Thanksgiving Crafts: Footprint Headband Native American hat craft for kids

Native American Headband Craft to make with Footprints for Preschool

This is an easy paper footprint craft to make to teach preschoolers about the first Thanksgiving with Pilgrims and Native Americans. Enjoy!

Footprint headband hat craft to make.

Gobbles and Giggles Class

Oh What fun! I taught a Seasonal Celebrations class with a Thanksgiving theme. We traced our feet onto colored construction paper. This is a great tactile activity for toddlers and preschoolers, as well as, a fun way to learn colors.

Kids love to use scissors! Half the fun was cutting the paper into pieces while the Mommies and Grandmas cut out the feet.

Thanksgiving Crafts: Footprint Headband Native American Hat Craft for Kids.

Make a headband from small strips of paper, attach it with staples or tape, then hand the kiddos a glue stick and let them get busy sticking those feathered feet onto the band. It's a nifty twist on the traditional, Native American headdress. 

We read, "Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving" and Played Broomstick Toss. We hugged the turkey dubbed, Princess Emma, goodbye.

Giant Balloon Turkey.

Recommended Reading:
Paper Bag Indian Dress
Turkey Races Game
Turkey Marshmallows
Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks (Reading Railroad)

Heard it on the Playground: Funny Kids Sayings, Quotes, and Stories.

Here's a site where you can list your funny kid's sayings or stories...

Funny Kids sayings, quotes, and stories.

Recommended Reading:

Sayings and Plays

My Kids Say The Funniest Things: A Keepsake Journal of Your Children's Comments, Remarks, and Sayings

How to make a Counting Sheep costume for Halloween

How to make a sheep costume for Halloween

Guest post written by Liz Hughes

It's always a struggle to come up with a good group Halloween costume theme for me and my roommates. In the years past we went as the three blind mice and then the Spice Girls. But this year I decided that I just wanted to go as something that would include an outfit that is comfortable and warm.

I started looking online for some ideas about what I could convince my friends to dress up as and I came up with the idea to dress up as counting sheep.

Making a sheep costume has been pretty easy. I bought some sweatpants and a sweatshirt. I can't decided if I want to bother putting cotton batting or balls on it to make it look better. But I might just stick a number on the costume. I think my roommates are glad that I chose something that's so comfortable and easy to pull off, especially in comparison to the Spice Girls! I think that they'll never forgive me for that idea after they had to walk around in platform shoes and short skirts on a cold Halloween night.

How to Make a Homemade Pretzel Thanksgiving Cornucopia

Make an Edible Cornucopia for Thanksgiving

We had a fun with a pretzel recipe.You can make a pretzel at home and turn it into a Thanksgiving cornucopia. Enjoy!

Edible Thanksgiving Cornucopia Recipe.

We followed this Betty Crocker recipe.

Pounding the dough was a big hit. (Pun intended.)

A little more labor intensive than I thought, but so worth it.
In the past, we made easy pretzels with canned dough- Fun to make and tasted o.k. but this recipe tastes like we bought them at the store.

We made the cornucopia by wrapping strips of the processed dough around a greased cake funnel.

We tried sugar and salt variations for the coating.

You can make pretzels with the same recipe.

Amazyum!

A great companion children's book for this activity is:

"One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims"

Thanksgiving book for kids.

This is a fun twist on "Ten Little Indians".  

Kids love to sing "One Big Turkey".

Recommended Reading:

Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks (Reading Railroad)

Peanut Butter Ball Turkey Recipe

Chocolate, Flowers, or Teddy Bears? My Postpartum Depression Pick Me Up

A few weeks after my first child was born, long after everyone else had gone back to their daily routines, I was left alone with fatigue and a mild-case of postpartum depression (post natal), one giant, smelly dog, two cats, one bird, and a bacteria infested exotic frog.  Oh... and a newborn baby, let's not forget the baby.  Everyone of those little lives needed something from me, and I needed sleep.

I didn't have enough energy to spread the love, clean the pet messes, and change the baby.  I was simply overcome by Bleh.  I knew I needed to be strong for the baby but the monotony of being alone with all of these creatures in a messy house for eight hours everyday had taken its toll.

One day, the doorbell rang.  Begrudgingly, I threw on my best hospital, maternity robe, slid on my fuzzy, pink slippers, threw the baby on my hip, and shuffled to the door. Standing on tippy toes, I snuck a peek through the peep hole. A bright-eyed, delivery girl with a broad smile peered over a huge arrangement of flowers.

With both hands wrapped around baby, I struggled to free one to open the door. Her contagious smile and bubbly personality brightened my grumpy, hermit-loving mood.  I became giddy as I signed for the flowers. The presentation was unique. Flowers were displayed in an earthenware container reminding me of the ancient ruins. 

I plopped my son into a baby bouncer and quickly cleared a place in the center of the mantle, out of reach from babies, birds, curious cats, and a dog who would eat anything. Then, I dropped to the couch and opened the card.  

"Thought you might need a pick me up about now."

Of course, I bawled like a little baby (remember I was postpartum). How did they know?  I barely knew the sender at the time - my father-in-law and step mother-in-law who live out of the country.

The special delivery came at the perfect time giving me a little pick-me-up to press on for the next few weeks.   Nothing is more heart-warming than knowing someone is thinking about you in your darkest moments.  

Why not surprise someone who is going through a rough patch.  

Seven years later, after a fall that rivaled Humpty Dumpty, the patched container sits on my mantle, looking more than ever like ancient ruins, holding my own arrangement of silks and reminding me of that special moment.

What is Postpartum depression learn more here.

My postpartum depression pick me up!

"Those Darn Squirrels!" book review for Children's Book Author Adam Rubin

Adam Rubin  of the Series, "Those Darn Squirrels!", is a Best-Selling Children's Book Author

Those Darn Squirrels is the first in a book series by Adam Rubin. This book is beautifully illustrated by Daniel Salmieri. People of all ages will love this book. Enjoy!

Those Darn Squirrels by Adam Rubin.

This book is too cute. I read it during an outdoor, mini-drama camp for kids aged three to eight years old. There were parents and counselors listening too, guess who laughed the most?

The little ones loved the pictures. Reading it in the park wasn't the brightest idea I ever had. Those darn squirrels live very interesting lives, you see. The little ones kept seeing live squirrels in the park and, like a dog, well they had to run check them out. Ya never know what surprises those darn squirrels have hiding in the trees.

Oh, look at that- he's cute too. I must ad, Mr. Rubin has some of the most interesting websites I've ever seen.

Recommended Reading:

Those Darn Squirrels!

Those Darn Squirrels and the Cat Next Door

Those Darn Squirrels Fly South

Friday Follows Holiday Book Giveaway

"So You Want to be a Work-at-Home Mom" By Jill Hart & Diana Ennen.

And the Winner is....

With a totally random roll of my giant, purple die.

Leanne Chesser.

Thanks for the follows, Leanne.

Everyone else...  Check back later today for the next Holiday Book Giveaway.

How to Make Knives: Handmade Knife Art by Roger Shrum

Hand Carved Knife designs by Roger Shrum.

You don't have to be a painter to be an amazing artist. Roger Shrum (a pretty good painter), is carving a hobby making handmade knives. These knives are art. Want to learn more about how to make knives? Check out the knife below. Enjoy!

Unfortunately, Mr. Shrum has delted his blog and other social media, but you can still see his beautiful works of art on our Pinterest Board. He also makes pewter turtles and other amazing creatures.

Homemade Art Knife by Shrum Knives.

Handcrafted Art Knives

Check out this beautiful, handmade knife art. Want to learn how to make knives? 

Visit my cousin, the artisan on our Pinterest Board: Shrum Knives. 


Roger is a local folk artist who works full-time and crafts and carves in his free time. See his beautiful pewter turtles on Pinterest.

ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

Activities for Children: How to Make a Straw free Scarecrow with Recycled Items

How to make your own Kid Scarecrow without Straw

When we visit a local farm, there are lots of activities for children including an area set aside to make your own scarecrow. It is very messy and smelly! We all sneeze. Wouldn't it be cool to have a scarecrow without straw?

Activities for Children: Mini Scarecrow for Indoors.

So, a few years ago, I decided to design my own allergy-friendly scarecrow activity for kids. We used paper and recycled bags!

Tired old allergy free scarecrow.

How to Make an Allergy-Free Scarecrow

Old kid's clothes (short sleeves work too).
Paper lunch sacks or plastic pumpkins
Plastic grocery bags
Raffia, yarn, staples, or duct tape to attach the parts.

Grab your kid's old , torn clothes. Stuff the pants with plastic grocery bags. (Tie them in knots or blow them up like balloons for extra padding.) Stuff your shirt.Ties the feet and arms off with string or tape with duct tape. Stuff shirt into waist of pants. Duct tape works best here. Attach it to look like a belt. Cut arms or hands from paper bags as needed. Staple to end of shirt. Make feet too. Stuff a paper lunch sack with plastic bags, tie it off, and attach to the shirt. You can use a plastic pumpkin for the head too- not as easy to attach. Throw on a straw hat or cut out strips of the lunch bag and staple on for hair.

Recommended Reading:

Companion books for this children's activity are:

The Big, Red Barn by Margaret Wise Brown

The Little Scarecrow Boy by Margaret Wise Brown *ad

Painting with Gourds and Mini-Pumpkins Craft = Happy Accident

Paint with pumpkins and gourds: A fun, Fall Thanksgiving Craft for Kids

This is a happy accident! We used our pumpkins and gourds as stampers and rollers. We painted them in different colors and then pressed and rolled them onto paper. The kid's had a blast! When we were ready to clean up, I noticed the paint had dried onto the squash. It was so beautiful that I tossed them in a basket and called them a Thanksgiving Centerpiece! You might also like this Acorn Squash Recipe.

Painted Mini-pumpkins and Gourds centerpiece for Thanksgiving.

Look at these lovely squash.

The kids painted with pumpkins and gourds resulting in a beautiful bi-product.

Rolling Pumpkin Art with edible paint.

Grab some paint or make your own with cornstarch, food coloring, and water.
Roll or press the squash in the paint.
Roll it across the paper or use it like a rubber stamp.

Results:

Beautiful works of contemporary art, frame worthy.

Make your own beautiful Thanksgiving centerpiece basket.

Happy accident?  A  lovely centerpiece basket full of colorful fall vegetables.

Recommended Reading:

Totline Busy Bees Fall Fun for Two's and Three's

Ten Apples Up On Top!

Fall Crafts for Toddlers to Make

Turkey in the Straw, Turkey in the Hay Fun Thanksgiving Song for Preschoolers

Cute Song for Thanksgiving: Turkey in the Straw

One of my favorite childhood memories is when my brother's second grade class learned the song, Turkey in the Straw. He sang that song until the Fourth of July! It is such a cute Thanksgiving song for Preschoolers and Early Elementary Students.









Recommended Reading:

Thanksgiving Game for Preschoolers

Thanksgiving Song for Preschoolers

Over The River and Through the Woods Poem for Thanksgiving

Do you Remember this Fun, Thanksgiving Song?

Over The River and Through the Woods Poem for Thanksgiving.

Need some music for your next Thanksgiving holiday event? Over the River and Through the Woods is a fun song to sing on the way to Grandma's house for Thanksgiving! Most people think it is a Christmas song, but it was originally written as a poem for Thanksgiving. Enjoy!

Facebook Fall Header.

Over The River and Through the Woods Poem for Thanksgiving. 

The image is sized to use as a FREE Facebook header. Save a copy and add it to your page or profile.

Growing up, we sang this Thanksgiving song every year on the way to Grandma's house for Christmas.

Over the river, and through the wood,

To Grandfather's house we go;

The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh

through the white and drifted snow.

Over the river, and through the wood—

Oh, how the wind does blow!

It stings the toes and bites the nose

As over the ground we go.

Over the river, and through the wood,

To have a first-rate play.

Hear the bells ring, "Ting-a-ling-ding",

Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day!

Over the river, and through the wood

Trot fast, my dapple-gray!

Spring over the ground like a hunting-hound,

For this is Thanksgiving Day.

Over the river, and through the wood—

And straight through the barnyard gate,

We seem to go extremely slow,

It is so hard to wait!

Over the river, and through the wood—

Now Grandmother's cap I spy!

Hurrah for the fun! Is the pudding done?

Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!

Recommended Reading:

Turkey Thanksgiving Book for Kids*

Turkey Craft for Thanksgiving

Fun Edible Turkey Craft for Thanksgiving






ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

It's the Great Turkey, Charlie Brown: Giant Inflatable Turkey Balloon for Thanksgiving

Every Yard Needs a Bird: Inflatable Balloon Turkey

Inflatable Turkey Balloon.

Do you decorate for Thanksgiving or jump right into Christmas decorations? We leave our orange and purple Halloween lights up, and add a Giant Inflatable Turkey Balloon into our yard. He stops traffic. Enjoy!

Gobble gobble gobble. Happy Turkey Day!

Recommended Reading:

Easy Recipe for Thanksgiving Candy

The Thanksgiving Story

So You Want to be a Work At Home Mom & Giveaway

FRIDAY FOLLOWS NOVEMBER GIVEAWAY #1

Jill Hart and Diana Ennen recently approached me about a review for their book, "So You Want to be a Work-At-Home Mom".  I accepted the offer thinking I would use the book for a giveaway.

Hey Ladies, I actually read the book from cover to cover!  I even took notes.

I googled it.  The website is number two, right after Amazon.com.  The advice given in this book is written from a Christian perspective based on honesty and integrity.  These ladies have been there, done that.

Although I have been blogging for awhile now, I still have many questions.  "So You Want to be a Work-At-Home Mom" is written in an easy, conversational style.  Think the WEB MD commercials where the doctor is sitting in on the couch with a bunch of Moms- that's how you'll feel about Diana and Jill.  It is motivational offering proven success tips.

The book is designed to educate stay-at-home moms on work from home opportunities.  Not only does it answer the tough questions- it details how to find the answers and put them into action for your business.

Can't think of a good business proposal?  The book is filled with real, concrete ideas.

Do you ever get those emails offering thousands of dollars per week for WAHMS?  You get a link to a site that is full of hype but doesn't let out the big secret.  You are dying to know the big secret.  Maybe, just maybe it is really true and you are missing out on a fantastic opportunity.

Ladies, I know the big secret. Don't fall prey.  It may not be a scam but it will take tons of your money, time, and integrity.  This "opportunity" is for Herbalife.  It could be right for you but the odds are against it.

Why am I telling you about Herbalife?  Because, this is not one of those get-rich-quick scams.   "So You Want to be a Work-At-Home Mom" is written by real moms, just like you.  You probably won't get rich quick but you might have fun trying.

SAHM/WAHM bloggers, this is a must read.  SAHM/WAHM others - take your home business to the next level with these great tips.

Write your own press releases, fix your SEO, learn how to market yourself online.

I don't want to give it away but I will.  (I did take great notes, after all.)

Follow, Follow, Follow me wherever you can find me.  For every new follow, you'll get an entry into a random drawing.  All you have to do is leave a comment letting me know where you are following.

At the end of the month, any follower who helps me reach my goals (listed below) will be in the running for a prize package that includes a $15 Amazon gift card and lots of crafty goodies for you and the fam.

I can't wait to send you this little gem.  Get clicking.


Google Friend Connect for KCC 225  (Scroll down the right sidebar)
Facebook for Kid's Creative Chaos 50
Facebook for The Play Connection 200
Facebook Subscribe to Lora Langston  800
Twitter @Playconnection 250
Blog Frog Kid's Creative Chaos 1000 (Click the Blog Frog Tab & Join my community)
Top Mommy Blogs - Vote for me for #1  (Just click the button on the KCC blog)
Google Connect for http://www.midwestbloggersassociation.com  50
Google Connect for http://loralangston.com  35
If you've done everything else have a look at my website. http://www.theplayconnection.com


Surprise me--I have accounts with DIGG, Stumbleupon, Goodreads, Picket Fence Blogs, and several Mommy Blogger's sites you can add that too for bonus points.  Just let me know- I don't get around to all of them very often.

Everywhere you follow gets an entry. You might want to save them for upcoming Friday Follows - I have tons more books to giveaway.

Cute Online Cartoon Pumpkin Carving Game

Carve a Pumpkin Online: Cute Jack-o-Lantern Patterns

You can practice your pumpkin carving skills online. Not sure how you want your Jack-o-lantern to look? Practice by drawing different faces on a pumpkin with this cute, online game for kids.  Enjoy!

Carve a Pumpkin Online: Cute Jack-o-Lantern Patterns

Click on the link above to go to the site, and start carving your very own pumpkin! Below, we've listed some stories to compliment your pumpkin activities.

Recommended Reading:

Perry the Platypus Pumpkin Carving Pattern

The Never Complete Book of Pumpkin Carvings: A compilation of carving ideas

Pumpkin Soup

Creative Pumpkin Activities

Get Creative and Make a Pumpkin Mummy

This pumpkin mummy is an adorable and less messy way to decorate a pumpkin for Halloween! We found these cute little pumpkins over at Hands on as we Grow.  Enjoy!

Mummy pumpkins from Hands on as we grow.

We made these for a preschool Halloween Hoopla class and the kids loved them! Just wrap your pumpkin in cheesecloth.

Recommended Reading:

Why do We Carve Pumpkins?


The Runaway Pumpkin *ad


The Night Before Halloween *ad

Real Family of Indianapolis Takes a Bike Ride: Family Focus

Family Focus: A Typical Outdoor Experience

So, we've been planning to go on a family bike ride for a year now. One thing or another caused delay. The last time our real family of Indianapolis went on a ride, the little ones rode in a carrier trailer behind Mommy's bike. This is the real story behind a typical family fun outing. Enjoy!

This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience.

This is not a bicycle. Do not take one on a bike ride!

Wordless Wednesday- TPC KIDS sing, I Love You Like a Love Song Baby

Everyday, after school, I am brought to happy tears by the angelic voices singing to Selena Gomez's, "I Love You Like a Love Song" in my mini-van.  I transport children ages 3-8 yrs. and the song comes on Disney at the same time everyday.  It is the most touching, adorable thing I have ever heard.

I thought you might like to sing-a-long too.  Here are the lyrics, an instrumental to record your little voices to, and the video found on YouTube.

We were two kids short  but that's okay...

 Send "Love You Like A Love Song" Ringtone to your Cell 

Selena Gomez & the Scene - Love You Like A Love Song Lyrics

It’s been said and done
Every beautiful thought’s been already sung
I guess right now, here’s another one
So your melody will play on and on with the best of ‘em
You are beautiful like a dream come alive, incredible
A sinful, miracle, lyrical
You saved my life again
And I want you to know, baby

I, I love you like a love song baby (3x)
And I keep hitting re-peat-peat-peat-peat-peat
I, I love you like a love song baby (3x)
And I keep hitting re-peat-peat-peat-peat-peat

Constantly, boy, you played through my mind like a symphony
There’s no way to describe what you do to me
You just do to me, what you do
And it feels like I’ve been rescued
I’ve been set free
I am hypnotized by your destiny
You are magical, lyrical, beautiful, you are
And I want you to know, baby

I, I love you like a love song baby (3x)
And I keep hitting re-peat-peat-peat-peat-peat
I, I love you like a love song baby (3x)
And I keep hitting re-peat-peat-peat-peat-peat

No one compares, you stand alone
To every record I own
Music to my heart, that’s what you are
A song that goes on and on

I, I love you like a love song baby (3x)
And I keep hitting re-peat-peat-peat-peat-peat
I, I love you like a love song baby (3x)
I love you like a love song.

Recommended:

Jessica Simpson's Rocking Around the Christmas Tree Song

Mariah Carey All I Want for Christmas Puppy Craft

Vlog Tutorial Easy Preschool Torn Paper OWL Craft

Easy Fall Craft Activity for Kids Torn Paper Owl

We made a Vlog Tutorial with our Messy Play Class. This Torn Paper Owl Craft is an easy activity for preschoolers. The kids had a blast tearing their construction paper.  Enjoy!

Tearing the paper gives the activity a sensory play element. The glue is sticky and messy too. Make note if your child is especially upset with the sticky glue on their hands, they may have sensory issues.

Recommended: Little Owl's Night Early Childhood Development*

Sims Social bot

I suppose this bot for the Sims Social on Facebook really works.  You have to sign up for things and apply for things.  Unfortunately, for me,  I decided to cancel after I put in my phone number and now I am getting calls for surveys and marketing calls several times a day.

If you are addicted I guess it is worth it.  If not, don't do it!

Sims Social bot