Free Thanksgiving Word Scramble Printable for Kids

This free printable Thanksgiving word scramble game is perfect for kids of all ages.

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Okay well, I definitely missed posting this printable in time for Canadian Thanksgiving. But I might as well share it in time for Thanksgiving in the US, right? Even if I am just squeaking it in last minute! 

Although I guess I could technically argue that I'm posting this Thanksgiving word scramble printable really, really early for Canadian Thanksgiving next year. Anyway...

There are a few differences like the month in which we celebrate and the fact that we don't do any parades or anything like that. I mean it's cold here in November. Sure, we have a Santa Claus parade at this time of year, but that's it. We generally save parades for the warmer months when we don't have to freeze our butts off. Besides, Thanksgiving's just not as big of a deal here I find. On the flip side, it seems to be a huge celebration in the US. 

The thing is hyperlexic kids love word games like word scrambles. And I had this Thanksgiving one that I made for Canadian Thanksgiving. But then I forgot to post it here on the blog. So I went back and added another version to it to reflect the month in which American Thanksgiving occurs. And now you can download either version of the Thanksgiving word scramble. So there's that.

Why Word Scramble Games are Good for Kids

Word scramble games are a great way for kids to work on vocabulary, spelling, language skills, working memory, problem-solving skills, writing, and so much more! There's a wide range of skills you could target here. Just get creative.

You can use free printable word scramble games like this one at home, in the classroom, or even on the road. Or you could use them in Zoom meetings for online learning (tips on how to do so here). They'd even make a great rainy day activity too!

Also, if you've been looking for other ideas on how to use your hyperlexic child's interests in letters, then word scramble games are a great fit. They definitely build off of a hyperlexic child's interest in letters. I mean the game is literally just a bunch of letters. Besides, using your hyperlexic child's interests to teach new skills is definitely something you should be doing - and something you'll hear me say a lot around here!

So anyway, if you're looking for a quick Thanksgiving activity, give this Thanksgiving word scramble for kids a try. 

Download the Free Thanksgiving Word Scramble Printable

This printable is eight pages total. Two versions of the word scramble game are included, one to reflect the month of October, which is when Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated, and one to reflect American Thanksgiving which is in November. 

For each version, you'll find two variations (one with a word bank and one without the word list). Each game contains 12 Thanksgiving themed words, focusing on the season and meal itself. It does not include words like pilgrim, parade, or any American focused vocabulary. An answer key is also included.

To get your copy of the Thanksgiving word scramble, click the link below:

>> Click here to download the free printable

 

Pool Noodle Thanksgiving Turkey Craft for Kids

Looking for Thanksgiving crafts for kids? Try this cute little pool noodle Thanksgiving turkey craft!

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Thanksgiving is just a few days away so I thought it would be fun to make a Thanksgiving themed craft.

Together with my preschooler K, we came up with a ridiculously simple, mess-free, and adorable Thanksgiving turkey craft using pool noodles and feathers.

This craft doesn't require any glue, but still encourages lots of fine motor practice. Plus, the final product even doubles as a puppet, which my son loved.

So, if you're looking for a simple Thanksgiving craft for toddlers or preschoolers, then give this idea a try. Let's get started!

A version of this post originally appeared on the CBC Parents website.

What You'll Need for this Thanksgiving Turkey Craft

Here's what we used for this fine motor turkey craft:

• 1 pool noodle (any color, must be the kind with a hole in the center), cut into two pieces that are roughly 1" thick

• Colorful craft feathers - You can find these at the dollar store.

• 2 toothpicks - These will be used to build the turkey's body.

• 1 wooden clothespin - This will be the turkey's beak.

• Black permanent marker - Although you could glue on some googly eyes if you'd prefer.

• Optional: a piece of red pipe cleaner - If you want to make the turkey's wattle.

I set out all of the materials in a wooden tray for my preschooler who had just turned three. He didn't want to use googly eyes for this craft project so that's why you don't see any included in the picture below.

How to Make this Pool Noodle Turkey Craft

First, the body of the turkey needs to be assembled using toothpicks and pool noodles. To do this, you simply push the two toothpicks into one pool noodle slice. Then you can attach the pool noodle slice to the other pool noodle slice to form the turkey's head and body. Like so:

Then it's time to start decorating the turkey, starting with its colorful feathers. The feathers push into the pool noodles quite easily. Your child can decide how many or what color of feathers to add. My son added quite a few and used a variety of colors.

Next, my son worked on the turkey's head and face. To make the turkey's mouth and beak, simply slide the wooden clothespin through the hole of the pool noodle slice. Then add eyes with a permanent marker (or googly eyes and glue, if you want to go that route).

My son decided to redraw the eyes so that's why the eyes ended up looking a bit deranged, but I think that's fitting, given how crazy turkeys can be. Here's how his final turkey turned out:

You could also add the turkey's wattle by inserting a small piece of red pipe cleaner into the pool noodle slice, just below the beak. This step is optional though and is not shown here.

Now that the pool noodle turkey is fully assembled, it can be played with like a puppet. Simply pinch the back of the clothespin and the turkey's mouth will open and close. Gobble gobble!

As you can see, this pool noodle Thanksgiving turkey craft is a great way to build fine motor skills. It's also great for toddlers and preschoolers, as shown by the fact that my newly turned three year old made this turkey all by himself.