Thanksgiving Week 1 Lesson Plan (Infant â Preschool)

Thanksgiving 

Week 1 

Lesson Plan 

(Infant – Preschool) 

This section has the lesson plan for your “Thanksgiving” 

Theme. (Week 1). 

Pre-planned lesson plans are done using a specific book. 

Books are taken off the “Thanksgiving” book list and can 

easily be found in your local library or store. 

All sheets are in order and labeled for each day the sheets 

are to be used. Print up the number of sheets you need 

each day. Worksheets are theme related and also include 

the letter C, number 10, shape oval, and color blue. 

Print up sheets on regular copy paper, for better durability, 

use card stock. Don’t be limited by your imagination…. 

Use markers, colored pencils, paint, paint daubers, etc. 

Don’t just stick to crayons. 

1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum Graphic Used: Scrappin Doodles

THANKSGIVING 

Letter: C 

Number: 10 

Shape: Oval 

Colors: Blue 

1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum Graphics Used: Graphics Factory

~Where playing is learning~ 

If Thanksgiving is your first themed curriculum 

you are using from 1 - 2 - 3 Learn Curriculum 

(1 – 2 – 3 Learn ONLINE or 1 – 2 - 3 Learn 

Disks), please print up the following letter to 

hand out to parents. 

This will let them know of the new curriculum 

you’re using in your child care / preschool.


Dear Parents, 

We are using a new preschool program this year 

called 1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum. Each week will be 

weekly, bi-weekly or monthly theme. 

Themes that your children will enjoy like: Bears 

Everywhere, School Daze, Camping Fun and the 

current theme we’re working on now, Thanksgiving. 

Some of these projects will be taken home to share 

with you and others will be group activities that you can 

ask about. I think that both you and your child will enjoy 

this new program as much as I will. 

Please make sure you spend time looking at what 

your children do each week. They are so proud of what 

they do! 

Thank you 

1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum Graphic used: Scrappin Doodles


What is 1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum? 1 – 2 – 3 Learn 

Curriculum is a professionally planned preschool 

curriculum designed to be used in both family child care 

homes and centers. This program offers the ease of 

printing up each day what you need, and saving on waste. 

Money saving, this curriculum can be used over year after 

year. 

What are the goals of 1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum? 

1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum was developed by a child care 

provider of since 1985. The activities included are age 

appropriate and designed to help the whole child grow, 

and develop socially, physically and intellectually. Our 

program will help prepare each child for kindergarten, 

while opening the door for the children to be creative and 

express their artistic abilities. 

Numbers, letters, shapes and colors are introduced with 

each disk. 

For more information visit www.123learncurriculum.com 

Jean 

1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum

Teacher(s): 

Group: 

Week of: 

 

Group Planning Form 

Changes to Environment: 

Theme: 

Changes to Routines and Schedule: 

Family / Home Connection: 

 

Indoor 

Activities 

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 

 

Book 

 

Outdoor 

Activities 

Music, Movement, Story Time: 

Moving to Music: 

Baby Sign: 

TO DO LIST: 

Buy: 

Gather: 

Other: 

1 - 2 - 3 Learn Curriculum

Teacher(s): 

Group: Infant 


Theme: Thanksgiving 


Changes to Environment: Hang up pictures of a 

turkey, Thanksgiving dinner and other Thanksgiving 

related pictures down low where infants and toddlers 

can view. (Laminate pictures so they last.) 

Changes to Routines and Schedule: Add items around the play area for infants that they can 

reach and play with. Beanie baby turkey, and other soft items. 

Family / Home Connection: Send home themed letter Friday before "Thanksgiving" theme 

begins. Post on bulletin board cover sheets so parents have a visual what the theme is next 

week. 

Indoor 

Activities 

Book 


Roll the Toy 

Goal 

Music 

5 Silly Turkeys 

Toy Count 

Goal 

Numbers 

Reading Books 

Goals 

Language 

development, 

early preliteracy 

skills 

Kicking Bells 

Goal 

Using Large 

muscles 

Begin to 

Scribble 

Goal 

Small Muscle 

Outdoor 

Activities 

Signals and 

Signs 

A Great Fall 

What A 

Sensation 

Story Time: Read the Book 5 Silly Turkeys by Salina Yoon. 

Moving to Music: I Eat Turkey 

Sign Language: Bubbles The cupped hands mimic catching bubbles in the air and popping 

them. 

TO DO LIST: 

Make: Bells on elastic for kicking bells activity. 

Buy: Items needed for infant area. 

Gather: Ask parents if they have any Thanksgiving items for infant area. 

Other: Go to your local library and ask library to help you find more books about 

Thanksgiving. Board books for infants. 


Infant Book Choice 

Thanksgiving

Sign Language Resources: 

Below are some links to purchase videos, dvd’s 

and books for sign. Children love to watch, and 

helps with the repetition. 

www.signingtime.com 

Wonderful series of sign language videos and 

dvd’s 

http://www.sign2me.com/ 

(Excellent Book / CD with music to sign to. “Pick 

me up”. Look on the left side of home page under 

products) 

www.overstock.com 

Type in sign language in search 

(Talking Hands is a great choice) 

www.Amazon.com 

Type in sign language in search

Thanksgiving Pictures 

• Print up on white card stock. 

• Trim, if desired - Laminate. 


Roll The Toy 

• Sit with infant in a play area with a few toys. 

• Roll a ball or toy to the infant while you sing to 

the tune of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat." 

• Roll the toy back and forth with the infant 

several more times. Infant may play longer if 

you change the toys you are rolling. 

Roll, roll, roll the car, Roll it right to you. 

Roll it back, roll it back, roll it back to me. 

Do this activity if child can push or roll toys. Do 

this activity for 2 - 10 minutes.

Toy Count 

• Put infant on her tummy on a soft rug or 

blanket. Have a few toys that you will give her 

one at a time. 

Here are some toys for you, Ava. 

Here's one, two, three! 

• Give her a toy as you say each number. 

Do this activity if child can sit supported. Do this 

activity for 1 - 2 minutes.

Kicking Bells 

• Securely sew small shiny bells onto the cuffs 

of socks or onto small circles of elastic. Slip a 

pair of cuffs around each baby's ankles and 

shake her feet to make the bells jungle. 

Encourage baby to kick. 

Do you hear those bells Allyson? Kick your feet. 

Make them ring again. 

Do this activity if child can kick her feet. Do this 

activity for 2 - 10 minutes.

Beginning to Scribble 

• Sit baby in a highchair and give her a fat 

crayon and some paper. Draw a few lines 

while she is watching and then try to get her 

to scribble on her own. 

Make a mark, Sarah. 

Can you color on the paper? 

Do this activity if child can begin to scribble. Do 


Signs and Signals 

Most babies are capable of doing simple hand signs such as 

waving bye-bye at around 8 months of age. But it doesn't hurt to 

try introducing a couple of simple signs at 6 months, even if he's 

not ready to imitate them yet. 

Appropriate for: 6 months to 1 year 

Skills developed: Hand-eye coordination, communication 

What you'll need: No equipment necessary 

Baby's knows what they wants. They just doesn't always know 

how to ask for it. Teaching them some simple signs can help 

reduce their frustration – and yours! 

At this age, they're not quite dexterous enough to make many of 

the movements themselves, so you should keep any signs you 

use around the baby to a bare minimum. Start with two easy 

signs: "hungry" and "sleepy." For "hungry," mimic bringing a small 

piece of food up to your mouth while saying, "Are you hungry?" 

For "sleepy," rub your eyes and ask, "Are you sleepy?" 

Every time you ask the question, make the gesture, and every 

time you see him make anything remotely like the gesture, ask 

the question and repeat the movement. Don't be disappointed if it 

takes a long time for him to imitate you (which he might never 

do); the simple act of communication is valuable.

A Great Fall 

Appropriate for: 5 months to 1 year 

Skills developed: Gross motor, sense of cause and effect 

What you'll need: No equipment necessary 

On a rug indoors or outside on soft grass, lie on your back 

with your knees raised. Seat the infant on your tummy 

facing you, leaning back against your knees. Steadying her 

with your hands, sway from side to side. 

Start reciting the nursery rhyme "Humpty Dumpty sat on a 

wall, Humpty Dumpty has a great..." and on the word "fall", 

tip your knees so that the infant slides a little to the side. 

Or, let her "fall" all the way to the ground while you support 

her and protect her head with your hands. 

Finish saying the rest of the rhyme curled up on the floor or 

grass with the infant, ending with a quick tickle when you 

get to the phrase "together again." Then help her get 

situated on your tummy again for another go-round. 

Remember: Each baby develops at a different pace, so if 

an infant isn't quite ready for this activity, try again in a few 

weeks.

What a Sensation 

Infants wants to experience everything up close and 

personal, and she does that through all five senses, 

particularly touch. Encourage her curiosity and tactile 

talents with this soothing touch-fest. 

Appropriate for: Newborn to 10 months 

Skills developed: Hand-eye coordination, touch sensitivity 

What you'll need: A variety of soft-textured items, such as 

a silk scarf, a clean feather duster or boa, a piece of satin 

or velvet, and something furry like a stuffed animal 

Collect an assortment of soft, touchable household objects. 

With baby lying on her back on a blanket, lift up her shirt 

and give her tummy a sampling of the different textures. 

One at a time, brush each item ever so gently across her 

skin, describing the sensation as you go. "Feel the silky 

scarf? It's very slippery. Feel the lamb? It's fuzzy, isn't it?" 

When she's older she'll try to grab the items – go ahead 

and let her hold them. 

Talk about the sensations of the different items.

I Eat Turkey 

(Sung to: “Frere Jacques”) 

I eat turkey, Point to self) 

I eat turkey. (Point to self again) 

Yes, I do, (Nod head) 

Yes, I do. (Nod head) 

Turkey in my tummy, Rub tummy) 

Yummy, yummy, yummy. (Rub tummy) 

Good for me, (Point to self) 

Good for you. (Point to others) 

1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum Graphic used: PCHugware.com

Teacher(s): 

Group: 


 


Changes to Environment: 

Theme: 

Changes to Routines and Schedule: 

Family / Home Connection: 

 

Indoor 

Activities 


 

Book 

 

Outdoor 

Activities 

Music, Movement, Story Time: 

Moving to Music: 

Baby Sign: 

TO DO LIST: 

Buy: 

Gather: 

Other: 


Teacher(s): 

Group: Toddler 


Theme: Thanksgiving 


Changes to Environment: Hang up pictures of a 

turkey, Thanksgiving dinner and other Thanksgiving 

related pictures down low where infants and toddlers 

can view. (Laminate pictures so they last.) 

Changes to Routines and Schedule: Add items around the play area for toddlers that they 

can reach and play with. Beanie baby turkey, play food that they could use for a pretend 

Thanksgiving dinner and other items. 

Family / Home Connection: Send home themed letter Friday before "Thanksgiving" theme 

begins. Post on bulletin board cover sheets so parents have a visual what the theme is next 

week. 

Indoor 

Activities 

Book 


Dress the 

Animal 

Goal 

Dramatic Play 

The First 


Counting 

Buttons 

Goal 

Numbers 

Reading Books 

Goals 

Language 

development, 

early preliteracy 

skills 

Punch the Ball 

Goal 

Using Large 

muscles 

Play Dough 

Goal 

Small Muscle 

Outdoor 

Activities 

Collection Walk 

Beanbag 

Basketball 

Life's a Ball 

Story Time: Read The First Thanksgiving by Nancy Davis. 

Moving to Music: Mr. Turkey 

Sign Language: Bubbles The cupped hands mimic catching bubbles in the air and popping 

them. 

TO DO LIST: 

Make: The pillow case in ball for Punch the Ball activity. 

Buy: Items needed for toddler area. 

Gather: Ask parents if they have any Thanksgiving items for toddler area. 

Other: Go to your local library and ask library to help you find more books about 

Thanksgiving. Board books are good for toddlers to turn the pages. 


Toddler Book Choice 

Thanksgiving

Dress the Animal 

• Put several stuffed animals in the dress-up 

area. Help the child dress them with clothes, 

such as hats, dresses or shirts, then let the 

toddler play with them. 

Amanda, your bear is wearing a dress. 

Is she going to a party? 

Do this activity if child can put on clothes. Do 


Count the Buttons 

• Count as you fasten buttons or snaps. 

It's chilly outside. Let's button up your sweater. 

One, two, three, four, five. All Buttoned up! 

You can do this activity when zipping, say, 

One, two, three, zip you up! 

Do this activity for 1 - 10 minutes.

Punch the Ball 

• Put a large beach ball in a pillow case. Hang 

the bag from a doorway or tree branch on the 

toddler's eye level. Show them how to use their 

arms and hands to punch the bag. Talk about 

how the bag swings. 

Can you hit the bag? Make the bag swing. 

Look, here comes the bag back again! 

Do this activity if child can punch a big ball. Do 


Play Dough Fun 

• Give the toddler a ball of play dough to work 

with. As you play together, show her how to 

pinch off little pieces or squeeze the ball in your 

hand. See if she will copy what you do with her 

own play dough. 

Look at me Jasmine. I'm squeezing my play 

dough. 

And you squeeze yours? 

Do this activity if child can work both hands 

together. Do this activity for 5 - 15 minutes.

Collection Walk 

• Take the toddler outside for a walk around the 

yard. Bring along a bag or basket to carry many 

interesting things you find along the way to 

collect. Rocks, leaves, pine cones, and talk 

about what you have found. 

Look at this pretty rock that Jeffrey found. 

We have so many fun things in our basket. 

Let's look through it and see what we found. 

Do this activity if child can explore around them. 

Do this activity for 5 - 20 minutes.

Beanbag Basketball 

Good for age: 18 months (but older and younger children 

would enjoy also). 

Skills developed: gross motor skills 

What you will need: two small beanbags and a large 

containers, such as a laundry basket. 

Bring the items outside and place the basket on the grass. 

Join the toddler on the ground and give him a beanbag. Let 

him experiment with it - explore the fabric and weight, or 

drop to the ground and pick up. 

Sit next to the basket or container and drop your beanbag 

in. As you retrieve it and drop it in several more times, 

suggest to the toddler that he do the same. After a few 

rounds of this, move the basket a little farther away, and 

show him how to throw the beanbag in to the basket. 

Applaud when he throws his bag, whether or not he gets it 

in. Encourage him to pick up his beanbag and try again. 

Continue for 5 - 10 minutes.

Life's a ball 

Good for age: 19 months (but older and younger children 

would enjoy also). 

Skills developed: coordination 

What you will need: a beach ball 

While a normal soccer ball would likely be too difficult for 

the toddler to kick, a big, colorful beach ball will be perfect. 

Beach balls are lighter, and easier on the feet. Try rolling or 

gently kicking the ball to the toddler and see if she can kick 

it back to you. 

Have fun with this activity and feel free to be silly. Jump up 

and down like a cheerleader, and shout, "Goal" or "Go 

team!" 

Continue this activity for 5 - 10 minutes.

Mr. Turkey 

Mr. Turkey's tail is big and wide. 

(spread hands) 

He swings it when he walks. 

(swing hands) 

His neck is long, his chin is red. 

(point) 

He gobbles when he talks. 

(open and close hand like a mouth) 

1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum Graphic used: clipart.com

Lesson plan for preschoolers is done using the 

book – I’m Thankful Each Day! written by P. K. 

Hallinan. 

You can use the same concept and ideas with 

a different book. You can locate the above 

book on Amazon.com or check your local 

library. 

Thanks 

Jean

Lesson Plan 

I’m Thankful Each Day! 

Written by 

P. K. Hallinan

Circle Time 

Circle time is done usually in the morning, first thing before 

you start your preschool day. Circle time is also called 

morning meeting or community circle. 

The purpose of circle time is to introduce children to pre-k 

concepts using hands-on teaching methods, songs, 

movement, fingerplays, and flannel board figures and stories. 

In addition to a daily concept, you can also discuss the 

weather, calendar and name shapes. 

Create Ground Rules 

Generally pupils love circle time and the opportunities it 

gives them to talk about themselves and one another, but it is 

still essential to establish some basic rules for all to follow. 

The rules that you apply when facilitating circle time in your 

classroom should certainly be understood by all involved and 

ideally they should be agreed by everyone too, although this 

will depend to some extent on the age of the children. The 

reality of a well run circle is such that very few rules are 

actually needed. You may like to work to the following as a 

minimum: 

Only one person is to speak at any one time. 

It's perfectly acceptable to 'pass' on anything you don't 

want to talk about. 

All circle members will show respect for one another at 

all times. 


Preschool Lesson Plan - Thanksgiving - Letter of the Week - C 

Vocabulary 

Shake, Halloween, bones, Jack-o-lanterns, witches, music, hip-hop, dance, Li' Red, Jack, 

Tom Thumb, Snow White, Goldilocks, Mister Pig, Rapunzel, Cinderella, Puss 

Circle Time 

Greeting 

Daily Message 

Read Aloud 

Interactive Writing 

Shared Reading 

We Welcome You 

Good morning boys and girls. Today is ________. Today we're going to learn about Halloween. 

Shake dem Halloween Bones by W. Nikola-Lisa and Mike Reed 

Practice writing the letter H on a small maga doodle. (You can also practice writing the letter on the floor 

or in the air). 

On Friday let one of the children read the book to the group 

3 Black Cats 

Music 


Preschool Lesson Plan - Thanksgiving - Letter of the Week - C 

Vocabulary 

Thankful, gifts, stars, summer, Autumn, flowers, raindrops, sunset, sunshine, trees, snow, 

winter, spring, friends, family, kindness, peace, present, day 

Circle Time 

Greeting 

Daily Message 

Read Aloud 

Interactive Writing 

Shared Reading 

Music 

We welcome you 

Good morning boys and girls. Today is _____. Today we're going to learn about 

Thanksgiving. 

I'm Thankful Each Day! by P. K. Hallinan 

Write the letter C on a dry eraser board. (The children can practice writing the letter on 

the floor or in the air). 

On Friday let one of the children read the book to the group. 

Five Fat Turkeys.

We welcome You 

(Sung to: "Mary Had a Little Lamb") 

We welcome you to school today, 

School today, school today, 

We welcome you to school today, 

Please come in and play. 

We're glad to have you here today, 

Here today, here today. 

We're glad to have you here today. 

Yes, it's a special day!

Five Fat Turkeys 

Five fat turkeys were sitting on a fence. 

(One hand up) 

The first one said, 'I'm so immense.' 

(Point to thumb) 

The second one said, 'I can gobble at you.' 

(Pointer finger) 

The third one said, 'I can gobble, too.' 

(Middle finger) 

The fourth one said, 'I can spread my tail.' 

(Ring finger) 

The fifth one said, 'Don't catch it on a nail.' 

(Little finger) 

A farmer came along and stopped to say 

(Pointer finger of other hand.) 

'Turkey’s look best on Thanksgiving Day.' 


Five Fat Turkeys 

Print up on white card stock. 

Trim – Laminate 

Attach a small piece of Velcro to the back of each 

piece. (rough side) 

Use turkeys as flannel story for Five Fat Turkeys. 

Another option: 

Tape a craft stick to the back of each turkey. 

Use as puppets. 

1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum Graphics used: clipart.com



Small Groups 

Purpose of small groups: 

To work and learn with a small number of children facilitated by a teacher. 

To allow teachers an opportunity to observe and assess where every child is on 

the road to learning to read and write. 

To allow teachers a time to use assessment results in intentionally work with 

specific children 

To learn the art of conversation including listening, taking turns and talking. 

To provide participation opportunities for each child. 

When are small groups appropriate in the daily schedule? Small group time may 

be scheduled any time during the day. Set a specific time with specific groups. Small 

group activities are planned in advance and may continue with the daily lesson, teach 

a new concept, or allow children to practice skills, such as rhyming or alliteration. 

How many children are in the ideal small group? Group size will vary according to 

the activity, but a group of 2 – 6 is an ideal size for learning and participation.

Small Group 

Preschool Lesson Plan - Thanksgiving - Letter of the Week C 


Small Group 

Read - "What I 

See on Halloween 

Night". 

Writing -Have the 

children practice 

writing words in 

the "What I See 

on Halloween 

Night" book. 

Game - Introduce 

the "Letter H Word 

Match" file folder 

game. 



Night". 





on Halloween 

Night" book. 

Game - Play 

"Halloween Word 

Puzzles" cards. 

Practice writing 

the words. 



Night". 





on Halloween 

Night" book. 

Game - Play "The 

Letter H Word 


game. 



Night". 





on Halloween 

Night" book. 

Game - Play 

"Halloween Word 

Puzzles" cards. 

Practice writing 

the words. 



Night". 

Send book home. 





on Halloween 

Night" book. 

Game - Play the 

"Letter H Word 


game". 

Regroup to 

Revisit Focus 

Have kids share 

something they 

did/read/made in 

AL 




AL 




AL 




AL 




AL 

AL = Active Learning 


Small Group 

Preschool Lesson Plan - Thanksgiving - Letter of the Week C 


Small Group 

Read - Turkey 

Colors mini book 

together. Color 

some pages. 




the "Turkey 

Colors" mini book. 

Game - Introduce 

the "Letter C is for: 

file folder game. 

Read - Turkey 

Colors mini book. 

Color. 

Writing - Practice 

writing using the 


memory words 

cards from "Match 

Up" game on 

paper or dry 

eraser board. 

Game -Match Up 


game. 

Read - Turkey 

Colors mini book 

together. Color. 

Writing - Write a 

word/s in the mini 

book. 


Letter C is for: file 

folder game. 

Read - Turkey 


Color. 

Writing - Practice 

writing using the 


memory words 

cards from "Match 

Up" game on 

white paper or dry 

eraser board. 

Game -Match Up 


game. 

Read - Turkey 


Color. 

Send book home. 

Writing - Write a 

word/s in the mini 

book. 


Letter C is for: file 

folder game. 

Regroup to 

Revisit Focus 




AL 




AL 




AL 




AL 




AL 

AL = Active Learning 


Vocabulary Words 


Trim 

Laminate 

Have children use with dry eraser 

boards and dry eraser markers. Have 

children practice writing the word on 

the laminated card and practice writing 

on dry eraser board. 

Leave available in writing center.

Vocabulary Words

Vocabulary Words

Vocabulary Words

Vocabulary Words

Vocabulary Words

Turkey Colors 

Book comes in 2 formats 

With dotted words 

Without dotted words 

Print first 2 sheets back to back. Fold in ½. 

Print up last 2 pages back to back. Fold in ½ 

and place inside the cover. 

Staple if desired. (You will need a longer stapler in order 

to do this. Can be purchased at Office Max or other 

office supply store). 


Turkey Colors 

With printed words. 

(For younger children)

Practice writing the words 

Turkey Colors 

turkey colors 

By 

_______________________ 

1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum Graphics used: Graphic Factory

I see a red turkey. 

I see a rainbow turkey. 

red 

rainbow

I see a brown turkey. 

I see a blue turkey. 

brown 

blue

I see an orange turkey. 

I see a yellow turkey. 

orange 

yellow

Turkey Colors 

Without printed words. 

(For older children)

Practice writing the words 

Turkey Colors 

turkey colors 

By 

_______________________ 


I see a red turkey. 

I see a rainbow turkey. 

red 

rainbow

I see a brown turkey. 

I see a blue turkey. 

brown 

blue

I see an orange turkey. 

I see a yellow turkey. 

orange 

yellow

C is For: 

Print out either the color or B & W set. 

Color set: Print out the 3 sheets. (Printing up on card stock will give you 

better quality). The 1 st sheet is the front of the file folder game and game 

pieces. Cut out the directions and picture for the front, and glue or tape to 

the front of the file folder. Use a self-laminating sheet or clear contact 

paper to place over for durability. 

Place the 2 full size sheets inside the file folder using double sided tape or 

glue, and placing self-laminating sheets or clear contact paper over each 

side for durability. 

Place velcro in the squares and on the back of the games pieces. (This 

will keep the pieces from slipping when a child places it in the square). 

Have the children match the pictures with the words and practice writing 

the letter c. 

Black & white set – Color and follow the above directions. 


How to play: 

C is For: 

Match the pictures with the words. 

Practice writing the letter c. 


castle 

cow 

carrot 

cake 

circle

____astle 

____ow 

____arrot 

____ake 

____ircle

How to play: 

C is For: 

Match the pictures with the words. 

Practice writing the letter c. 


castle 

cow 

carrot 

cake 

circle

____astle 

____ow 

____arrot 

____ake 

____ircle

Matching Cards 

Print up 2 copies of each sheet onto white card stock. 

Cut out each picture, and laminate, if desired. 

Have children turn over and pick up 2 cards to match. Take 

turns. 

File Folder Game 

The cards can also be used as a file folder game. 

Print out 2 copies of the cards onto white card stock. Using clear 

contact paper or self laminating sheets, attach 1 full sheet to the 

inside of the file folder. 

Trim the other sheet of cards. Use these cards to match the 

picture inside. 

If you use as a file folder game, you can use the following sheet 

for a graphic and game description for the front of the file folder. 

Note: You have 2 options. Pictures or words. Have the older 

children match the picture with the word. Sound them out. 


Match Up Game 


Match the picture cards to the pictures inside. 

1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum Graphics Used: Scrappin Doodles

turkey 

pilgrim 

boy 

dinner 

pumpkin 

pumpkin 

pie 

mash 

potatoes 

cornacopia 

gravy 

Native 

American 

leaf cherry pie pilgrim girl

Active Learning 

Pick 3 items to do this week for active 

learning from the following sheet. 


Active Learning: (Activity and Literacy Props) 

Dramatic Play – Set up the play kitchen area with a table cloth, play dishes, food that could be served during a Thanksgiving 

meal. Have children create their own placemats in the art center. Children can use their new placemats and pretend to make a 

Thanksgiving meal. Invite friends over for dinner. (Vocabulary, social skills) 

Math – Number Matching File Folder Game 

Art – Put out various materials for children to make items for the Thanksgiving theme. Have available different colors of tissue 

paper, construction paper, feathers and other items. Show children how to make a turkey tracing their hands. The children will 

make turkeys while practicing their small motor skills. Place plates, bowls, pie pans, cookie sheets, and similar items in the play 

dough area for children to pretend to make a Thanksgiving dinner using play dough to make their pretend foods. 

Read/Listen – Put Thanksgiving themed books in the reading area. Go to your local library for other books about Thanksgiving. 

Writing – Put vocabulary words in writing area. Science/Sensory – Planting corn activity. 

Family / Home Connection 

Send a copy of Turkey Color min book home on Friday. Print up 1 – 2 sheets from the Thanksgiving Printable Activities, and send 

home in Friday Folder. Label these extra sheets homework. (Directions p. 2 in Thanksgiving Printable Activities for this) 

TO DO List: 

Make: Print up the Turkey Colors mini book, C is for: File Folder Game, Number Matching file folder game. Once they are put 

together, they will be used year after year. 

Buy: Items needed for dramatic play. 

Gather: Ask parents if they have any fall / Thanksgiving items items you can use for dramatic area. (DVD’s, books, etc). 

Other: Go to your local library and ask the library to help you find more books about Thanksgiving.

Family Notes and Notes Home 

1. Family Notes. Print up and send home with 

each child the Friday before you start the 

“Thanksgiving” theme. 

2. Blank Notes. Additional notes for you to use 

and send home during this theme. They are in 

the format of “Child Care”, Day Care, or 

“Preschool”, depending on what term you use 

in your business. Use the appropriate note and 

print up. Write your note, and send home with 

each child. 


Family Notes 

Dear Family, 

Next week, our theme is “Thanksgiving.” 

During this time, if you have any books or videos 

about “Thanksgiving” that you would like to share, 

please feel free to bring them. 

The children always enjoy this theme. It’s fun to learn the history of 


Thanks! 

Dear Family, 

Next week, our theme is “Thanksgiving.” 

During this time, if you have any books or videos 

about “Thanksgiving” that you would like to share, 

please feel free to bring them. 

The children always enjoy this theme. It’s fun to learn the history of 


Thanks! 

1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum Graphic used: www.clipart.com

Blank Family Notes 

A Note from Child Care 

A Note from Child Care 

1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum Graphic used: http://www.jersgirl.com/


A Note from Day Care 

A Note from Day Care 



A Note from Preschool 

A Note from Preschool 



Just a Reminder 

Just a Reminder 

1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum Graphic used: http://www.mooseberrygraphics.com/

Family Note – Reminder for Color Day 

Dear Family, 

Just a reminder that tomorrow is Color Day. Our 

color for tomorrow is blue. You can have your child bring 

or wear something that is blue. 

Thank you 

1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum Graphic used: graphics factory 

Dear Family, 

Just a reminder that tomorrow is Color Day. Our 

color for tomorrow is blue. You can have your child 

bring or wear something that is blue. 

Thank you 

1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum Graphic usedgraphics factory

1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum Graphic Used: PCHugware.com

1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum 

 

Graphic Used: PCHugware.com

Week in Review 

1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum Graphic Used: clipart.com

Week in Review 

1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum Graphic Used: clipart.com

Number 1 – 10 Matching 

Print up all the sheets for either the color or B 

& W number matching game. 


Color B & W set. Take the number sheets and 

laminate or place inside a file folder to make a 

file folder game. 

Trim pictures – laminate and let children use 

the pictures to match to the numbers on the 

sheets.


Match the Numbers 

Match the number of each picture to the 

number inside. 

1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum graphics used: graphics factory

1 2 

3 4

5 6 

7 8

9 10

Numbers 1 - 4

Numbers 5 - 9


Match the Numbers 

Match the number of each picture to the 

number inside. 

1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum graphics used: graphics factory

1 2 

3 4

5 6 

7 8

9 10

Numbers 1 - 4

Numbers 5 - 9

Weekly Planner 

Week of: _____________________________________ 

Materials Needed: 

Circle time: 

Copyright, 1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum, 2009 

graphic used: Scrappin Doodles


Art 

Literacy 

Manipulates 

Fine / Gross Motor Skills 

Math Skills 

Sensory / Science 

Music / Movement 

1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum Graphics Used: Graphics Factory


Monday 

Advance Preparation 

Locate the book you would like to use for the week 

during circle time. Theme related and something age 

appropriate. You can check the book list included with 

this theme. 

Stick with one book for the week. 

Ahead of time print up the wall charts for the letter C, 

number 10, color blue and shape oval. Decide if 

you’re going to use color or B & W. If using B & W, 

color them ahead of time. Hang the wall charts in the 

playroom or around your circle area. 

Purchase any necessary ingredients for cooking or 

snack activities you wish to do during the week. 

Print up worksheets you will need for the day. 

Make sure to have all craft materials on hand for any 

projects you will be doing this week. 

1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum Graphic Used: Scrapping Doodles


Book List 

I’m Thankful Each Day! by P. K. Hallinan 

The First Thanksgiving by Nancy Davis 

10 Fat Turkeys by Tony Johnston 

A Plump and Perky Turkey by Teresa 

Bateman 

Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes 

I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie 

by Alison Jackson 

Twas The Night Before Thanksgiving by 

Lauren Thompson 

This Is the Turkey by Abby Levine 

Five Silly Turkeys by Salina Yoon 

Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks by 

Margaret Sutherland 

The Turkey Ball by David Steinberg 

The Perfect Thanksgiving by Eileen Spinelli 

Thanksgiving Rules by Laurie Friedman 

The Night Before Thanksgiving by Natasha 

Wing 

My First Thanksgiving by Tomie dePaola 

The Story of the Pilgrims by H. L. Ross 

1 –2–3 Learn Curriculum Graphics Used: Scrappin Doodles

Large Wall Flashcards 

The letter C, number 10, color blue and 

shape oval are available in both color and B 

& W. 

These can be printed on white card stock, 

laminated and hung up during 


You can also use the B & W sheets as extra 

worksheets for the children. 

Print the worksheets up on regular copy 

paper. 

Copyright, 1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum, 2008


Graphic used: www.countryclipart.com
















Monday 

Circle Time 

Welcome each child – talk about this week’s theme. 

Thanksgiving. Encourage children to share anything new. 

Song: We Welcome You. 

Print up Thanksgiving Fun Facts. Talk to the children about 

some of the Fun Facts. Ask them what they know about 


Introduce the letter of the week: 

Letter Chant: 

Letters, letters, Letters have names. 

What is the name of this letter? 

On a small dry eraser board, write down the letter C. Ask the 

children to tell you the letter, and ask them if it is an upper 

case or a lower case C. Once they tell you the letter, erase it, 

and write it small in the upper right hand corner. Ask them to 

give you words that start with the letter C. Sound them out so 

they hear the C sound. Draw the picture. (You don’t have to 

be an artist; the children enjoy your effort). You can also use 

the following sheets for C words. 

If you do “jobs” during circle time, you can do those now. 

(Examples: What’s the weather outside? What is today’s 

day? Calendar)

Thanksgiving Fun Facts 

It was not until 1941, that congress declared 

Thanksgiving as a national holiday. It was 

declared to be the fourth Thursday in 

November. 

Fossil evidence shows that turkeys roamed the 

Americas 10 million years ago. 

91% of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving 

Day. 

Thomas Jefferson thought the concept of 

Thanksgiving was "the most ridiculous idea I’ve 

ever heard." 

The first Thanksgiving was not a feast, but 

rather a time when Native Americans helped 

Pilgrims by bringing them food and helping 

them build off the land. 

Graphic Used: Scrappin Doodles


More than 40 million green bean casseroles 

are served on Thanksgiving. 

Benjamin Franklin wanted the national bird to 

be a turkey. 

Corn is one of the popular symbols of 

thanksgiving. It came in many varieties and 

colors - red, white, yellow and blue. Some 

Americans considered blue and white corn 

sacred. The oldest corns date 7000 years back 

and were grown in Mexico. 

Twenty percent of cranberries eaten are eaten 

on Thanksgiving. 

Turkeys were one of the first animals in the 

Americas to be domesticated. 

The 'wishbone' of the turkey is used in a good 

luck ritual on Thanksgiving Day. 

The Plymouth Pilgrims dines with the 

Wampanoag Indians for the First Thanksgiving.


A spooked turkey can run at speeds up to 20 miles 

per hour. They can also burst into flight 

approaching speeds between 50-55 mph in a 

matter of seconds. 

The First Thanksgiving lasted for three days. 

The cranberry is a symbol and a modern diet 

staple of thanksgiving. Originally called crane 

berry, it derived its name from its pink blossoms 

and drooping head, which reminded the Pilgrims of 

a crane. 

In October of 1777 all 13 colonies celebrated 

Thanksgiving for the first time; however it was a 

one-time affair commemorating a victory over the 

British at Saratoga. 

Contrary to popular belief, Native Americans did 

not eat cranberries. They did, however, find them 

extremely useful for dying fabric and decorating 

pottery. 

Turkey is the traditional dish for the Thanksgiving 

feast. In the US, about 280 million turkeys are sold 

for the Thanksgiving celebrations. There is no 

official reason or declaration for the use of turkey. 

They just happened to be the most plentiful meat 

available at the time of the first Thanksgiving in 

1621, starting the tradition.


97 percent of Americans have turkey for 


A male turkey is a tom. A female is a hen. Babies 

are called poults. 

A mature turkey has 3,500 feathers. Turkey feather 

were used by Native Americans to stabilize arrows. 

The largest turkey on record was 86 pounds. 

Only the tom turkey gobbles. The hen makes 

clucking noises. A tom's gobble can be heard a 

mile away. 

A group of turkeys is called a flock. 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Minnesota 

is the top turkey-producing state in America, with a 

planned production total of 49 million in 2008. 

Graphic Used: Scrappin Doodles


Monday 

Circle Time – cont. 

Have a large dry eraser board or large sheet of paper. Have 

the children do an interactive morning message. Until the 

children get use to this, you say and write it each day. A 

good example is: 

Daily Message: 

Good morning boys and girls. Today is ____________. 

Today we’re learning about Thanksgiving. Love (your name) 

Once the children get use to interactive writing, you can ask 

them to help you write the message. Ask them what you should 

write. If they say Good morning, ask them what does Good 

start what, and let a child come up and write the letter G. As 

the child is writing the G, on your smaller dry eraser board, 

show the children and have them practice writing G on the floor 

or in the air. 

Have the children write several letters, and then together using 

a pointer stick read the daily message together. Count together 

how many letters they wrote. (Use 2 different color dry eraser 

markers. One color for the children and one color for your 

writing so they have a visual of the letters they wrote). 

Additional interactive writing activity: Using a large sheet of 

paper, have Thanksgiving foods drawn on the sheet. Turkey, 

mash potatoes, pumpkin pie, corn and stuffing. Write the words 

of each food minus the first letter. Sound out the picture and 

have a child write in the beginning sound. Do one each day.


Monday 

Circle Time – cont. 

Have children stand up and stretch before you start reading 

the story book you have chosen for the week. 

Stretching Poem 

Have children stand up. 

Two Little Hands 

Two little hands go clap, clap, clap. (all clap) 

Two little feet go tap, tap, tap. (all tap) 

One little body turns around, and then sits quietly upon the 

down. 

Once children are seated, get ready to read the story. Read the 

title, author and illustrator. While reading the story, ask opened 

ended questions about the story. Encourage questions about 

the story, but direct children back to the book if their questions 

are not related to story. When story is done, circle time is done.

Words of the Week – C 

Print up the following sheets onto white card 

stock. Cut out and laminate. 

Use these pictures during circle time if children 

are having a hard time coming up with the letter 

c words. 

Use the dry eraser board for additional words 

they come up with. 

Note: After laminating pictures, use Velcro dot on back to hang 

from flannel. Rough side of Velcro. 

cat chair cow cake corn 

chicken carrot castle camel car 



Week 1 

Large Group Activities 

Theme 

Worksheets / 

Projects 

Letter C 

Number 

10 

Shape 

Oval 

Color Blue 

Monday 


Lacing Cards 

Introduce the 

letter C 

How Many Turkeys? 

worksheet 

Tuesday 

Turkey Sequencing 

Introduce the shape 

oval 

Things that can be 

blue worksheet 

Wednesday 

Turkey Headband 

Practice writing the 

letter C c worksheet 

Color the ovals 

Thursday 

Turkey Handprint 

Letter C 

flash card 

Number 10 

flash card 

Shape oval 

flash card 

Color blue 

flash card / 

Color the 

Bird Blue 

Friday 

What I'm Thankful 

For Sheet 

Review the letter c 

using flash card from 

Thursday / 

Letter c worksheet 

Review the number 

10 using flash card 

from Thursday / 10 

Pumpkins 

Worksheet 

Review oval flash 

card from Thursday 

Color or paint blue 

crayon worksheet 


"Annie Lang images included with permission www.anniethingspossible.com"

Monday – large Group

Lacing Cards 

Children love lacing cards. You have the 

option of printing up color or b & w cards to 

color yourself and keep with your 


You can print up the color lacing cards, cut 

out – leaving about ½ an inch border, 

laminate, and punch holes around the card 

using a hole punch. 

Give the children lacing strings, yarn or 

shoe laces to lace the cards. 

The b & w set can also be used as an 

additional craft for the children. Give each 

child one of the cards, have them color and 

cut out. Have an adult punch holes, and 

they can lace using the above options of 

string. 

Lacing strings can be purchased though 

http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/ 

Copyright, 1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum, 2009

Finished Lace-Up Cards 


Trim – Leaving white border around picture. 

Laminate if desired for more durability. 

Let the children lace using lacing string or 

yarn. 

You can also use the B & W card as an 

additional project. 


Pilgrim/Indian 

Lace Up Cards 


Print up on white card stock. Cut out leaving 

white border around the picture. Laminate. 

Punch holes with a hole punch. Have children 

lace using lacing string.


Pilgrim/Indian 

Lace Up Cards 

Print up on white card stock. Color - Cut out leaving white 

border around the picture. Laminate. Punch holes with a 

hole punch. Have children lace using lacing string. 

If using as extra craft, don’t laminate.

Name __________________ 

1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum Graphic used: countryclipart.com

Name _______________________ 

How many turkeys? ________ 

Color 

1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum Graphic used: Graphics factory

Tuesday – large Group

Turkey Sequencing 

Print up the sheet with the 3 turkeys on 

white card stock. 

Give to the children to color and cut out. 

Glue them in sequence – Largest to 

smallest. 

(Print up the sequence – Largest to 

smallest sheet on card stock. Or hand 

print the information on a piece of 

construction paper.) 


Name ___________________________ 

Turkey Size Sequencing 

Large to Small 

Large Medium Small 



Name ___________________ 


Name __________________________ 

Thing’s that can be blue 


Wednesday – large Group

Turkey Headband 

Have children color the turkey head, 

bands and feathers or have them paint 

using sponges. 

Cut pieces out. 

Glue turkey head on. 

Glue feathers on. 

Staple head band together. 

Another option: use real feathers from 

a craft store to glue on instead of paper 

feathers. 

Band for head 

Band for head 

Glue Turkey 

Head Here 

1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum Graphics used: 1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum

Feathers for Turkey Headband 

Glue to back of the headband

Name ____________________ 

All these pictures begin with the “C c” 

1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum Graphics used: countryclipart.com / iclipart.com

Name __________________ 

Color the ovals 


Thursday – large Group

Handprint Turkey 

Print up the following sheet on white card stock. 

Paint the palm of the hand and thumb in brown and 

the fingers in different colors for the feathers. 

Draw in the beak and the wattle. 


Happy Thanks giving! 

This isn’t just a turkey 

As anyone can see 

This very special turkey 

Was hand made just by me! 

Copyright, 1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum

Happy Thanks giving! 

This isn’t just a turkey 

As anyone can see 

This very special turkey 

Was hand made just by me! 

Copyright, 1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum

Flash Cards – 2 

Graphics used: countryclipart 

C c 

Cat 10 

1 2 3LearnCurriculum 

Blue 

Oval

Name __________________ 

Color the bird blue 

Trace. 

1 – 2 – 3 Learn Curriculum Graphic used: countryclipart.com

Friday – large Group

What I’m Thankful For 

Print up the following sheets onto white card 

stock. There are 3 formats. 

Lines for children learning to write 

Lines for children that know how to write 

Empty space for younger children that can 

draw a picture. 

Have children color turkey. Write or draw what 

they are thankful for. Hang up for the month of 

November.

What I’m thankful for: 

By: ___________________


By: ___________________


By: ___________________

Name __________________ 


Graphic used: countryclipart.com

Name ___________________ 

10 pumpkins 

Circle the number 10 

7 8 9 10 1 1 


Name __________________________ 

Color 

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Thanksgiving Week 1 Lesson Plan (Infant â Preschool)

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Thanksgiving Week 1 Lesson Plan (Infant â Preschool)