Thanksgiving week is almost here. That means, food, family and kids home from school. With everything you have to do to get ready for the biggest dinner of the year, keeping the children occupied can be a challenge. I came up with a turkey pinecone craft that will keep the kids busy all week, or at least Thursday morning.

First, send the kids outdoors to gather pinecones. It gets them out of your hair and they’ll get rid of all that pent up energy. Any size or style will work, but they need to be open. 

Cut out feather shapes from construction paper (little children might need help from the older kids). Play a “what I’m thankful for game.” Have each child come up with a list of things they are thankful for, or ask the grown-ups the same question. Then write the short answers on the paper feathers.

Finish the turkeys by gluing the feathers in place along with a paper wattle or beak. Make one for every place setting and have each guest take one home.

Happy Turkey Day!