Love to Laugh and Learn

Fun and interesting learning activities to do with the children in your life

Learning Activities for the Color Yellow

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Learning Activities for the Color Yellow

with free printable




Following are some fun learning activities for the color yellow. Find your yellow shirt, put on a big smile and have fun helping your child learn about the color yellow.

Content:

Clothing
Toys
Craft:
Yellow Daffodil
Finger Play
Snacks
Story Time
Related Posts

Clothing

So by now you know where I’m going, right? Help your child find their yellow pieces of clothing and let them help you find your yellow clothing. Get dressed up and ready for Yellow Day.

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Toys

Your child is probably getting the idea of what to do on a special color day. Have them help you go through their toys and find the yellow ones to play with. What can you find?…a yellow truck, Big Bird from Sesame Street, a yellow ball?

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Craft Time

Yellow Daffodil

Materials Needed:

Daffodil Craft Page – click on thumbnail to access the printable craft page
Yellow crayons, markers or paint*
Green crayons, markers or paint
Yellow mini muffin liner
Glue or glue stick

* You can make your own watercolors by mixing a a couple of drops of food coloring with a little water. (This is what I did for my sample.)

This is a fairly simple craft activity but it is so cute. It is a great project for the spring or to give as a homemade Mother’s Day gift.

Learning Activities for the Color Yellow: Materials Needed - Daffodil
Learning Activities for the Color Yellow: Materials Needed – Daffodil

Just print the picture, color or paint it and then glue the mini muffin cup to the center of the flower. Presto Chango! You have a beautiful spring flower.

Learning Activities for the Color Yellow: Daffodil Craft
Learning Activities for the Color Yellow: Daffodil Craft

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Finger Play

Five Little Daffodils

One little daffodil had nothing much to do,

(hold up on finger)

Out popped another one, then there were two.

(hold up two fingers)

Two little daffodils were smiling at a bee,

(point to mouth and smile)

Out popped another one, then there were three.

(hold up three fingers)

Three little daffodils were growing by the door,

(slowly raise arms up above head like growing toward the sun)

Out popped another one, then there were four.

(hold up four fingers)

Four little daffodils were glad to be alive,

(clap hands and smile)

Out popped another one, then there were five.

(hold up five fingers)

Five little daffodils were wearing golden crowns,

(act like putting crown on head)

They danced in the breeze in green satin gowns.

(sway and dance around)

– Author Unknown

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Yellow Foods for snack or meal time

Bananas, yellow pears, cornbread, yellow peppers, yellow tomatoes, corn,
lemons, lemonade, the yolk out of a hard boiled egg

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Story Time

In My New Yellow Shirt by Eileen Spinelli

Reading Level: Ages 2 and up

What seems like a plain yellow shirt leads to a lot of fun use of a little boy’s imagination. He becomes a duck, a taxi, a lazy caterpillar and several other things. This book inspired the two crafts that I listed in this lesson. Have fun enjoying the book together and then take time to make a craft.

The Yellow Tutu by Kirsten Bramsen

Reading Level: Ages 3 and up

Here is another adorable child with a big imagination. Margo decides to wear her new yellow tutu in a different way. It makes her so happy as she pretends to be many things…that is, she is happy until she reaches school where she isn’t treated very well by the other children. But her friend, Pearl, comes to the rescue; as friends often do.

The Little Yellow Leaf by Carin Berger

Reading Level: Ages 3 and up

This makes a great story to read, in the fall, as the leaves start falling down. The one little yellow leaf isn’t ready to let go of the tree even though it’s the only leaf left around…or is it?

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Related Posts

The Lessons – Overview

Colors – Overview

A is for Apple: You Can Learn More Than Your ABC’s from Apples

Pumpkins are Orange; and Other Learning Concepts

Learning Activities for the Color Red

Learning Activities for the Color Blue

Learning Activities for the Color Green

Learning Activities for the Color Purple

Learning Activities for the Color Orange

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Review: Conner Prairie on President’s Day (with a 2 yr old)

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It has been years since I have made a trip to Conner Prairie. I have always loved that place but since our finances have been tight over the last few years I just haven’t been able to go.

Today was President’s Day and Conner Prairie was offering free admission. I had two objectives in going today; first of all, I wondered how crowded and crazy it would be on a free admission day and secondly to see what kind of activities they had for the very young child.

So on the first objective:

How Crazy Was It On A Free Admission Day

There were definitely a lot of people taking advantage of the free admission but we didn’t really have any trouble getting around. The Science Lab was way too crowded for us to get into and, from what I have seen on Conner Prairie’s website, I thought it might be a little advanced for a two year old so we didn’t attempt getting in there. We were able to get into the Discovery Station. It was a little crowded in there so we didn’t let the two year old out of the stroller. There were so many interesting things for him to do though. We decided we would have to go back on a regular day when it might not be as crowded so he could get down and run around. One of the things in the Discovery Station was a General Store that children could play inside.

Conner Prairie: General Store

There were several tables set up with toys on them such as a barn and legos. All the tables were full so we moved on to another room…but we will be back.

Several activities were going on out in the hallway. There were craft tables with children making Abraham Lincoln masks and hats. There was a work table with several kinds of tools on it but we didn’t make it around to there. It was pretty well surrounded by children. There was a great dress up area with clothes for all ages. I saw kids and moms dressing up and everyone was having fun.

Conner Prairie: Dress-up

We were told that there were more activities going on upstairs so we climbed the stairs (unaware that there was an elevator) and found it wasn’t as crowded upstairs. There was a room with all kinds of old time toys and games set up. Since it wasn’t as crowded up there we let the two year old out of the stroller to run around. I will give more details on the things going on upstairs in a little bit when I cover what kind of activities were available for really young children.

After playing upstairs for a while we decided to go outside to see what was happening out there. First we headed to the Featherston Barn to join the birthday party for George Washington. We received a hot chocolate and enjoyed some fiddle playing and dancing.

Conner Prairie: Fiddler

 

Conner Prairie: Barn Dancing

All ages were having fun dancing.

After George Washington’s Birthday party we headed over to the Lenape Indian Camp. I believe this was one of the 2 year old’s favorite areas….more details coming up.

So in conclusion to this segment, some areas were a little crowded but not so crowded that I wouldn’t go back on another one of their free admission days. Everywhere we went was well staffed and everyone was very cheerful and helpful.

Now the second objective:

Activities for the Very Young

As stated above, the Discovery Station had several things that a young child would enjoy but the room was really full today. We definitely want to go back on a day that will be less crowded so the two year old can run around and play with all of the interesting things in that area.

All ages were enjoying the craft table that was in the hallway. Although the very young ones weren’t making the Abraham Lincoln craft they were enjoying coloring and drawing. There was an adorable little girl having fun at the dress-up area.

Conner Prairie: Little girl in dress-up area

As I stated earlier, it was less crowded upstairs so we let the 2 year old out of the stroller to play. He enjoyed playing bean bag toss…

Conner Prairie: Bean Bag Toss

…or should I say, 2 year old stuff the bean bag.

Conner Prairie: 2 yr old version of Bean Bag Toss

That kept him occupied for several minutes. We then went over to a table that had slate boards (chalkboards) and soapstones. Soapstones were what they used to write on the slate boards. We decided we liked the soapstones so much better than the modern chalk that children use today. The soapstones don’t leave that big chalky mess. The 2 year old really enjoyed drawing and we liked the fact that he didn’t have white chalk dust all over himself once he finished.

I believe the 2 year old had the most fun outside. He was able to walk through the basket on the bottom of the large balloon. It wasn’t going up during the time we were there but he didn’t seem to mind. He ran around the basket several times. There was a cute little imitation balloon that he, his brother and mother had their picture taken it. It was a little dark but really cute.

Conner Prairie: Pretend Balloon Ride

After the balloon we headed out to the Featherston Barn for the birthday party. The 2 year old loved the music and the dancing. The pictures are a little blurry because he kept dancing around in circles.

Conner Prairie: Dancing to the Fiddler
Conner Prairie: Dancing in Barn
Conner Prairie: Dancing in Barn (2)

After he was done dancing we headed out to the Lenape Camp. On the way we got to stop and look at a goat. The two year old wanted to kiss the goat but thank goodness the slats in the fence were too small.

Conner Prairie: Goat

There were several cabins at the Lenape Camp. A couple of them were open but they were totally full of people. We were able to step into the doorway of one but we didn’t stay long. One of the cabins was closed up so we had a little fun with the two year old. His mom encouraged him to walk up the steps so she could get a cute picture of him.

Conner Prairie: Cabin

She then encouraged him to knock on the door and say, “Is anybody home?”

Conner Prairie: Is anybody home?

No one was home….

Conner Prairie: Nobody’s Home

…or so we thought…

Ooops…Someone was Home

…I guess we were wrong…somebody came out…

Conner Prairie: He Left

…but then he left. We were able to go watch him shoot his rifle after that.

I believe the two year old had the most fun in the Lenape Indian Hut. He spent a lot of time running in and out of there and climbing on the benches.

Conner Prairie: Lenape Indian Hut
Conner Prairie: Lenape Indian Hut (2)
Conner Prairie: Lenape Indian Hut (3)

We had a hard time getting him out of there. Every time we would ask him if he was ready to go he would turn around and run back inside.

I would have to conclude that there are plenty of fun things for very young children to enjoy. A two year old may be a little young to explain the history of what Conner Prairie is about but the idea of it being a simpler time; a time with no television, no video games, a time when children had to use their imagination and make games out of every day items, is right up a two year old’s alley.

Conner Prairie: Just Having Fun

When all was said and done, we had a wonderful day! Lots of laughs and fun getting to run around in the sunshine on a not-so-horribly cold February day in Indiana.

Related Posts:

Review: Conner Prairie with Young Children
Attractions
Review: Radio Disney Event, Indianapolis 2012

Learning Activities for the Color Blue

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 Learning Activities for the Color Blue
with free printable






Let’s laugh and learn about the color blue today. There are so many wonderful blue things around us; the sky, blueberries, your comfy pair of blue sweatpants or blue jeans. Here are some fun learning activities for the color blue.

Content:

Clothing
Toys
Craft:
Blueberry Pie
Snacks
Story Time
Related Posts

Clothing

Dress you child in something blue; a blue shirt (I have a Thomas the Tank Engine Shirt…remember, I taught preschool), a pair of blue jeans etc. Be sure to join your child and wear something blue too.

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Toys

Go through your child’s toys and pick out the blue ones to play with; Thomas the Train, Cookie Monster from Sesame Street, blue legos or duplos, blue wooden blocks etc. Use these toys for playtime today.

I used sensory bags in my classroom, which the children enjoyed a lot. Take gallon sized ziplock bags and fill each one with something different. Put blue jello or jelly in one bag. There used to be a version of oatmeal that turned blue when you mixed it up; I would use that in one of the bags. If the blue oatmeal isn’t available you could add blue food coloring to regular oatmeal.

Material Used for Oatmeal Sensory Bags

I would run a bead of glue along the “zipper” and let it dry before I let the children play with the bags to help discourage them from opening the bags and making a mess. They can then squish the bags in their hands or lay them on the table and use a finger to “write” and draw; kind of like finger painting without the mess.

B is for Blue and Bowl

Another addition to the sensory experience would be to let them play with the oatmeal bags while the oatmeal was still warm. Discuss the differences between the feel of the bag with the oatmeal and the bag with the Jello.

Blue Oatmeal Sensory Bag

Put the bags in the refrigerator when you are done so you can bring them out and play with them again another day. They should last a week or more before you need to toss them. Please share any other ideas, that you might have, of things to put in your sensory bags.

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Craft

Blueberry Pie Craft

Supplies for Blueberry Pie Craft
Supplies for Blueberry Pie Craft

Materials Needed:

Piece of Pie Coloring Page
Blue paint
Pencil with eraser or Q-tip
Small paper plate

1) Print Piece of Pie Coloring Page
2) Put a small amount of blue paint on the paper plate.
3) Use the Q-tip like a stamp. Dip it in the paint and make “blueberry” dots on your piece of pie.

 

Blueberry Pie Craft with Q-tip: Learning Activities for the Color Blue

I used one of those really large pencils with a big eraser for the next piece of pie. I found the pencil at a Dollar Tree Store. You could also use a regular sized pencil.

Blueberry Pie with Large Eraser: Learning Activities for the Color Blue

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Blue Foods for snack or meal time

Blueberries, blue Jello, blue tortilla chips

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Story Time

Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey
Reading Level: Ages 5 and up
This is a cute story that I always read to my preschool classes when we were learning the color blue. The story is about a little girl and a little bear cub that follow their mothers to the blueberry patch. Read this adorable book with your child to find out about the funny mix-up that happens at the patch.

Blue’s Clues books by several different authors
I love Blue’s Clues because it gives your child opportunities to think and reason. There are several wonderful titles to choose from.

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss
Reading Level: Ages 4 and up
I love Dr. Seuss rhyming books. This book works for the colors blue and red as well as numbers.

Blue Hat, Green Hat by Sandra Boynton
Reading Level: Birth to 4 yrs old
This is a simple little book but so much fun. It covers several colors and has a very silly turkey that will make your child giggle. You can also encourage observation skills as you discuss with your child the problems that the turkey is having.

Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle
Reading Level: 3 yrs old and up
Ok, I am a sucker for a rhyming book but this one is doubly cute because not only does it rhyme but you get to make a lot of fun sounds while reading it to your child. You will also find out how it pays to be nice to your friends. You may need their help some day.

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Related Posts:

The Lessons – Overview
Colors – Overview
A is for Apple: You Can Learn More Than Your ABC’s from Apples
Pumpkins are Orange; and Other Learning Concepts
Learning Activities for the Color Red
Learning Activities for the Color Yellow
Learning Activities for the Color Green
Learning Activities for the Color Purple
Learning Activities for the Color Orange

The True Meaning of Christmas

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The True Meaning of Christmas





As I stated in my post, The Santa Claus Debate, although we included Santa in our Christmas celebrations, he was not the center of our Christmas holiday. Teaching our children the spiritual meaning behind the season was what we focused on. My posts for December are going to include different symbols of Christmas and their spiritual meanings. I will include crafts and books that you can use to make the learning fun.

As I was doing research for my different lessons, I found this story and thought it summed everything up very well. If you are not including Santa in your Christmas celebrations you could easily tell this story without putting Santa in it. If you need help with that, just let me know and I could edit it for you.

This story would make a great object lesson too. Find a very small table-top tree and purchase the different items that are talked about. We have stores here in Indiana where you can buy things for just $1. You could find most of the items for this story at one of those stores. The children could then help out in the telling of the story by pulling the different items out of a bag and adding them to the tree.

Have fun celebrating this very special time of year with your children as you teach them the true meaning of Christmas.

Teach the Children the True Meaning of Christmas

One December night, many years ago, I had just finished decorating for Christmas when I heard a noise at the front of the house. I turned on the porch light and opened the door. To my surprise just as I stepped outside, I saw Santa Claus climbing out of his sleigh. He placed his fingers over his lips, silencing me before I cried out.

“What are you doing…” I started to ask…but the words choked up in my throat as I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner, the eager, boisterous soul we all know, was gone. He composed himself by clearing his throat, then answered me in a whisper. “Help teach the children.”

I was puzzled. What did he mean? He anticipated my question, and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the sleigh. As I stood there bewildered, Santa stated again but more firmly, “Teach the children. Teach them the true meaning of Christmas. The meaning that has long been forgotten.”

I invited him in to warm by the fire as I tried to tell him that I wasn’t sure if I knew what he meant… when Santa reached into the toy bag and pulled out a brilliant shiny star.

“Teach the children that the star is the heavenly sign of promise,” he said. “God sent a Savior to the world and the star was the sign of that promise being fulfilled. The countless shining stars in the heavens, one star for each person on earth, represents the hope of all mankind.”

Santa gently laid the star on the fireplace mantle and brought from the bag a bright red Christmas tree ornament.

“Teach the children that red is the first color of Christmas. It was first used by the faithful people to remind them of the blood that was shed for all the people by the Savior. Christ gave His life and shed His blood that every man might have God’s gift of Eternal Life. Red is deep, intense, and vivid — the richest color of all, and it is a symbol of the greatest gift from God.”

“Teach the children,” he said as he pulled a small Christmas tree from the bottom of the toy bag. He placed it near the fireplace and gently hung the red decoration on it.

“The deep green branches of this tree is a perfect background for this ornament. This is the second color of Christmas,” he continued. “The pure green color of this evergreen tree remains this color all year round. This represents the everlasting plan for mankind. Green is youthful, hopeful, and the abundant color of nature. The needles on the tree point heavenward — symbols of man’s prayers as they go toward heaven. Trees have been man’s best friends. They have sheltered him, warmed him, and made beauty for him.”

Again, he pulled something from his bag; I heard a soft tinkling sound of a bell.

“Teach the children,” he said, “that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring for every person too, that they might find their way back — it means guidance and return. It further signifies that all are precious in the eyes of the Lord.”

As the soft sound of the bell faded, Santa lit a candle and placed it on the mantel. The soft glow from its tiny flame cast a glow about the darkened room. Odd shadowy shapes slowly danced and wove pictures upon the walls.

“Teach the children,” whispered Santa, “that at one time candles were placed on Christmas trees. They glowed brightly against the dark green branches showing man’s appreciation for the star of Bethlehem of long ago. Now, strings of colored lights have taken their place in remembrance of Christ’s birth.”

Santa turned the small Christmas tree lights on and placed a gift under the tree.

He pointed to the bow and said, “A bow is placed on a present to remind us of the spirit of brotherhood of man. We should remember that the bow is tied as all of us should be tied together, with the bonds of good will toward each other. Good will forever is the message of the bow and the gift, a gift of love.”

Santa reached for a candy cane, and held it out towards me.

“Teach the children that the cane represents The Shepherd’s staff. The crook on the staff helps bring back sheep that have strayed away from the fold. The candy cane represents the sweetness of giving not only at Christmas time, but also throughout the entire year. The spiral design is a symbol that we are, our brother’s keepers.”

Santa looked about the room, then again at the tree. His love and great feeling of satisfaction shone from his eyes. He could not help but sense the wonderment and admiration that I felt for him in my heart.

One last time, he reached into his bag and brought forth a large beautiful wreath. As he placed it on the door he spoke gently with love, “Please teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the eternal nature of love: it never ceases, stops, or ends. It is one continuous circle that only grows greater and greater when expressed. The wreath, the circle of love, plays a double role. It is made of many things and has many colors. It reminds us of God’s unconditional love and the true reason for Christmas. Please teach the children.” (Author Unknown)

Related Posts:

The Santa Claus Debate
Christmas Angels to Laugh and Learn With
The Christmas Star
Love to Learn About the Nativity
Love to Learn the Meaning of Candy Canes for Christmas
Review – Christmas on Monument Circle, Indianapolis

Thanksgiving Learning Activities

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Thanksgiving Learning Activities




“Give thanks to the Lord for He is good.
His loves endures forever.”
Psalm 118:1

Thanksgiving learning activities include a little history. There are several fun learning activities listed below to do while you are gathered together to celebrate this special holiday. I would really enjoy hearing about the fun you had creating pilgrims hats or reading any of the recommended books, so please leave a comment below. If you have pictures to share please post them on the Love to Laugh and Learn Facebook page.

Content:

Crafts
Hand and Foot Turkey Craft
Native American Indian Headband
Native American Indian Vest
Pilgrim Hat for Boys
Pilgrim Hat for Girls
Music
Reading
Toys

Toys

I love using “special” toys to get across a lesson. I had toys that were only gotten out occasionally for a specific lesson or time of year. These toys were not just left in the toy box or in the classroom. I kept them put up in special containers and only got them out at certain times and then they were put back up again. Following is a list of things that I used, in the classroom or at home, for the children to use to learn about the first Thanksgiving.

Horse Costume – I probably wouldn’t have called it a costume but that is what it is called on Amazon.com. It is a plush style horse. The child steps through the center and pulls straps, like suspenders, up over their shoulders. They used the horses when pretending to be Native American Indians. A stick horse would work well too.

Playmobil Native American Indians – Playmobil is made up of a lot of tiny parts, which is another reason why I kept them in a special container and only got them out for specific lessons. The children loved the Playmobil pieces and they promote fine motor skills.

Teepee Tent – A teepee tent adds a lot of fun to the children’s make-believe play. I purchased a big black plastic “cauldron” after Halloween to go with the teepee.

Dress-up Clothes Box – Both boys and girls love playing with dress up clothes. After Halloween is a great time to get items for your dress-up box. You can purchase costumes at very low prices. Be sure to pick up some Pilgrim and Native American Indian costumes to use at Thanksgiving time. There are some great dress-up items that you and your child can make together to add to the dress-up box. I will cover some of those in the craft section.

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Crafts

Thanksgiving Learning Activities: Have fun making turkeys from your child’s hands and feet.

Hand and Foot Turkey Craft

Materials Needed:
Construction Paper; brown, red, orange and yellow
Pencil
Scissors
Glue stick
Wiggly eyes (optional)

This is a fun craft that I got from enchantedlearning.com. This would be a good craft to first do with your child when they are two or three years old. You can then make a new “hand and foot turkey” each year and see how much your child has grown. They will make cute decorations for each Thanksgiving. Be sure to put your child’s name and the date on the back of the turkey. I would take it and have it laminated to help preserve it.

Native American Indian Vest

Materials Needed:
Large brown paper grocery bag
Scissors
Crayons or markers

These vests are very simple and a lot of fun. Cut the bag up the middle of one of the wide sides. Cut a neck hole out of the bottom of the bag and arm holes out of the narrow sides of the bag. Now set your child loose with some crayons or markers to decorate their vest. For older children, show them some Native American symbols. They might enjoy drawing them on their vest.

Native American Indian Headband

Materials Needed:
Brown poster board or cardstock
Construction paper; brown, orange, yellow, red
Feathers (optional)
Scissors
Glue stick
Tape or stapler

I use poster board or cardstock for the headband but I have also heard of people using a paper bag. You will want to cut a 2 inch wide strip that is long enough to wrap around the child’s head. Make sure to cut it an inch or two longer than the width of the child’s head so that you can overlap the ends and staple or tape them together. (Hint: If you staple the ends together, staple from the inside out; so that the folded part of the staple is on the outside. This will keep the staple from getting caught in the child’s hair.) Cut feather shapes out of some colored construction paper or purchase feathers at the craft store and attach them to the band.

Pilgrim Hat For Girls

Materials Needed:
12” x 18” white construction paper
White Ribbon or yarn
Scissors
Stapler and/or glue stick

This hat is enjoyed by little girls of all ages but there isn’t a whole lot for a real young child to do in helping make the hat. Once your child is old enough to use scissors and a stapler they will be able to contribute a little more in the making of this project. If you are doing this craft for a younger child I would add a step and let them use a glue stick and apply some glue to the flaps that will overlap on the back of the hat. I would still staple the flaps to give them extra holding power. As I stated earlier, staple from the inside out; so that the folded part of the staple is on the outside. This will keep the staple from getting caught in the child’s hair.

About.com has great instructions for the girl’s pilgrim hat along with a pattern so I’m going to give you their link to access the directions: Pilgrim Hat for Girls

Pilgrim Hat for Boys

Materials Needed:
black poster board or cardstock
Construction paper: black, white and yellow or gold

Thanksgiving Learning Activities: Creating Boy’s Pilgrim Hat

1) Cut a 2” wide headband, out of black poster board or cardstock, that is slightly larger than your child’s head.
2) Fold a 12″x 9″ piece of black construction paper in half. Draw half of a hat on the folded edge of the paper. I used a ruler to help me make straight lines. Make the brim 2″ wide.
3) Cut a 2” wide strip from a piece of white construction paper. Glue it just above the brim of the hat.
4) Cut 2 ½” x 2 ½” square from a yellow piece of construction paper. Cut a 2” by 2” square out of the center of the square. I again cut the square on a fold to make it easier to cut the center out.
5) Glue of staple the finished hat to the headband.
6) Tape or staple the headband to fit around your child’s head. Cut off any excess poster board.

Thanksgiving Learning Activities: Pilgrim’s Hat

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Music

10 Little Indians

One little, two little, three little Indians
Four little, five little, six little Indians
Seven little, eight little, nine little Indians
Ten little Indian boys.

Ten little, nine little, eight little Indians
Seven little, six little, five little Indians
Four little, three little, two little Indians
One little Indian boy.

Gobble, Gobble
(Sung to “If you’re Happy & You Know It”)

“Gobble, gobble, gobble, gobble”, says the bird.
“Gobble, gobble, gobble, gobble”, says the bird.
Mr. Turkey gobble-gobbles
And his head goes wobble-wobble
“Gobble, gobble, gobble, gobble”, says the bird.

Give Thanks to the Lord – Hide ‘em in Your Heart, Vol. 2 by Steve Green

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Story Time

If You Were At The First Thanksgiving by Anne Kamma
Reading Level: Ages 7 and up
This is one of my favorite Thanksgiving books for teaching the history of the holiday. This book contains a whole lot of interesting information about the first Thanksgiving. It is well written. Although it is recommended for ages 7 and up, I read sections of it to my pre-kindergarten classes. It is written in a question/answer format which helps break up all the information into small “bite sized” pieces. This format makes it easy to cover a couple questions at a time or several if your child is really interested.

The Night Before Thanksgiving by Natasha Wing
Reading Level: Ages 4 and up
As the title might suggest, this book is written in the same style as Twas the Night Before Christmas. It is written in as amusing fashion of a family’s Thanksgiving Day from a child’s point of view. Lots of smile will ensue when sharing this book with your child.

‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey
Reading Level: (officially) Ages 3 and up (but my recommendation would be 5 and up)
This is a quirky little story about a classroom of children that take a field trip to a turkey farm, the night before Thanksgiving. All is well until someone finds an axe and asks what it’s for. As you can imagine there were many tears over the realization of what was going to happen to their feathery friends. When the teacher and Farmer Mack Nuggett return from getting some water, to hopefully calm the children, they find “the children were calmer (and mysteriously fatter)”. You will need to read the story to find out what transpires but I will tell you that it is a happy ending. I wouldn’t recommend this for really young children, but once they start getting old enough to understand where their food comes from, it would be appropriate. Although this sounds like a dark tale, it is very light hearted. It is written in rhyme and the same style as “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” It is one of my favorite fun Thanksgiving books. Each year I read it to my pre-kindergarten classes. I never had any bad reactions from the children (or the parents) just smiles and giggles.

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Related Posts:

Thanksgiving Fun with Turkeys
A is for Apple: You Can Learn More Than Your ABC’s from Apples
Pumpkins are Orange; and Other Learning Concepts