Lesson On Following Directions: Make A Turkey

I love to make these simple gobblers every year when Thanksgiving nears.  I know they aren't spectacular or extremely creative, but the children adore these.  My 3rd grade teacher introduced this to us way back in the day and are now a part of my family's traditions.

Whether you want an easy Thanksgiving craft or a fun lesson idea, these feathered fowls are sure to please.

I used this craft with my daycare children to reinforce listening and following directions. You can adapt this simple craft for a variety of lessons, but this year I wanted to use this for a craft in Sunday School. 

I needed to tie it to a lesson. 

My objective was to help the students see that sometimes we need directions to follow to help us make something special.  The last time I checked there was a shortage of turkeys in the bible so I decided to incorporate the concept of "why do we need the Bible?".  I know this is complicated, but I went for a simple version a 3rd and 4th grade class would be able to process.  I am even guilty of ignoring directions from time to time so I was hoping the students would deduce that the Bible is our directions for our lives if we study it for guidance. 

Here are the supplies you will need to create your own turkeys:

• ginger snaps, striped cookies, or any other sturdy round cookie
• large marshmallows
• chocolate frosting or peanut butter
• candy corns
• spoons or dull knives

Here is how you make them:

• Generously frost two cookies. 

• Place a marshmallow in the middle of one cookie.

• Rest the second cookie behind the marshmallow, securing it on the first base.

• Gently slide three or more candy corns behind the marshmallow and second cookie to create feathers.

• Finally, dab frosting onto one candy corn and stick it to the front of the marshmallow for a face.

Now comes the fun part!  Gobble them up!

What special treats or activities do you use with a Thanksgiving theme?