Pilgrim Activities for Kindergarten
When Thanksgiving rolls around, I love bringing history to life through fun and meaningful crafts. In this post, Pilgrim Activities for Kindergarten, I’ve gathered engaging ideas that help kids learn about the Pilgrims while creating something special.
If you’ve seen my list of fun Thanksgiving Activities for Kids, you know I enjoy sharing hands-on ideas that make learning enjoyable. These pilgrim-themed projects are a wonderful way to keep younger children interested while teaching them the story behind Thanksgiving.
This list includes easy crafts, simple lessons, and printable resources that connect perfectly with your Thanksgiving lesson. Keep reading to find activities that your kindergartener will enjoy this Thanksgiving season.
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Why Do Kids Need to Learn About the First Thanksgiving?
Understanding the first Thanksgiving helps kids appreciate gratitude, teamwork, and history in an age-appropriate way.
- Builds Historical Awareness: Introduces the concept of early American history and why Thanksgiving is celebrated.
- Encourages Gratitude: Helps kids reflect on thankfulness and community.
- Teaches Empathy: Encourages children to think about the challenges the Pilgrims faced.
- Connects Family Traditions: Strengthens family bonds by linking past and present Thanksgiving customs.
Recommended Books About the Pilgrims
Reading about Pilgrims gives children context for the crafts and stories they create. I love using storytime as a calm moment after an activity to help kids connect with what they learned.
The First Thanksgiving: A Lift-the-Flap BookOne Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims (Picture Puffin Books)Pete the Cat: The First Thanksgiving: A Thanksgiving Lift-the-Flap Book for KidsThe Itsy Bitsy PilgrimThe Story of the Pilgrims (Pictureback)The Pilgrims’ First Thanksgiving
Skills Kids Will Learn from These Activities
These activities aren’t just cute. They teach important lessons through hands-on exploration.
- Fine Motor Skills: Cutting, gluing, and coloring help strengthen hand coordination.
- Creativity: Crafting encourages kids to express their ideas visually.
- Problem-Solving: Some projects involve sequencing or construction that challenge their thinking.
- Following Directions: Simple step-by-step instructions build focus and independence.
Fall Printable Packs I Recommend
Printable packs make it easier to bring learning and creativity together. I’ve enjoyed using these with my daughter when she was younger, and they’re perfect for keeping kids engaged during quiet time.
Why Did the Pilgrims Celebrate the 1st Thanksgiving?
The Pilgrims celebrated the first Thanksgiving to give thanks for their successful harvest after a tough year of survival. It was a shared moment of gratitude between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe, who helped them adapt to their new environment.
When I first shared this story with my kids, we talked about how even small things, like a meal together, can be a reason to be thankful. It’s a beautiful reminder that gratitude connects us across generations.
Thanksgiving Toys I Recommend
Play-based learning can help reinforce the lessons of Thanksgiving. Simple themed toys can encourage storytelling and creative play while kids act out scenes from early America.
How to Extend the Activity
Once your child finishes their crafts, you can build on the learning experience in simple ways.
- Read Thanksgiving Picture Books: Thanksgiving-themed books are great for storytime reflection. Discuss what the Pilgrims might have felt as they celebrated.
- I Spy Thanksgiving Printables: It can be used for observation and vocabulary practice.
- Storytelling Time: Encourage your child to share their favorite part of the craft and why.
- Family Gratitude List: Write or draw things your family is thankful for this year.
More Thanksgiving Activities to Try
There are so many fun ways to keep learning about Thanksgiving while building new skills.
- Thanksgiving Coloring Pages for Elementary Students
- Thanksgiving Books for Kids
- Thanksgiving Preschool Activities
- Printable Thanksgiving Placemats by Crystal and Comp
- M is for Mayflower Printable on 3 Boys and a Dog
These pilgrim activities are a great way to bring history into your home through creativity. Through the years, I’ve seen how much fun hands-on learning can be for kindergartners. It’s a wonderful opportunity to teach gratitude, teamwork, and the story of Thanksgiving in an interactive way.