10.  Set the Table– Setting the table continues to be a great way for children to explore one-to-one correspondence.  Putting one plate, one napkin, one fork, one knife, and one spoon in front of each chair is a complicated task for the very young child but mixed-as can help one another.  Don’t expect it to look perfect.  That is not the point.

9.  Make Name Place Cards– Give your children small note cards and while you are basting, break out the markers or crayons and have them create place cards with each guest’s name on it.  You may have to spell out the names, but that is why they will be so charming.  They can then go and put them around the table-one place card per chair.

8.  Create the Decorations– While the markers are still out, find some construction paper and let the kids go at it.  They can draw turkeys or pumpkins, or whatever they wish.  It is the homemade(ness) that will draw the oohs and aahs of your guests.

7.  Be the Official Tasters– Allow the children to be the official tasters of all of the Thanksgiving fare.  Encourage them to tell you what they think.  They are nothing, if not honest.

6.  Provide the Entertainment -Have the children prepare some songs to sing for the guests.  You can show them how most of the songs they know can be adapted to a Thanksgiving theme like “10 Little Turkeys Jumping on the Bed.”

5.  Go For a Walk– Take a break from the kitchen and take a walk around the block.  Collect some dried leaves and bring them home to sprinkle around the table for an air of authenticity.

4.  Create Menu Cards-Fine dining establishments provide their dining guests with a list of the food that will be served.  You can have the children either write these, or you can print them up and they can draw pictures of the foods on them.

3.  Make a Thankful Tree– Cut out different leaf shapes and tie strings to them.  The children can draw pictures of they things they are thankful for and then tie them to household plant.  As guest arrive, they, too can write what they are thankful for and tie them to the Thankful Tree.

2.  Watch the Parade– Curl up on the couch and watch the parade.  Children really enjoy this activity and they will have memories of it throughout their lives.

1.  Give Thanks– Since Thanksgiving is about thanks and gratitude, encourage your children to list the things they are thankful for.  Be sure to let them know how thankful you are for having them in your life.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE