THANKFUL BANNER

November is a great month to recognize what you are thankful for especially since “Thanks”giving is this month. Create a banner to display in your house to show what you are thankful for! The process of making is just as important as the finished product.

Complete the banner in one day or spread it out over several days.

Materials:

• banner template
• paper (colored or white)
• scissors
• string, yarn, twine (to hang up)
• markers or crayons
• photos, magazines, clip art (optional)
• hole punch

Two options for printing: Option #1: Print templates on white paper. Option #2: Print template on colored paper and circle template on white paper (to place on top). See examples below. Illustrations will show up better on a white circle background. There are two first page templates below- one child (is) or multiple children (are), depending on if one child making or multiple.

Steps:

1.) Decide if printing on color/white paper (A) or just white paper (B). See difference below. Print.

2.) Start by completing the first page (self portrait). Have children write their name at the top. If younger, write their name for them. Then complete the self portrait. If multiple children, each child draws a portrait of themselves inside the circle. *Ahead of time with a pencil, lightly divide up the circle into sections, one for each child.

3.) What does it mean to be thankful? Give examples of what you are thankful for first, then ask your child. There is no wrong answers- just creative answers!

4.) On top of the template, have your child write one thing they are thankful for (or you write it). Then have them draw a picture of it below. Your child can also cut pictures out of magazines, clipart (colored images or black & white, then color in), or use photos. See option below:

5.) Repeat until banner is complete. It’s up to you/child how long your banner is.

6.) With a hole punch, punch two holes on each end (see example). Then slide the string through holes to create the banner. No hole punch? Tape the string to the back- center top on each sheet.

7.) Hang up! Let people enjoy your artwork & appreciate what you are thankful for!

Notes:

• Want to paint it? Use watercolors to add color, print templates on white cardstock. Draw pictures first with crayons, then paint on top.
• Save the banner until next year or take a photo of it. Then compare from last year to this year what you are thankful for.