Pool Noodle Turkeys

Wait! Don't throw away those summer pool noodles yet! Chop them up and turn them into colourful turkeys for Thanksgiving! ;)

But actually.

Do the chop and create thing.

Here's how....

WHAT YOU NEED:

• pool noodles

• knife

• feathers

• pipecleaners

• googly eyes

• craft foam

• scissors

• hot glue gun & sticks

HOW TO MAKE:

1. Slice a pool noodle to create turkey bodies. I used an "adult" knife to get a clean cut :)

2. Set out feathers that will easily poke into the top of the pool noodle. Artists can make their turkey as feather-y as they desire!

3. Use pipecleaners to create turkey legs. We cut one in half to create two legs and then twisted around smaller segments to create the turkey toes ;) These easily poke into the bottom of the pool noodle.

4. Glue googly eyes on the face.

5. Cut out a beak and "gobble, gobble" (as we say in my house!) from craft foam. Hot glue these pieces in place.

6. Optional: Add little name tags (we used old paper bags and toothpicks!) to create place settings for Thanksgiving dinner!

ACTIVITY EXTENSIONS:

• Accessorize your turkey! Nory decided some of ours needed glasses!

• Write a story about your turkey!

• Create other pool noodle sculptures with leftover pieces.

CONNECTION STARTERS:

• What is something you are grateful for?

• Who are you looking forward to seeing this holiday?

• What's your favourite food at Thanksgiving?

• Reflect on summer memories, inspired by the pool noodle ;)

THINGS TO CELEBRATE & ENCOURAGE:

• securing feathers and pipecleaners into pool noodle

• making creative decisions independently

• safe use of scissors

• practicing safety near hot glue gun

Wishing you a colourful Thanksgiving - starting with this very decor!

Happy connecting!

Lindsay

XOXO