With the kids out of school for Thanksgiving, how can families engage them in hands-on learning?
Fortunately, there are many language-rich Thanksgiving activities that are both fun and easy to do at home during the break.
As an SLP, here are some my favorites for building language:
1) Make hand turkeys
2) Decorate paper acorns
3) Create pinecone birdfeeders
4) Get creative with fall wreaths
5) Use paint daubers and make dot art
6) Explore with a Thanksgiving scavenger hunt
7) Take a walk or hike in your neighborhood
8) Go on a story walk
The mama and SLP in me loves building vocabulary in the natural environment. Creating pinecone birdfeeders is a perfect example. Simply find a large pinecone, spread peanut butter or sun butter on it, and roll it in birdseed. Not only is this messy fun for kids, but it's an ideal way to introduce following 1-2 step directions. Parents can also help kids to describe the ingredients of the handmade birdfeeders (e.g., sticky), which builds vocabulary. Once the birdfeeders are ready, ask your kids to retell you the sequence of how they made their crafts.
Readers: What are your favorite activities to do with kids during school breaks?
About the Author: Melissa Goff, M.S., CCC-SLP, is the owner of Sunflower Speech & Myo Therapy, PLLC, in Charlotte, NC.
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