As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s the perfect time to create meaningful family traditions that will last a lifetime! At Little Learner Children’s Academy, we believe the holidays should be a time for families to connect, celebrate, and enjoy each other’s company. To help you make the most of this Thanksgiving, we’re sharing various activities and tips for young children to foster togetherness during this special season!
Fun Thanksgiving Activities for Young Children
Engaging your child in Thanksgiving-themed activities can be both fun and formative! These ideas will help your little one develop skills while celebrating the spirit of the season:
Handprint Turkey: Trace your child’s hand on construction paper, cut it out, and let them decorate it as a colorful turkey! Use feathers, googly eyes, and markers to bring it to life. This activity not only sparks their imagination but also creates a keepsake that you can cherish for years.
Gratitude Exercise: Encourage your child to think about what they are thankful for each day leading up to Thanksgiving. You can start a “Thankful Jar” where they add a note each day with something they appreciate. This simple exercise promotes reflection and gratitude, making it a meaningful family tradition.
Read Thanksgiving-Themed Books: Reading together is a fantastic way to bond and learn. Choose books like Turkey Trouble or The Thankful Book to introduce your child to Thanksgiving stories and themes. Discuss the stories afterward and ask your child what they learned to reinforce the message of gratitude and family.
Tips for Creating Meaningful Family Traditions
Make Thanksgiving even more meaningful by forming family traditions with your young children! Here are a few simple ways to create lasting memories together:
Create a Family Gratitude Journal: Each year, write down what each family member is thankful for. Reflect on previous years and see how your child’s thoughts and gratitude grow over time!
Involve Children in Meal Preparation: Let your little one help set the table, mash potatoes, or mix ingredients for your family’s Thanksgiving feast! Including young children in the meal preparation process teaches valuable life skills and creates a sense of accomplishment and participation.
Story Time About Thanksgiving: Read age-appropriate books that highlight the values of gratitude, kindness, and sharing. Use story time as a way to start conversations about what it means to be thankful and how to show appreciation.
LLCA Thanksgiving Events
At LLCA, we’re excited to share the Thanksgiving spirit with our families this month through special events and activities. Here’s a sneak peek at what we have in store:
Parent-Teacher Conferences – November 25-27
We believe that family involvement in your child’s education is crucial, which is why we offer Parent-Teacher Conferences by appointment. These meetings provide an opportunity for parents and teachers to connect, discuss your child’s progress, and explore how we can best support their learning journey.
Classroom Thanksgiving Feast – November 27
Our Classroom Thanksgiving Feast is a favorite among the children! Each class will celebrate together, enjoying a special meal and sharing what they are thankful for. It’s a wonderful way for students to experience the holiday traditions with their friends, fostering a sense of community and gratitude.
Thanksgiving Break – November 28-29
Please note that LLCA will be closed on Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29, in observance of Thanksgiving. We hope all of our families have a joyous and restful holiday break filled with love, warmth, and plenty of cherished memories. We look forward to welcoming everyone back after the holiday!
Hearing and Vision Screening – See Director for Dates
At LLCA, we prioritize the health and well-being of every child. This month, we’ll be offering hearing and vision screenings for our students. This is a great opportunity to check in on your child’s sensory health and address any potential concerns early on. Please see your center’s director for specific dates and additional details on how to participate!
At Little Learner Children’s Academy, we aim to support families in creating meaningful traditions that children will cherish for years to come. Whether through crafting, sharing a family meal, or attending our Thanksgiving events, there are countless ways to make this season special. Let’s celebrate Thanksgiving by building connections, expressing gratitude, and creating joyful memories together!