Turkey Trot and Tumble: Gross Motor Activities to Keep Little Turkeys Moving this November - post

As the vibrant colors of autumn paint the landscape and the air turns crisp, November ushers in a season of gratitude and celebration, epitomized by the beloved holiday of Thanksgiving. ChildCareEd explores a variety of #gross-motor activities that are perfect for children during this festive month. 

Gross Motor Activities

Engaging in #play that promotes these large muscle movements not only aids in developing coordination but also fosters physical skills in a fun and interactive manner. 

Here are some engaging #gross-motor activities that can keep little turkeys moving this November:

• Turkey Trot Relay:

  • Organize teams of 5-6 children.
  • Each team receives a set of cards that spell "TURKEY."
  • Players take turns placing a ball between their knees and walking across a designated area without dropping it.
  • Upon returning, they pick up a turkey card and pass a high five to the next player.
  • The first team to collect all cards and arrange them to spell "TURKEY" wins.
  • Variations can include walking backward, sideways, or jumping with the ball.

• Turkey Feather Hunt:

  • Create a turkey torso using construction paper and tape it to a jar.
  • Hide colorful feathers around a designated area.
  • Children search for the feathers, promoting movement and concentration.
  • After collecting the feathers, they can sort them by color or count them, integrating learning with physical activity.

• Thanksgiving Dance Party:

  • Play festive music and encourage children to dance like turkeys.
  • Introduce fun dance moves that involve jumping, flapping arms, and spinning.
  • This activity not only gets kids moving but also allows them to #express themselves creatively.

• Obstacle Course:

  • Set up an obstacle course using pillows, chairs, and other #safe household items.
  • Children can crawl under tables, jump over pillows, and balance on a line of tape.
  • This activity enhances coordination, balance, and strength while providing a fun challenge.

• Turkey Bowling:

  • Create bowling pins using empty plastic bottles decorated as turkeys.
  • Use a soft ball to knock down the turkey pins.
  • This game encourages movement and hand-eye coordination.

References

• https://www.pinterest.com/pin/500181102349195026/
• https://www.pinkoatmeal.com/turkey-trot/
• https://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2012/11/turkey-feather-hunt-gross-motor-game.html
• https://issuu.com/parentingmedia/docs/boston_parent_november_2018_digital

Thanksgiving Activities for Kids

• Turkey Trot Race: Organize a lively turkey trot race in your backyard or a nearby park. Kids can dress up in turkey costumes or wear festive colors. Set up a simple course and encourage them to run, hop, or waddle to the finish line. This activity promotes physical fitness while adding a #playful twist to traditional races.

• Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt: Create an exciting scavenger hunt featuring Thanksgiving-themed items. Hide pictures of turkeys, pumpkins, and autumn leaves around your #home or yard. Provide clues and let the kids search for these items. This activity encourages movement, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while keeping the excitement alive.

• Crafty Turkey Toss: Set up a turkey toss game using bean bags or soft balls. Create targets with varying point values, such as turkey cutouts or baskets decorated like cornucopias. Kids can take turns tossing the bean bags and trying to score points. This activity enhances hand-eye coordination and fosters friendly competition.

• Thanksgiving Dance Party: Host a Thanksgiving-themed dance party with festive music. Encourage kids to showcase their best dance moves and even incorporate turkey-themed dance challenges. Dancing is a fantastic way to get kids moving while allowing them to express their creativity and have fun.

• Nature Walk and Gratitude Sharing: Take the kids on a nature walk to enjoy the beautiful fall scenery. As you walk, encourage them to collect leaves, acorns, or other natural treasures. At the end of the walk, hold a gratitude sharing session where each child can express what they are thankful for. This activity combines physical activity with reflection and bonding.

• Pumpkin Bowling: Set up a bowling game using small pumpkins as bowling balls and empty plastic bottles as pins. Kids can take turns rolling the pumpkins to knock down the pins. This fun twist on bowling promotes #gross-motor-skills and teamwork while ensuring lots of laughter.

References

• https://www.pinterest.com/pin/500181102349195026/
• https://issuu.com/penfieldrec/docs/final_pdf_f136a2ea90f1b2
• https://www.academia.edu/32812622/In_cold_bloood

Turkey Trot

Here are some creative ways to incorporate the Turkey Trot into your Thanksgiving celebrations:

• Virtual Participation: Many organizations host virtual Turkey Trots, allowing families to choose their own location and distance. Participants can walk, run, or roll at their convenience, making it accessible for everyone. After completing the trot, families often receive a prize or completion medal, adding an element of excitement and accomplishment.

• Community Events: Check local listings for community-based Turkey Trots. These events can be a great way to meet other families, enjoy the festive spirit together, and create a sense of community while staying active.

• Home Course Setup: For a more informal approach, consider setting up a Turkey Trot course in your backyard or local park. Use cones, markers, or even #homemade signs to create a fun and engaging route for the kids to navigate. This allows for flexibility and creativity in how the trot is organized.

• Incorporate Challenges: To make the trot more engaging, add fun challenges along the route. For example, set up stations where children must perform specific tasks, such as doing five jumping jacks, hopping on one foot, or even answering Thanksgiving trivia before continuing. This adds an element of fun and keeps the kids motivated.

• Family Bonding: Use the Turkey Trot as an opportunity for family bonding. Encourage everyone to participate, whether by walking together, cheering each other on, or even dressing up in festive attire. This shared experience can strengthen family ties and create

References

• https://www.pinterest.com/pin/500181102349195026/
• https://starfishtherapies.com/2020/11/thanksgiving-gross-motor/

#gross-motor