Glimpse of Yesterday

Glimpse of Yesterday

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Thanksgiving Activity for the Family


I just want to share a Thanksgiving activity that I did with my kids when they were young(er). We had a Thankful Tree. I wish I had a picture to share, but back in the day, I was horrible at taking regular pictures. And when I did, I'd be lucky to get the roll of film developed within the year. Anyway, I would take a paper brown grocery bag and cut it along a side corner length wise and cut out the entire bottom. I would now have a nice big piece of brown paper. I would tape it to the wall, blank side facing out. This has do be done at a height that is attainable for each child to reach. I would then use a marker to make the trunk of a large tree, and some grass, too. Using colored construction paper: yellow, orange, red and green, I would cut out large leaf shapes. If you have scrapbooking materials, you may have a leaf stencil. You could use a cookie cutter, too.

At the top of the paper, I would write: "We are thankful for. . . . . . . ". Everyday, each family member would select a leaf of any color, and write on it (by themselves or with help from Mom or Dad), one thing that they are thankful for. That leaf is then taped onto the tree. Some can be taped on the grass, as though they have fallen.

I would always allow them to write whatever they wanted on those leaves. After all, they have their own feelings and emotions. If they were thankful for video games, so be it. After all, I did write 'chocolate' every year. There were the pets, Dad's job, clean clothes, nice neighbors, etc.

And come Thanksgiving Day, we had a beautifully colorful tree that was full of the wonderful blessings of which we were all so thankful.

I believe this activity helped them as got older to appreciate, every day, the things that were provided for them.


5 comments:

  1. We made a similar tree but ours was out of felt and then we hang it up year after year...it is a great memory. Thanksgiving is such a special time of year but I must say that this year I am not decorating for Thanksgiving but am putting out my Christmas stuff....this is not normal for me. I have tons of Thanksgiving decorations but because of different plans this year I have already put them all away till next year. Alas, next year they will go up as planned. Dianntha

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  2. That's a great thing to do with children. I hope that some of your readers will try it. Sounds like a great classroom activity, too.

    Well, I loved seeing Robin's beautiful face here. I remember seeing your photo on her blog, but she's not as forthcoming about her own photo. You gals look like sisters! (My sister and I don't look a thing alike.)

    Thank you for visiting and leaving such a supportive comment...very much appreciated.

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  3. What a great idea! We'll definitely fit this in here this year.

    Lynn

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  4. Lee...when we went to Tim and Beth's house in Colorado..they had one painted right on the wall...it was so neat..and they encouraged friends to trace their hand print as a leaf and leave what they are Thankful for.

    It's been raining cats and dogs here...

    Love,
    Rob

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  5. I spoke to Andrew on the phone today to wish him a Happy Birthday...he popped in at my blog...I had the wrong phone # for him so I had to call Mom to get it. We had a nice chat...

    Love,
    Robin

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