpt, and shape their very own playdough creations.
Click Here for the Full Recipe
2. Painted Rocks
Decorating rocks with vibrant paints is a simple yet delightful activity that encourages artistic expression. Your kids can let their imagination run wild as they transform ordinary rocks into colorful masterpieces, whether it's a friendly ladybug, a smiling sun, or a whimsical creature straight from their imagination. Not only is it fun, but it also helps improve concentration and fine motor skills.
3. Paper Bag Puppets
Puppetry is a timeless form of entertainment, and what better way to introduce it to your kids than by having them create their own paper bag puppets? Our sitters will guide them through transforming a simple brown paper bag into a colorful, character-filled puppet using markers, crayons, and other craft supplies. Once complete, the kids can put on a delightful puppet show, fostering their creativity, storytelling abilities, and social skills.
https://www.simpleeverydaymom.com/paper-bag-puppets/
4. Homemade Slime
There's something incredibly satisfying about squishing and stretching homemade slime. Our sitters will lead your kids through the process of mixing household ingredients like glue, baking soda, and contact lens solution to create their very own gooey, stretchy slime. Not only is it a sensory delight, but it also helps develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/fluffy-slime-recipe/
5. Tie-Dye T-Shirts
Who doesn't love the vibrant swirls of a tie-dye shirt? With our sitters' guidance, your kids can create their own wearable masterpieces using simple supplies like white t-shirts, fabric dye, and rubber bands. They'll learn about color mixing and have a blast twisting and tying their shirts before unveiling their unique designs.
https://www.instructables.com/How-to-tie-dye-an-old-white-shirt-or-a-new-shirt-/
6. Origami Animals
Origami, the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, is a fantastic way to combine creativity with problem-solving skills. Our sitters will teach your kids how to follow step-by-step instructions to transform a simple sheet of paper into delightful origami animals like dogs, cats, and butterflies. This activity promotes patience, concentration, and a sense of accomplishment when they unveil their paper creations.
https://www.redtedart.com/easy-origami-for-kids/
These are just a few examples of the countless crafts our MBF sitters have up their sleeves. Not only are these activities fun and engaging, but they also provide valuable learning opportunities. From developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination to fostering creativity and problem-solving abilities, crafting offers a multitude of benefits for your child's growth and development.
At MBF Agency, we understand that finding the right childcare solution is essential for busy parents. That's why we go above and beyond to ensure that our sitters not only provide exceptional care but also create memorable experiences for your children. With their creativity, patience, and passion for working with children, our sitters will keep your kids entertained, engaged, and eager for their next visit.
So, the next time you need a trusted sitter, look no further than MBF Agency. Our team of dedicated professionals will not only ensure your child's safety and well-being but also provide them with a world of fun and creativity through exciting craft projects. Let your kids unleash their imagination and create lasting memories with our talented MBF sitters.
To learn more about our childcare services or to schedule a sitter for your next adventure, visit our website or give us a call today.