5 Little Turkeys – a Gratitude Poem for Young Kids- Project Gratitude #14

Today Darla from The Preschool Toolbox is sharing her idea of creating Turkeys out of Wikki Stix to play with as the kids recite the 5 little turkeys poem. So fun! Please be sure to check out The Preschool Toolbox blog and follow her on social media. The links are at the bottom of the post.

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Five Little Turkeys – a poem and discussion on gratitude and attitude!

5 Little TurkeysThe 5 Little Turkeys went out to hunt for food.

The 1st one said, “I’m in a THANKFUL mood!”

The 2nd one said, “Let’s go eat some corn!”

The 3rd one said, “It’s a beautiful autumn morn!”

The 4th one said, “I’m filled with GRATITUDE!”

The 5th one said, “I need to change my attitude!”

Then the 5 Little Turkeys ate the corn and sat to rest;

Counting harvest joys and how richly they are blessed!

Print the 5 Little Turkeys Poem (download it HERE). Read the poem to the children several times. Once the poem is more familiar, the children will begin repeating the words on their own.

To make the Wikki Stix Turkeys:
Set out assorted colors of Wikki Stix on a tray or table. Invite the children to create the five turkeys. There is no wrong or right way to craft with Wikki Stix. For younger children, it may be helpful to make an example of a turkey that the children might copy for their own crafts.

The turkeys in the photo were made with brown Wikki Stix spirals and assorted Wikki Stix ovals for the feathers. Older children may wish to create the eyes, nose, wattle, and/or feet for their turkey crafts.

Discussion Activity:
Ask the children what it means to be thankful and grateful. Most young children have an idea of what those words mean, but they have difficulty explaining it. Children will often express thankfulness for toys, but help the children expand ideas by brainstorming other possibilities (examples: home, family, friends, church, school, food, clothes, activities, teachers, coaches, etc.)

Remind the children that using manners to show thankfulness and gratitude to others is always a great idea. Use the phrase “an attitude of gratitude” frequently when giving or receiving kindnesses. The children will catch on quickly and learn that an attitude of thankfulness and gratitude brings joy!

Do YOU have an attitude of thankfulness and gratitude? Children model what they see and hear from adults! Blessings to each of you for a joyous Thanksgiving! ___________________________________________________________________
About the Author: Darla is founder of The Preschool Toolbox Blog, an Educator, and Family Childcare Owner/Advocate. She has been a director of a group licensed childcare/preschool home for the past 29 years. She writes about teaching resources, parenting tips, and activities for children ages 2-7 primarily via The Preschool Toolbox Blog, Squidoo, Wikki Stix, and Sixty Second Parent. __________________________________________________________________