This easy craft for kids teaches the value of gratitude and provides children with the opportunity to communicate with others what things they are thankful for.
Do you remember making paper chains in elementary school?
When I made them as a child, they were always used to count down to something important and exciting – like an upcoming birthday or holiday.
This twist on the classic paper chain craft for kids is perfect for celebrating Thanksgiving, but could be done at any time of year.
In our house, we add a new link to our chain every day of November. Then, on Thanksgiving, we read aloud our chain links. It truly ends up being an amazing list we enjoy reading together over supper.
You could also use the Gratitude Chain in its typical way – to count down to Thanksgiving or another important celebration.
Either way – this craft is a winner! Here’s how we did it.
Supplies:
- Paper in colors or patterns of your choice
- Scissors
- Pen or marker
- Tape
Directions:
- Use your scissors to cut your paper into strips that are 1″ – 2″ wide
- Every day, use your pen or marker to write one thing that you are thankful for onto a paper strip.
- Tape the ends of your paper strip together to form a loop. The written words should be facing outwards.
- Interlock the next slip of paper with the loop you have made and then tape the paper’s ends.
- Continue writing and taping, forming a chain.
- Read aloud your paper strips as a family or group over Thanksgiving dinner or morning meeting time.
Looking for another art project or activity to celebrate Thanksgiving?
Check out this blog post on a fine-motor activity called “Share the Pie” (the blog post contains a free printable for the activity!).
