This kids Thanksgiving balance challenge is a fun and engaging way to work on balance by changing positions on an uneven surface!
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We’re always on the search for fun new kids Thanksgiving activities. We have a ton of crafty fine motor options in our archives (you can find them all here!) but this year we wanted to think outside the box with some new gross motor ideas for the holiday.
We got to thinking about how we could use our tried and true laminated turkey feathers to create a fun balance activity for kids…here’s what we came up with!
Looking for something to make your classroom or therapy room a little more festive? Check out this free printable Happy Thanksgiving banner!
What You’ll Need:
There are a few different options for the balancing surface:
-We used a vibrating cushion that we happened to have on hand. We removed the vibrating insert for this activity.
What to do:
Place your balancing surface on the floor. Print and cut out the colored turkey feathers from the freebie and tape them to the floor in a semi-circle around the balancing surface. Print and cut out the turkey head/body and add it to the middle of your turkey.
Print and cut out another set of the same colored feathers to use as visual prompts for the activity.
Version 1: Single leg step
Have the child stand on the surface with both feet. Show them one of the prompt feathers and have them step down with one foot on to the same colored feather on the floor, keeping their other foot on the surface. Then, have them balance carefully to step back up onto the surface.
Version 2:jump
Have the child stand on the surface with both feet. Show them one of the prompt feathers and have them jump down with two feet to the same colored feather on the floor. Then, have them balance carefully to step back up onto the surface.
Version 3:Touch a hand or match a feather
Have the child stand on the surface with both feet. Show them one of the prompt feathers and have them bend carefully, keeping their balance on the surface, to touch that same colored feather with their hand. Or, hand the feather to the child and have them bend to place it on the same colored feather on the floor. Stand up and repeat!
Version 4:Step a sequence
Have the child stand on the surface with both feet. Show them a sequence of 2 or 3 feathers and have them step on, jump on, or touch those feathers in the same order shown.
Will you be trying this activity as part of your Thanksgiving therapy sessions? We’d love to see this activity in action! Post your pictures and videos on IG and tag us @insptreehouse
Other Thanksgiving Ideas for Kids
Free Printable Table Setting Game
Kids will love this fun printable table setting game! They’ll learn how to set the table for a meal and they’ll get to see who finishes setting their place first!
Wikki Stixy Tom Fine Motor Activity
In this Thanksgiving fine motor activity, kids will use the free printable as a template to create their own turkey with Wikki Stix.
Another Thanksgiving fine motor favorite! Use washi tape to create your own one-of-a-kind turkey feather!
Hosting a party this season? These creative kids table activities will keep everyone busy and entertained!
Don’t miss out on our whole page full of fun balance activities for kids! These ideas will feel less like work and more like play!
