Thanksgiving in Sign Language (plus book and activity ideas!)
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November signals all things turkeys, thankfulness, and the start of (many) family gatherings. There is much to be thankful for, and these books + activities will spark many wonderful conversations, experiences, and memories.
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Reading and Sign Language
Have you ever thought to use sign language while reading books?
Grab your little one’s current favorite (board) book and snuggle up together!
🌟Engage in joint attention while you read and point to the pictures.
🌟Use sign language in your baby’s line of sight.
🌟Boost language learning and early literacy!
Need some fun Thanksgiving book ideas? Keep reading…
Want to use sign language with your little one?
Sign Through the Seasons: Fall is an all-inclusive activity workshop that equips you to implement meaningful activities, targeted signed vocabulary, and intentional learning for your baby, toddler, or preschooler during the fall months! Learn more about this seasonal e-course here.
Get Started Now with 10 functional ASL signs to start using with your baby or toddler right away. Learn 3 tips to ensure you are using signs correctly and with realistic expectations. Whether you have already started signing, or just warming up to the idea, this free guide will take you one step closer to your goal!
Check out my online resources for parents! Browse my current offerings.
Baby sign language for Thanksgiving
THANKSGIVING: this is also the sign for THANKFUL. plenty of opportunities to use this sign preparing for the holiday.
TURKEY: connect this sign’s meaning to the food, animal, and activities this month.
PIE: who doesn’t love pie?!
Thanksgiving baby & toddler board book recommendations
Reading books about Thanksgiving will not only teach them the importance and value of this holiday, but also help them understand thankfulness. Incorporate the signs you know as you read together.
Llama Llama Gives Thanks is perfect for babies and toddlers, and using sign language! The simple sentences and easy rhyme discusses a family gathering, thankfulness, and traditional foods.
The Itsy Bitsy Pilgrim is a cute spin on “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” that weaves the history of Thanksgiving into a story that older toddlers and preschoolers will love!
Baby & toddler activity ideas for Thanksgiving
I have compiled some ideas for your littles that I hope you love!
Sensory play is always important to incorporate, and my friend Kelsey @as_the_littles_grow is the expert! She created this Thanksgiving meal sensory bin using popcorn kernels and play food, perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. I love that you can extend this activity to sorting by color, size, or food type.
Creating a thankful turkey is something we are doing in our house this year, even though the concept is very abstract for my daughter, who was 23 months last Thanksgiving. It's never too early to have conversations and develop that early language!
And, of course, Thanksgiving isn't Thanksgiving without a handprint turkey. Am I right?! Get out those washable paints, smocks, and paintbrushes to savor their little handprints before they’re not so little anymore!
