8 Thanksgiving-Themed Montessori Activities Using Household Materials

Nut Grinding

• Nut grinder, or a zip-seal plastic bag and a small hammer
• Nuts of your child's choice (shells removed)

If using a nut grinder, add the shelled nuts to the top of the grinder, put the lid on, and allow your child to crank the handle. The ground nuts will collect in the jar below.

If using a plastic bag and hammer, place the shelled nuts in the bag, seal it, and allow your child to crush the nuts with the hammer.

Once you have crushed nuts, store them for use in Thanksgiving desserts, salads, or casseroles. You may also use them right away as a topping for caramel-drizzled apples.

Butter Churning

• Butter churner, mason jar, or stand mixer
• Heavy whipping cream
• Cheesecloth or fine strainer

Set the whipping cream out and allow it to warm to room temperature. Once warmed, pour it into the mason jar, mixer bowl, or churn jar.

Shake or churn until the cream thickens into a solid. This takes a little time. A stand mixer speeds the process considerably.

Separate the liquid from the butter using a cheesecloth or strainer. Store the finished butter in an airtight container.

Pin Punching

• Construction paper
• A printed Thanksgiving image
• Cork board or carpet sample (to protect the work surface)
• Pin punch or awl (available at craft stores)

Place the cork board on the table. Lay the construction paper on top of the cork board, then place the printed image on top of the construction paper.

Have your child follow the black outline of the image and punch small holes closely together to transfer the image onto the construction paper. When held up to the light, the punched image glows beautifully.

Flower Arranging

• Assorted fresh flowers
• Small vases
• Funnel
• Small creamer pitcher with water
• Scissors
• Towel for wiping spills

Have your child select the flowers they wish to use. Allow them to use scissors to cut the stems, measuring each stem against the vase to ensure the desired height before trimming.

Once the flowers are prepared, have your child pour a small amount of water into the vase using the funnel and pitcher, then arrange the flowers as they wish.

Have your child choose where to display the arrangement: the kitchen table, coffee table, or kitchen counter. When finished, your child should clean everything up and return all materials to the shelf.

Table Setting

• Placemats
• Drinking glasses
• Knives, forks, and spoons
• Plates

Show your child how to set the table, then have them try. Once your child has a good understanding, allow them to set the entire table independently. A table setting printable is available in the Grace & Courtesy Activity Pack.

Grace & Courtesy Activity Pack Includes a table setting printable and more

Name Cards

• Pen
• Paper or cardstock
• Art supplies for decorating
• A list of names of guests attending Thanksgiving dinner

Give your child the list of guest names. Fold the paper or cardstock in half so the name card is freestanding, then flatten it so your child can see where to write.

Have your child write each name on a card. You may also invite your child to decide where each person will sit by placing the name card on the plate they just set.

Feather Threading

• Feathers
• Parmesan cheese shaker or pepper shaker
• Optional: decorative ribbon

Show your child how to place the feathers one at a time through the holes in the shaker lid. Allow your child to try, then work independently once they understand the task.

Add a decorative ribbon around the shaker and this becomes a beautiful accent piece for the Thanksgiving table display.

Water Transfer

• Towel
• Two small cups, glasses, or bowls
• Dropper
• Optional: food coloring or a natural coloring agent such as turmeric, beet powder, or red onion peels

Place a small amount of water in one container. If you wish, add fall-inspired food coloring. Show your child how to move the water to the other empty container using the dropper.

If a single drop spills on the work surface, stop immediately and wipe it up. This teaches the child to be mindful of messes and to care for their environment. This activity may seem simple, but it teaches patience, slows the child's mind and body, and demonstrates how suction works.