As Thanksgiving break approaches, our Kindergarteners participated in a meaningful discussion centered around the importance of gratitude. We started our lesson with a read-aloud titled Gratitude is my Superpower. Once we finished the story, we all gathered together to share and reflect on the many blessings in our own lives. Each student proudly expressed their appreciation for various things, including the love of family and friends, the nourishment provided by food, access to clean water, a warm shelter, and the wonderful experience of attending school. 

To deepen this learning experience, the students engaged in a creative project where they created their own paper bag puppet turkeys. This hands-on activity not only allowed the students to explore their artistic skills but also served as an excellent platform for them to articulate their feelings of thankfulness. After constructing their colorful turkeys, the students took the time to write down their personal examples of gratitude on small pieces of paper, which they then attached to their puppets. This exercise proved to be an effective means for our emerging writers to express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas creatively and visually. Additionally, kindergarten students tried their best phonetic spelling to complete this project. The finished turkeys turned out beautifully, showcasing each student’s unique perspective and creativity. Not only do these puppets serve as delightful decorations, but they also act as powerful visual aids to highlight the essential message of being grateful—both during the Thanksgiving season and throughout the entire year.