Easy Turkey of Gratitude Craft
Thanksgiving is a time to slow down, spend time together, and reflect on what we’re thankful for. For children with autism, celebrating the holiday can be even more special when activities are hands-on and sensory-friendly. That’s why this Thanksgiving autism craft—a colorful “Turkey of Gratitude”—is a great way to bring the holiday to life. It’s fun, easy, and gives your child a chance to practice fine motor skills, communication, and emotional expression.
Let’s walk through how to create this turkey craft step by step.
What You’ll Need for This Thanksgiving Craft
You don’t need fancy materials. Most of these items can be found around the house or at a local craft store.
Supplies:
- Construction paper (variety of colors)
- Safety scissors
- Glue stick
- Markers or crayons
- Googly eyes (optional)
- A paper plate or piece of cardboard (for the turkey’s body)
Tip: For children with sensory sensitivities, use soft-textured paper or foam sheets instead of construction paper. You can also pre-cut some pieces if cutting is challenging.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Turkey of Gratitude
Step 1: Create the Turkey Body
Cut out a large circle from a paper plate or cardboard. This will be the base of your turkey. You can color it brown or cover it with brown construction paper.
Step 2: Make the Feathers
Cut out feather shapes from different colors of paper. The more colors, the better! Encourage your child to help with cutting or choosing the colors.
Step 3: Write What You’re Thankful For
On each feather, help your child write or draw something they’re thankful for. This could be family, friends, pets, favorite foods, or activities they enjoy.
If your child is nonverbal, you can use pictures or symbols instead of words. You might print out small photos or use magazine cutouts.
Step 4: Assemble the Turkey
Glue the feathers around the back of the circle so they fan out. Add eyes, a beak, and a wattle to the front. You can draw them or use googly eyes for fun.
Step 5: Display and Celebrate
Once it’s dry, hang your turkey on the fridge or wall. Celebrate your child’s work by talking about each feather and what it represents. This helps build communication and emotional awareness in a fun, visual way.
Why This Thanksgiving Autism Craft Matters
This Thanksgiving craft isn’t just about being creative. It supports essential skills that children work on in ABA therapy every day.
Here’s how:
- Fine motor skills: Cutting, gluing, and coloring help build hand strength and coordination.
- Communication: Talking about what your child is thankful for encourages expressive language.
- Social-emotional skills: Reflecting on gratitude helps children recognize feelings and connect with others.
- Following directions: The step-by-step nature of this craft supports listening and sequencing skills.
The best part? It’s adaptable. You can simplify steps or add sensory elements like soft feathers, textured paper, or scented markers to make it more engaging.
Making Thanksgiving Fun for the Whole Family
Thanksgiving can sometimes feel overwhelming with all the noise, people, and changes in routine. Doing a calm, structured activity like this craft can give your child a comfortable space to relax and enjoy the holiday.
You can even make it a family tradition. Have everyone in the house create their own gratitude turkey each year. It’s a simple way to reflect and connect as a family.
Start ABA Therapy with Circle City ABA
At Circle City ABA, we believe that every child learns best through play, creativity, and connection. Our centers are designed to help children grow confidence, communication, and independence—all while having fun.
If you’re looking for ABA therapy services for your child, we’re here to help.
Contact our admissions team today to learn more or schedule a tour of your local center. Find a location near you! We serve Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, and Nebraska. Let’s make progress together, one small step at a time.
