9 Montessori-Inspired Ways to Make Thanksgiving Memories
“Be present in all things, and thankful for all things.”
In light of Thanksgiving officially kicking off the holiday season this week (although, I like to think that it’s acceptable to start decorating and celebrating as soon as winter weather sets in…), I’m repurposing a post I wrote for Academy of the Winds this week.
May you find ways to make this holiday season memorable and magical.
Happy Thanksgiving Break! I’m so happy to have you here!
As you settle in to enjoy a week off with your families at home, I hope you find peace and rest from a slower pace. Take this time to really engage with your children and observe them closely.
While breaks are highly anticipated, I understand they can also be stressful. With meals to make, work and chores to juggle, and now kids home all day, parents have a lot on their plates.
Remember! Your child is eager to be a part of all the holiday excitement too! This post brings you ideas for ways to spend intentional time with your child as well as involve her in the preparations.
P.S. Feel free to post pictures in the comment section or tag me on Instagram @cambryawrites !
Thanksgiving Activities and Crafts
The goal is to keep the pace relaxed and fun. These activities should be low-prep, low-stress, and high on quality time. Using materials you likely already have at home, you can work side-by-side with your child knowing you’re making memories and building skills.
The internet has an infinite number of ideas out there. Here I’ve collected a few that are geared toward toddlers through elementary-aged students and allow for independence.
TP Roll Thankful Turkey - Simple as can be.
To add an extra element of meaningful connection, help your child write what she is thankful for on each feather.
Younger children will especially love counting each feather.
Older children can write their thankful words for themselves.
Painting or coloring the TP roll first is a great way to engage younger children.
Thanksgiving “I Spy” - Print this form, then all you need is a pencil!
Help your child with one-to-one counting.
Older children can write their own numbers. Younger children may need help with counting and writing.
Coffee Filter Turkey - This craft incorporates fine-motor skills, pincer grasp, color blending and water absorption.
Using fall-colored markers, color a coffee filter.
Spray the filter with water...
OR fold it in fourths, dip just the tip in some water, and watch the colors spread.
(Whichever method you choose here, make sure to enjoy observing this transformation and color movement with your child.)
Set aside to dry
Decorate a clothespin to be the body of a turkey (eyes, beak, color it brown if you want).
When the filter is dry, fold it in half. Clip the folded filter in the middle with the decorated clothespin.
Grateful Jars - Have an empty jar at home? Let your child decorate it. Cut strips of paper to keep nearby the empty jar. Throughout the week, everyone can write down things they’re thankful for and drop the slip of paper in. Before the Thanksgiving meal, these can be read aloud.
Meal-time Questions - Questions and conversations are a great way to make mealtime a time of connection. Using the ideas from the link or your own ideas, fill a jar with some conversation starters. Putting the jar at the dinner table is a great way to get kids excited about talking.
Thanksgiving Prep with your Child
Don’t leave your child out of the thrill of the holiday! Here are some great ways to let her know she’s an important part of the celebration.
Bake - Put on some music and expect a mess!
Clean - Have a hand-held or child-sized broom? Work side-by-side with your child to make the house sparkle and shine. (Fun fact: kids seem to love spraying and washing windows.)
Set the table - Model one table setting for your child, then let her finish the rest. A printable outline can also be a great tool for her to use.
Serve - Guests or not, serving others is a great way to involve your child. Have her choose a dish that she serves to everyone.
Don’t Forget to Observe!
A big part of a Montessori approach is observation. This is a great time to practice this and become more in-tune to your child’s development.
While you work and do activities with your child, observe:
What hand she uses
Finger strength and coordination
How she holds her tools
Which aspects of the activities or work hold her interest
Which aspects of the activities or work frustrate her
Does she sit or stand while working
Is her body peaceful or fidgety
What she expresses verbally and through body language
These observations can help inform you, the parent, as to what your child craves developmentally. This is a big part of the Montessori teacher’s role as well. The more we observe each child, the more we can offer an environment that provides for her needs.
Happy Thanksgiving!
However you decide to spend this week, I hope you find it refreshing. I’m so thankful to have you as a part of my community of readers. May you be filled with gratitude for the family and friends who surround you.
Happy Thanksgiving!