Looking for fresh inspiration for autumn activities with children? “Nikki’s Plate Kids: The Big Book of Fall Crafts: 50 Fun & Easy Crafts for Kids” by Nikki Bahan is a wonderful resource for nannies looking to bring a little seasonal creativity into their days. Featuring 50 fun and easy crafts for children ages 3–8, the book includes 25 templates and a variety of colorful projects inspired by fall, Thanksgiving, and nature. From adorable turkeys and playful owls to pumpkins, leaves, and other autumn creations, there are plenty of ideas to encourage creativity, fine motor development and hands-on exploration. It’s a great book to keep on hand when you’re looking for engaging activities that turn an ordinary afternoon into something special.

This colorful turkey craft is inspired by the fan-shaped turkey from “Nikki’s Plate Kids: The Big Book of Fall Crafts: 50 Fun & Easy Crafts for Kids” by Nikki Bahan. Children will enjoy creating colorful coffee filter feathers, assembling their turkey, and giving it a personality of its own. It’s a fun Thanksgiving activity for nannies to enjoy with preschoolers and elementary-aged children.

You Will Need:

1 empty cardboard paper roll
5–6 white basket-style coffee filters
Washable markers or watercolor paints
Red, orange, and brown construction paper
Googly eyes (or paper eyes)
Child-safe glue stick or white glue
Scissors
Small spray bottle with water
Paintbrush (if using watercolors)

What to Do:

1. Create the feathers
Flatten the coffee filters. Have children color each filter with autumn shades of red, orange, yellow, green, and brown. Encourage them to make stripes, dots or colorful patterns.

2. Blend the colors
Lightly mist the coffee filters with water using a spray bottle. Watch the colors spread and blend together. Set aside to dry completely.

3. Make the turkey’s body
Stand the cardboard tube upright. Cut two orange feet and glue them to the bottom front of the tube.

4. Add the face
Cut a small orange triangle for the beak and a red teardrop shape for the wattle. Glue these onto the front of the tube along with two googly eyes.

5. Assemble the feathers
Arrange the dried coffee filters in a fan shape behind the cardboard tube. Glue them together and attach them to the back of the turkey.

6. Give the turkey a personality!
Invite children to add extra details, decorate their feathers, or give their turkey a funny name.

Nanny tip: For younger children (ages 3–4), prepare the paper shapes and help with assembly. Older children can cut their own shapes, design patterns and assemble more independently. Use paper eyes instead of small googly eyes for children who still put craft materials in their mouths.

References:
“Nikki’s Plate Kids: The Big Book of Fall Crafts: 50 Fun & Easy Crafts for Kids” by Nikki Bahan
Photo by Stephanie Felzenberg

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