This make a turkey activity was so simple and easy to put together that I almost feel bad for making an entire post out of it. It took me much less than 5 minutes to put together even though I walked up and down the stairs twice in the process because I kept forgetting things for my camera.
I found this super cute turkey craft at one of our craft stores a couple weeks ago. I confess I honestly don’t remember which one because I was having so much fun exploring all the fun things to play with after not having access to any craft stores for four years. (I may have gone a little spend happy…)
Anyway, the craft is intended to be used with a pumpkin and you poke the included sticks through the little holes on the different pieces to create a pumpkin turkey.
That would have been a fun craft too.
Unfortunately, my kids got ahold of the bag with the craft in it when I wasn’t looking and lost all of the little sticks. And a piece or two of the turkey. I think.
So I was left with his head and six feathers.
Not wanting to waste Mr. Turkey, I decided to make this squishy bag.
My three-year old doesn’t realize it, but squishy bags are great for building fine-motor skills and arm strength. In her mind, they just feel cool and she wants to smash them into a big ball and then smooth them out again. *sigh*
My six-year old was a little more gentle with it. She had fun moving the different feathers around in the bag. I also put one little gem in the bag and she had fun moving it to other places.
Why one gem? Honestly, it was because my six-year old couldn’t remember where she had put the rest of the gems after she used them in the play dough last week. I wanted to put more gems in, just for fun.
All you need to create the make a turkey squishy bag:
2 good quality zip top bags (You don’t want the seals to burst during play.)
Duct tape (optional, but highly recommended for adding an extra layer of protection to each of the seals)
Clear hair gel (as cheap as possible)
Thanksgiving Pumpkin Turkey Making Kit
Turkey Craft Kit Activities, Paper, Pack of 4Turkey poke wooden turkey kit
Scoop some hair gel into one of the zip top bags. I used about 16 oz. of gel for this squishy bag. Add the contents of the bag (Mr. Turkey). Zip the bag shut and reinforce with duct tape if you prefer.
Slip the first bag with the gel into the second bag. Zip and add duct tape.
Then, play!!!
Planning for Fall? We’ve done all the work for you!
We now have interactive thematic lesson plans for toddlers (18-35 months) AND preschoolers (3-5 years)! Get ready for fun and learning with unit lesson plans for FALL. Explore a variety of themed hands-on activities! Easy to follow lesson plans include activity modifications and adaptations to meet the needs of all learners. For more information, click on the graphics below:
More fun fall activities!
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Clarissa says
Hehehe, I love the honesty of only being able to find one lonely gem! The bag came out very cute and inviting looking though!
Kim says
Lol! I have to let everyone know that I’m human!
Becky says
what are the turkey pieces made out of? I don’t know that I could find that exact thing but was hoping to look for something comparable.
Kim says
They seem to be pieces of wood that have been painted and sealed. Maybe you could find some colored foam or plastic and cut it out.
mariana says
Excellent idea . I waslooking for something to make for christmas for the 4 grandchildren between ages 5 -1 . This is gone be it. Not having the turkey would use some od the scrab booking goodies. Would think the foam and hairgel could be difficult to move around?
Kim says
Part of the experience of the bag is that it takes some ‘muscle’ to move the pieces around. It helps to build the muscles required for writing, using scissors, etc. I think a thick foam would be better than thin sheets though.
Sharie DeBord says
Where do you get the “Mr. turkey”? And do you just put him into the bag and the different pieces float around?? I’m a little confused.
Kim says
I bought the turkey at a craft store last year. I’ve seen some larger ones already in stores this year, so they may have the small ones again soon. And, yes, I did just put him in the bag to float around. You can put the pieces in randomly & it will work on fine-motor skills to arrange them.
Christy says
I’ve never made a squishy bag before and now I must. I’ll need to swing by the dollar store yet again all because of you haha :0) I’m sure they sell gel and some fun craft pieces I can put in there. Thanks for the idea! 🙂
Kim says
I hold no responsibility for whatever ends up in your cart when you head to the dollar store…lol! 🙂 Michael’s does have these turkey pieces again this year, if you want to try actual project.