A PLATE FULL OF THANKS - CRAFTIVITY + FREEBIE

WOW.  (pause)  WOW.  (pause)  OH WOW!  (sigh)  

Uh . . . I don't know about you all, but this week zoomed by and we are running out of November!  Not that I mind all that much (bring on the Christmas season), but there is just so stinkin' much to do before Turkey Break.  I am sure you all are feeling the same way.  With this said, I finally got my act together and put one of my favorite crafts in a mini pack for all you alls.  Check out this darlin' little "out of the box" ditty . . . 

I have been running with this sweet little craft for the past six years now and the kids seem to love it more and more every year.  Not only is it a different sort of craft than you usually see this time of year, but it also lends itself to a wonderful discussion on manners and the proper way to set the table.  

Well, we ran with this one today in class and despite being cooped up all day (it was pouring), they nailed it.  Here is a little picture walk through our afternoon placemat adventures . . . 

Following a mini-lesson on the proper way to set the table, the kids wrote what they were thankful for this Thanksgiving.  This was glued to the plate template and a corresponding picture was drawn.
They were way into it . . . yay for me!!

When they had finished all of the elements in their craft, they came to the back table to "set" their placemat.
Once everything was properly placed, they used the big mama glue sticks to secure everything in its rightful place.
This next week I am making part of their homework to set the dinner table.

We ran out of time today and didn't get to add the cool designs to our place mats.  I was bummed, but they didn't know any different.  So, I moved on and hung these on my sky wire.  These make me grin every time I enter the room.

When I got home today and reflected on today's activities, I decided to take it a step further and do a little compare/contrast exercise with this tomorrow.  I plan to have my kids compare a regular dinner at their house with their all-mighty Thanksgiving feast. If this idea browns your turkey, you can snag the venn I will be rolling with tomorrow by clicking on the picture below.

Thank you Ashley Hughes (School Supply Addict) for the darling graphics - you rock sister!

If you are interested in taking a closer look at this pack (A Plate Full of... Thanks), just click on the cover below to read up on it.  

Before I exit, I have to share a little something.  I started speaking of Christmas up there and I immediately thought of something that I ran across a few weeks ago.  Sweet April over at A Modern Teacher has made the most amazing holiday planners . . . seriously started frothing out the mouth when she showcased these for the first time.

I already have a copy and I can't wait to crack it :)  I am going to print it and get it all put together over Turkey Break.  This way I will be ready to roll that first week after the stuffing is finally gone and things REALLY heat up at school and at home.  Holiday season here we come.  If you are interested in checking out April's Holiday Teacher Planners, click here to read her blog post!   

Alright folks I am outta here.  One more day with the kiddies and then it is off to San Fran for a weekend of school-free fun and the CAL v. OREGON game.  Hugs and thanks oh so much for visiting.  Oh, and always, don't forget to check out Freebie Friday . . . you'll be glad you did :)