Simple Journey Ministries Presents

School Days!

Thanksgiving Fridge Magnets for Narration

Many families use a holiday week for a break and to engage in some great traditions! Although in times past, the week of Thanksgiving was used for relaxing and preparing for the day of turkey. We have recently talked about different types of traditions that families participate in. I actually emailed a bunch of you to ask what specific types of traditions make the holiday FUN and meaningful for Mom. Some of your answers truly surprised me! One thing that resonated through was a lack of activities for kids that were meaningful. After a few emails of clarification, I got a better idea of what that meant.

You were looking for ideas to incorporate with your kids that were FUN but that would allow you to use small little lessons for learning about Thanksgiving. Julie shared a SUPER idea that she uses. “I only teach about Thanksgiving and Pilgrims during the week of Thanksgiving. Then that each year I build on what they did before. I do it with a few special days in the year, too. Makes for a special school week and something for everyone to look forward to.” I thought this was a neat way for mom to plan something small for the week at the beginning of the year, which would actually give mom a break from the typical schedule of life, while still accomplishing a school goal.

I often try to think of different ways to incorporate narration that will entertain everyone. Our home has several different learning styles as well as many different levels. There are so many creative ways to incorporate narration and some that include the entire family as a unit. If you are reading a particular story of pilgrim life, a history of Thanksgiving, a special Thanksgiving speech, or simply a favorite story about autumn, consider this FUN form of narration.

You will need cardboard (cereal boxes are great for this project), markers, magnets (we use the free kind from Doctor’s offices and businesses, cut into strips), and embellishments if you choose.

Use the cardboard to draw pictures that help re-tell the story, represent the characters of a story, etc. Once they are finished, cut them out and glue the magnets to the back. Now, have your children re-tell the stories with the magnets as props. It is easy, simple, frugal, and best of all its FUN! Kids of all ages can do this while you are working in the kitchen, while they are enjoying a lunch or snack, or just use them on a magnetic board for anytime!

These are my FUN thoughts!