Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times to mix learning with hands-on creativity. This Pilgrim Boy Craft for Kids is a great way to help younger children understand early American history while keeping their hands busy with scissors, glue, and colorful paper.

If you’re gathering ideas for your homeschool this season, take a peek at my list of Thanksgiving Activities for Kids. There are so many simple and fun ways to bring history, art, and gratitude together.

I’ll share a cute craft that’s perfect for kindergarten to early elementary kids. It’s easy to set up, budget-friendly, and adds a sweet personal touch to your Thanksgiving lessons.

Final version of the Pilgrim Boy Craft for Kids set on a table

This post may contain affiliate links meaning I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Read my disclosure policy here.

Why do kids need to learn about the Pilgrims?

Understanding the Pilgrims’ story helps kids appreciate history beyond the surface of Thanksgiving dinner and decorations. It provides context for gratitude, community, and perseverance, values worth passing down.

When my kids were younger, we discussed what life might have been like for children during that era. It opened the door to meaningful conversations about hard work, cooperation, and faith, which remain valuable lessons today.

Recommended Thanksgiving Books

Here are a few of our family favorites that make learning about the Pilgrims meaningful and age-appropriate. Reading these together brings the story to life and helps kids connect emotionally with history.

Turkey Trouble Little Critter: Just a Special Thanksgiving Thanks for Thanksgiving Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks! (Reading Railroad Books)T is for Turkey: A True Thanksgiving Story How to Catch a Turkey

The final output of a Pilgrim Boy Craft for Kids shown on a table

How to make learning about Thanksgiving fun

Learning doesn’t have to stop with reading or worksheets. Here are some fun ways to keep the Thanksgiving spirit going:

Create simple crafts like the Pilgrim Boy or other themed characters.
Write short gratitude letters to family members.
Cook a traditional dish together and talk about its history.
Play a “Then and Now” sorting game comparing Pilgrim life with modern life.

My Recommended Thanksgiving Printable Packs

If you’re looking for ready-to-use Thanksgiving learning materials, check out my printable packs. They’re engaging, colorful, and perfect for both independent and guided activities.

Little Learners Print & Go Activity Kit: Thanksgiving

pages of Junior Scientist Science Study: Turkey Life Cycle

A completed Pilgrim Boy Craft for Kids placed on a table

What will kids learn from this activity?

This simple craft teaches more than just cutting and gluing. It introduces historical understanding and fine motor practice in a fun, creative way.

Creativity and design – Kids learn how to assemble parts and express individuality through colors and layout.
Following directions – The step-by-step process helps improve focus and sequencing skills.
Historical connection – Making a Pilgrim Boy helps children visualize people from the past, making history more relatable.

Recommended Thanksgiving Toys

If your kids enjoy creative play, Thanksgiving-themed toys are a great way to keep them learning through fun. These hands-on toys encourage imaginative play, fine motor skills, and a love for seasonal learning.

Materials needed for the Pilgrim Boy Craft for Kids

Pilgrim Boy Craft Supplies

Construction papers
Marker
Glue
Scissors
Paper bag

Making the Thanksgiving Craft

When I made this with my daughter years ago, she loved watching her Pilgrim come to life. It took her a bit to get the shapes right, but that was part of the fun. My older boys joined us to help cut out the hat and collar pieces. There’s a printable template, by the way, so it’s not hard. Just scroll down to the bottom of this post to get your copy, together with the complete how-to instructions.

It was a quiet afternoon project that didn’t require much cleanup, which I appreciated. We discussed what the Pilgrims might have felt upon arriving in a new world, and it made the activity more meaningful.

From start to finish, preparation took about 10 minutes, and the active crafting time was around 20 minutes.

A collage of steps to create the Pilgrim Boy Craft for Kids

How to extend the activity

You can keep the Thanksgiving learning going with these related crafts and STEM projects. Each one builds on creativity, curiosity, and fine motor practice.

Thanksgiving STEM Activities – Try simple experiments that connect science with Thanksgiving themes.
Thanksgiving Toilet Paper Roll Crafts – Reuse materials at home to create fun decorations.
Storytelling Activity – Let kids use their Pilgrim crafts as puppets for a short Thanksgiving play.
Family Gratitude Poster – Create a shared space where everyone can write what they’re thankful for.

More Thanksgiving Activities to try

Looking for more seasonal learning ideas? Here are a few of my favorites you can explore next:

Thanksgiving Coloring Pages for Elementary Students
Thanksgiving Picture Books and Chapter Books for Kids
Thanksgiving Toys for Kids
Paper Plate Pilgrim Craft by Simple Everyday Mom
Fun Pilgrim Worksheets for Preschool by Homeschool Preschool

Thanksgiving crafts are a simple way to mix creativity and history in your homeschool. This Pilgrim Boy craft is one of those easy projects that kids remember. It’s meaningful, fun, and perfect for a cozy afternoon lesson.

Here’s the how-to instructions. Don’t forget to print out the template, too. Enjoy!