Each month in my house, I change our learning theme. Some themes are random (e.g. transportation, farm, dinosaurs), but usually they are based on the time of the year. Obviously, November is our Thanksgiving unit. It’s so much fun to come up with creative learning activities to fit a specific theme! Thanksgiving has lots of iconic images of Pilgrims, Native Americans, corn, and pumpkin pie, but I thought this turkey themed math activity would be perfect.
I created several variations for preschool-age children and elementary-age children. Younger children will practice sequencing numbers. Elementary-age children will work on understanding number sentences and families.
Materials:
- Construction paper of various colors
- Marker
- Scissors
Directions:
Begin by cutting out turkey bodies and feathers. Older children can do this part independently. I selected Fall colors, but have fun with colors you like. Allow your child to draw faces on the turkeys.
For preschool-age children, have your child write the numbers 1 – 5 on the feathers. If your child needs help, you can actually write the numbers on the feathers with a highlighter and your child can trace over the numbers with a darker pen or marker. Scramble the numbers up, and have your child arrange the numbers in order on the turkey. To make this more complex, you can also start with a larger number (e.g. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) or skip-counting numbers (e.g. 2, 4, 6, 8, 10).
For more advanced learners, write a number on the turkey. Have your child write number sentences that equal that number. Prompt your child by saying “Let’s think of all the ways we can make (number).” Younger children will likely write addition and subtraction problems. My 5-year old daughter actually generated the above responses for numbers 4 and 5, and I wrote them down.
For more images and ideas related to Thanksgiving Math Activities, visit Mom It Forward.
What fun Thanksgiving activities do you do with your children?
Any Comments?