Of course, there's plenty of fun turkey books for November too.
VIDEOS The story of Thanksgiving is a hard one for 2 year olds to grasp. This video is a cute version about the Plymouth Rock and the Thanksgiving holiday that young children will enjoy.
Once upon a time, there was a little girl who lived in a village near the forest. Whenever she went out, the little girl wore a red riding cloak, so everyone in the village called her Little Red Riding Hood.
Yes, we know how the story goes.
The kids made interactive books in the shape of baskets. It was nice to see how they re-told the story to their parents and siblings.
We tried making a Little Red Riding Hood craft.
It started out okay.
But boys being boys, turned her hair into sideburns and mustaches.
Of course the best craft of the week that they enjoyed was the big BAD Wolf!
Enlist an assistant to lead the children in making sound effects. Tell the children to follow along with your assistant to help tell the story.
Helper: Today we're going to help tell a story about my friend Goldilocks. Some people think she's a bit of a troublemaker. How many of you know the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears? We're going to tell the story of why Goldilocks went into the bear's house. But I need your help. Here are the sounds you're going to help me make. When I tell you, you can follow along. First, let's practice our sounds
[Introduce each of the sounds and show children how to make them. This may take 3-5 minutes. Have children repeat the sounds back to you. They will be eager to see, hear, and participate in the story.]
Helper: Time to begin! Let's start with our bird sounds! Cheep cheep cheep!
Goldilocks: Oh what a beautiful day it is, here in Fairytale Forest! The sun is shining and the birds are singing! (Point to the sun)
Goldilocks: I think I'll go for a walk. Well, even though the sun is shining, I should probably bring my umbrella, just in case. (pick up umbrella and put it in your pocket. Pretend to go for a walk, using exaggerated movements)
Goldilocks: There are so many things to see and hear on my walk! There are some beautiful purple flowers. I think I'll smell them. (pretend to pick a flower)
Helper: Let's make some wind! (After the children have begun to participate, move the wind chime.
Goldilocks: (Raise hand to your ear) What is that sound I hear? Oooh! A wind chime! Listen to the sound it makes in the wind.
Helper: Make the wind stronger!
Goldilocks: Uh oh! That wind is getting stronger! I think a storm is brewing!
Helper: Let's make a soft rain
Goldilocks: Do you hear that? It's starting to rain! I better open my umbrella! (open the umbrella)
Goldilocks: Ohhh! That wind is so strong, it's starting to blow my umbrella! (pretend the wind is pulling the umbrella. Tussle with the umbrella dramatically.)
Helper: Let's make it rain harder! (pat your thighs loudly)
Goldilocks: Ohhhh! That rain is really coming down! I hope it doesn't lightning! I'm afraid of lightning!
Helper: (Shake the foil or metal sheet) Now let's make some thunder. On the count of three! 1-2-3 CLAP!
Goldilocks: Jump and act surprised. Ohh! That was so loud! I better find somewhere to wait out this storm. Look--over in the clearing! There's a little house. I'll just knock on the door and see if I can come inside.
(You can stop here, or you can lead in to the Goldilocks and the Three Bears Story. Or you can begin reading a version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.)
