11-15-09 Giving Thanks Tree

TOGETHER TIME ACTIVITY: THE “GIVING THANKS” TREE
This year, I am creating a “Giving Thanks” tree. As thanksgiving guests walk in, they will be asked to write down, on a maple leaf, one thing they are thankful for. These leaves will be affixed to a large tree. When the tree is completed, everyone will be able to read all the blessings on the tree. It is a beautiful way to give thanks for our bounty.

Materials:
Science Display Board
Large paper bag or brown butcher block paper
Paper in autumn colors: red, orange, yellow, green, brown
Maple leaf pattern http://familyfun.go.com/printables/turkey-maple-leaf-pattern-for-thanksgiving-703422/
Cardstock or poster board
Glue stick or school glue
Double stick tape

Instructions:
Freehand draw a large tree on a large paper bag or on butcher block paper. Glue it to the middle of the display board. Create a maple leaf traceable pattern on cardstock or poster board. Fold a sheet of “autumn” paper into four, trace the maple leaf. Cut it out. This will yield four maple leaves. You can also trace a small child’s hand and use that as a “leaf” pattern. Create leaves in various Autumn colors. Write the words “Giving Thanks” on each side of the display board or print them out and glue them to the board.

As guests come in, have them write one blessing on a leaf. Use double stick tape to affix the leaf to the tree. Soon, the tree will be full of blessings, things they are thankful for. May those leaves “fall,” fly away, and become someone else’s blessing.

To make the Giving Thanks Tree even more special, consider donating money in the amount of the leaves on the tree to a soup kitchen, a homeless shelter, a battered women’s shelter, the Red Cross, or your favorite charitable organization.