First-School.ws
Handprints Turkey Craft · Thanksgiving Preschool Printable Activity

Materials:

• printer
• paper or card stock
• scissors
• glue
• coloring tools for B&W templates
• stapler
• Instead of template 1 (body): painted paper plate (small or large)
• Instead of handprints: craft or paper feathers, dry or paper leaves, elongated oval cut-outs, etc.

This is a very simple craft for young children to introduce or revisit a very special and beloved North American bird, the turkey.

This turkey craft is available in two sizes. The smaller version is easier for younger children. A set can be made to make a turkey family. It can be assembled in various ways and the process can be made more challenging and creative depending on the age of the children.

The leaves on the template are maple leaves a national symbol of Canada and featured in the flag. Visit this related activity to expand on a Canada theme.

Make sure to review and include complementary learning activities below to address and discuss the different elements of the craft before and/or during craft assembly:

Craft Instructions:

It is important to print templates on card stock or heavy duty construction paper in order for it to stand up. The pieces can also be traced onto thin paper plates and then cut out and assembled.

Both crafts can be assembled by replacing template #1 (body) for a standard thin (10" to 8") paper plate and the small version by using a 6"-5" small thin paper plate.

The feathered 'tail" is created by using handprints, and other options are listed in the materials list.

Assembly steps:

Adult: steps 1 through 4, and a stapler is required.

1. Print and cut out the templates of choice, and if choosing the paper plate option have children paint them ahead of time.
2. Decide and prepare materials for the feathered tail, If not using the leaves template.
3. Fold body template 1 (body) or paper plate in half, color is showing on both sides.
4. Feet and body assembly:
   - Fold the feet template on the center dotted line so color is showing on both sides.
   - Insert the folded feet template on the center round portion up to the dotted line of (body) or folded paper plate and staple at least twice in place -- refer to the illustration for positioning.
   Last step - Turn and fold the feet upward on both sides to stand once children have completed the rest of the steps.
5. Children can glue the folded beak, wattle on the head template, then glue head to the neck.
6. Glue assembled head and neck to right or left corner of body template (this will depend in which direction the feet were positioned and stapled.
7. Feathered tail:
   Small and Large Version: Glue an equal number of "feathers" on each side of the body template. This step is important because it will create balance so the craft can stand. Adult: Bend the "feathers" slightly one way and the other to make the craft more realistic and stable.

Templates:

• Close template window after printing to return to this screen.
• Set page margins to zero (minimum) if you have trouble fitting the template on one page or review Print Help.
• Replace template 1 with a thin paper plate (small or large)

Large Turkey: Print 1 & 2 + 4 handprints or alternative

Template 1:     color     B&W

Template 2:     color     B&W

Small Turkey: + 2 handprints or alternative

Template:        color     B&W

Complimentary activities:

Science and Social Sciences: Visit lesson plans and resources for > What is a turkey? and What is Thanksgiving?

Alphabet: Introduce or review letter T turkey activities:

Animals > Birds > Farm > Turkey >