Intro:
This classic Thanksgiving activity is still gobbles of fun! Painting their hands to produce
colorful handprints provides children with valuable motor skill practice. Using handprints
to create art also encourages creative thinking and unique ways of creating art.
Set Up Ideas:
Prepare painting, handprint and washing stations, each with the proper tools for the job.
Assist the children as they move from one station to the next, and then back again for the
last handprints.
Let’s Get Started:
Get ready to make some truly charming Thanksgiving turkeys! For this activity, you'll
need construction paper in colors suitable for making the turkey bodies, beaks, feet and
waddles. You'll also need paint in at least four fall colors, wiggly eyes and a big
imagination!
Tips and Tricks:
Have a station with paint and foam brushes ready, as well as a space for children to
quickly wash their hands. When working with multiple children, have one child wash up
while painting the next child's hands.
Follow up Activity:
Challenge children to think of what other animals they can make using their own
handprints! Provide paint and other art materials and assist as needed with painting and
washing hands.
Discuss with the children what sorts of things they are thankful for. If the children seem
reluctant or unable to think of something, you may share some things you are thankful
for. Some topics to be thankful for may include friends, family, food, school, the weather
and so on.
Steps:
- Paint children’s hands each with a fall color of paint and have them stamp their hands
onto a white sheet of paper. Afterward, ensure that children wash their hands thoroughly. - Repeat step 1 using two new colors, and have children wash their hands again. Now the
children should have a sheet of paper with four different colored handprints. - Cut two round shapes to make the turkey’s body. Once the handprints are dry, glue these
pieces on the opening in the center. Then, cut shapes for the feet, beak and waddle. - Glue wiggly eyes, the beak, the legs and the waddle to the turkey’s body. Now enjoy the
beautiful Thanksgiving handprint turkey that you’ve made!