Printable thankful tree

 

Happy Thanksgiving! Are you looking for a simple Thanksgiving craft to do with kids? This free printable thanksgiving tree is the perfect Thanksgiving activity and a great way for kids to show thanks. Making a thankful tree allows kids to really think about what they are thankful for in their lives. There are so many things to be thankful for but we don’t always set aside time to think about what we are thankful for. Thanksgiving time is the time to show our thanks and make fun crafts with kids.

First the kids can color in the tree. Then they can think about what they are thankful for and write it down on the paper leaves. Add the leaves onto the tree. Put a new leaf on the tree each day or decorate it all at once.

For younger kids let them color the leaves. Then ask them what they are thankful for and write it on the leaves for them. Sometimes it is the little things we can be grateful for such as soft blankets and pretty birds. Other things to be thankful for are the people we love.

This is a great activity for kids in a class, to hang on a bulletin board, at a kids Thanksgiving table, at a Thanksgiving party, on Thanksgiving day, or a craft for kids at home. The trees can also be used for thanksgiving decorations after they are decorated. Kids of all ages will have fun making their own tree. It can be a good activity to do with the whole family.

Free Tree Printable

The tree bottom comes in two different options first is a coloring version. If kids want to color in the tree they can with this version. Color it in using colored pencils, crayons, or markers.

CLICK HERE for coloring tree template

Next is a version that is already colored in and ready to go. With this printable template you can cut it out and glue it on a colorful background or just glue the leaves right on the paper.

CLICK HERE for colored in tree

 

Free Printable Leaf Templates

The first option for the fall leaf template is also a coloring version. Color in a new leaf every day or color them all at once. Then kids or adults can write what they are thankful for on the leaf. The leaves can be used to trace on construction paper. Another option is to print it out on colorful cardstock paper.

CLICK HERE for the coloring version.

 

The colored in paper leaf allows you just to cut and paste the leaf with little effort. It is still a fun project without the coloring. The sheet has a variety of fall colors. The fall leaves have enough space to write on.

CLICK HERE for the colored in version

If you want a large tree template to hang on the wall print it at a print shop in an engineering print size.

Materials:

The pdf file for personal use, non-commercial use but you can print it out a bunch of times for a group of kids.

Print it at home or at a local print shop.

Cardstock paper, construction paper, or colorful card stock paper.

Scissors

Glue stick

Using the Printable Templates

First pick the template you want to use and download the digital file. You will need a pdf reader to open the file.

Next print out the file on your home printer or at a print shop. If you are using it to trace on construction paper print out the sheet once. If you are printing them out for a group print out as many sheets as you need.

If kids are coloring the sheets color directly on the printed out sheets. You can even use paint but for painting I would use cardstock paper so it doesn’t rip.

Next it is time to cut out the tree leaves. If you are tracing on construction paper cut out the shapes then trace on a piece of brown paper for the tree. Then red, orange, and yellow for the leaves. Stack papers together to cut multiple papers at once. You don’t have to cut out the tree but if you are wanting to put it on a colorful paper background feel free to cut out the tree.

Now it is time to think of things you are thankful for and write them on the leaves. You can write them out before cutting out the leaves or write them after if you are adding a new leaf to the tree each day. I like that idea as a countdown to Thanksgiving write one thing you are thankful for each day all month long.

Glue the leaves on to the tree branches using a glue stick. This part is great for working on kids fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Simple as that you made a Thankful tree craft! It is an easy Thanksgiving craft to enjoy with the entire family and keep for years to come. This can even be an easy family tradition. I love focusing on gratitude and all of the wonderful things in life. Kids can write their favorite things and nice things about family members. It is great for kids to learn how to have a thankful heart with a paper gratitude tree.

If you need some other fall fun this Thanksgiving season I’ve got you covered. Make pumpkins, apples, Turkey hats, pilgrim hats, and scarecrows to get into the fall spirit. These are great activities to make during the month of November. There are enough crafts to keep kids busy all month or to make over fall break.