Paper Plate Turkey Craft for Kids With a Printable Template

This paper plate turkey craft is a colorful Thanksgiving project that needs very little prep. Kids paint a paper plate, cut out turkey pieces from a printable template and add bright paper feathers.

If you’re looking for more ways to teach about turkeys, check out this list of turkey activities for kids. You’ll find easy ideas that fit right into your lessons at home.

The finished Paper Plate Turkey Craft on a table.

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What Will Kids Learn From the Paper Plate Turkey Craft?

Kids build fine motor skills and practice following directions while they make their turkey.

Fine motor skills: Painting, tracing, cutting and gluing strengthen hand muscles and coordination.
Following directions: Kids follow multi-step instructions as they assemble their turkeys.
Creativity: Choosing colors and arranging the feathers lets each child make the turkey their own.
Cross-subject connections: The craft opens the door to science talks about where turkeys live and what they eat, plus writing about how they made it.

Materials needed for the Paper Plate Turkey Craft

What Supplies Are Needed for the Paper Plate Turkey Craft?

You’ll need a paper plate, brown paint, construction paper and the printable template.

Printer for the template
Paper
Paper plate
Brown paint
Scissors
Marker
Construction paper

Want to save on ink? Try the HP Instant Ink program to save money on ink. I have the HP 8710 which is discontinued, but it has a scanner and copying feature which is super handy as a homeschooler. I’ve been super happy with my HP printer for our homeschool needs.

A collage of steps to make the Paper Plate Turkey Craft

How Do You Make a Paper Plate Turkey?

A painted paper plate becomes the turkey’s body, and the template pieces and colorful feathers bring it to life. Plan a little extra time for the paint to dry before kids start putting their turkey together.

You’ll find the full step-by-step instructions in the printable craft card at the bottom of this post.

Why Should Kids Learn About Turkeys?

Learning about turkeys connects Thanksgiving traditions to real science about animals, habitats and life cycles. It’s an easy, seasonal way to tie together science, art and literacy.

What Turkey Books Go Well With This Craft?

These turkey picture books are an easy way to add a story before or after crafting.

A Plump and Perky Turkey Turkey Claus (Turkey Trouble)Thanksgiving Turkey Trouble (Ready, Freddy! #15)Turkeys on the Family Farm (Animals on the Family Farm)Turkey: Fun Facts on Farm Animals for Kids #10 Turkeys in Disguise

The final result of the Paper Plate Turkey Craft

How Can You Extend the Paper Plate Turkey Craft?

Keep the turkey learning going with a few simple follow-up activities.

Make a lapbook: A turkey lapbook helps kids organize what they’ve learned about turkeys.
Write about it: Have kids write a short turkey poem or story to display with their craft.
Turn it into a thankful turkey: Write something your kids are thankful for on each feather.
Talk about turkey habitats: Discuss where wild turkeys live and what they eat.

Keep the Learning Going

For grades 1 to 3, the Junior Scientist Science Study: Turkey Life Cycle turns your turkey craft into a full turkey science study. For preschool and kindergarten, try the Little Learners Print & Go Activity Kit: Thanksgiving.

Little Learners Print & Go Activity Kit: Thanksgiving

pages of Junior Scientist Science Study: Turkey Life Cycle

What Turkey Toys Can Kids Play With?

Turkey puzzles and turkey-themed games are a playful way to keep the theme going after the craft.

PLUS PLUS – Mini Maker Tube – Turkey – 70 Piece, Construction Building Stem Toy, Interlocking Mini Puzzle Blocks for Kids Mud Pie Kids Turkey Shaped Floor Puzzle, 21 Thanksgiving Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles 100 Pieces for Adult Kids – Thanksgiving Turkey Wood Puzzle Fall Harvest Autumn Pumpkin Puzzle Flower Garden Sunflower Puzzle Fun Educational Toy Y-FABKKI Thanksgiving Wooden Blocks Stacking Games, Turkey Theme Tumbling Tower and Balance Game for Adults, Kids, and Family Party, Stacking Board Toy with Storage Bag, Fall Party Activities Gifts Mud Pie Turkey Toss Plush VioraWhite 30 Sets Thanksgiving Games Kits – 30 Game Cards & Dice, Roll a Turkey Theme, Family & Classroom Friendsgiving Activities

The final Paper Plate Turkey Craft placed on a table.

What Other Free Turkey Activities Can You Try?

Turkey activities for elementary students
Fun turkey crafts for kids
Turkey activities for kindergarten
Turkey word search printable
Fairy Turkey Disguise Craft by Simple Everyday Mom
Thanksgiving Turkey Cookies Using Pudding Cups by Crystal and Comp.

Frequently Asked Questions

It works well for preschool through early elementary. Younger kids may need help with tracing and cutting, while older kids can do most of it on their own.

Yes. If you’d rather avoid paint, color the paper plate with brown markers or crayons instead.

Hang them on a wall or door for November, or use them as Thanksgiving table decorations.