Thanksgiving Activity Book

What a fun way to make Thanksgiving truly memorable. This printable will not only give the kids something to do, but what a nice keepsake. Just be sure to put the child's name and the date somewhere on it so that when, a few years down the road, you bring it out to show their children ... you can say, "And this is what Mommy (or Daddy) did at our Thanksgiving in 2013!

Click here for this free printable!

M is for the Manger ...

Who wouldn't feel special receiving this as a gift? And what a great message, too!  I'm providing the link for instructions ... so CLICK HERE to go there!  The creators of this project have made printing off the card very easy! 

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Faux Ribbon Candy

I remember growing up, and especially at my grandparent's house, seeing ribbon candy and thinking how pretty it was. It wasn't my favorite treat at the holidays but I would have a nibble from time to time.  This is such an easy project and just like the candy ... pretty, too! I think it would be fun to create some "ribbon candy" with children & grandchildren!

This is from the Better Homes and Gardens site .... Click here for instructions

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Printable Magnet Advent Calendar

These are for a magnet Advent Calendar. Printable magnet sheets (3 p/pkg) are available at hobby stores. You will need one package ... each page will have 9 magnets. The link to a printable PDF is below ... once printed, let the ink dry for 10-15 minutes (sheets have a glossy face), then easily cut along the lines with scissors. They are also easy to arrange on your refrigerator according to the current December calendar - making sure to coordinate with "Sunday" magnets in the proper location. These are to be used with the Advent Calendar Activity & Wreath page.  Each day have your child participate in the activity and re-apply the magnet to a different location on the refrigerator.  There are 27 magnets and of course, only 25 days until Christmas, beginning with Dec. 1. Depending on a current calendar, you may or may not need all the magnets. You can pick which ones to use if you have extras! The "Counting down to Christmas" magnet may be used as a heading for the Advent Calendar or as a filler, if needed. (It is always a good idea to print one page on regular computer paper to make sure pictures are not cut off by the margin.)

The money from the activity on each magnet can be put in a container and used as an offering at Christmas time.  Your children and grandchildren can watch the calendar as it prints off, help cut the segments apart & place it on your refrigerator. 

Click here for printable copy of the Magnet Advent Calendar
and instructions for an Advent Wreath

Click here for printable Advent Activity page

Here is the Magnet Advent Calendar on my refrigerator. The French doors were not wide enough to accommodate the calendar in the traditional way, so I placed the days of the week in a column and the Advent Sundays in a row at the top.  I rather like it this way!

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Advent Christmas Tree

This is a super easy (and fun) Advent Calendar. Most children have made "chains" before, and this is no different.  Well, maybe a little different because of how the links are intertwined with each other to form a tree. I think looking at it is fairly self explanatory. I'm providing the link to the site.

Click here to get free instructions for this Advent Calendar Tree!

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5 Finger Prayer

The Five Finger Prayer is a good way to introduce children to intentionally praying for others.  Each finger, with a category of persons they may or may not know, follows a progression that encourages them to pray for themselves last ... even though they certainly are not the least! In today's world, where often times there is a sense of entitlement and the desire to fulfill our own wants before our needs, this will help to keep things in a bit of perspective. If you like ... they can color the turkey, too! 

Click here for a printable copy of the 5 Finger Prayer turkey

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Gobble, Gobble!

Another turkey creation that is easy to do and what fun for the table!  Go ahead and cut, chop, & peel all the veggies so that the kids can help you get this turkey ready. Red leaf lettuce is the base, then celery, carrots, asparagus, peppers, cherry tomatoes and finally cucumber. For his head ... Yellow squash of course!  If you don't have a large round platter ... use a couple of disposable pizza pans (placed on top of each other) from the dollar store. I recommend you use double pans for extra stability, and to be totally safe ... construct this turkey where it will sit at the table.

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Quirky Turkey

This is pretty self-explanatory ... and certainly a fun centerpiece!

Instructions for this centerpiece!

Math CAN Be Fun!

This is the very best online math teaching aid on the market. It is helpful to both teachers and parents and ... geared to catch the attention of elementary aged students.  The program offers "streaming" access so there is no need to download the program and is very affordable for any household. 

Your student(s) will learn their math facts in an up-to-date and engaging way, helping them to actually have fun while they learn. Who thought math could be fun? Well, it can be and the developer of Factivation (a classroom teacher) has found the formula for student success. When young students have confidence in their ability to learn math ... they also excel in other subjects. 

See the link below and "Take a Tour".

Click here to take a look at the program.

Easy as Apple Pie

So easy to make and you can use napkins from a local discount dollar store!

What better way to decorate the table than a super cute Apple kid’s craft?! Kids just love when they are able to help by doing big kid things and setting the table with these adorable apple place setting cards will be a sure fire hit that is loved by kids and adults a like. Napkins instead of tissue paper were used because the napkins tend to be a little stronger and easier for little ones to handle, but tissue paper would work great also. So grab up your little ones and get your supplies ready and have a great time!   Click here to get full, easy instructions.
       
You can also cut a leaf from green construction paper and add a word that symbolizes thanksgiving or love. Try yellow or bright green napkins for different apple varieties!