Harmonious Thanksgiving Fun: Turkey and Thanksgiving Songs for Preschoolers

Turkey and Thanksgiving Songs for Preschoolers

We're diving into the exciting world of engaging turkey and Thanksgiving songs and rhymes, exploring how these musical and rhythmic activities can enrich the preschool learning experience. What better way to learn about Thanksgiving than through turkey and festive thanksgiving songs!

Thanksgiving can be a holiday that is often overlooked by a preschooler because they don’t always understand  the meaning behind it. Thanksgiving songs and rhymes support preschoolers in learning about the significance of this important and delicious holiday! 

The Benefits of Using Music in the Preschool Classroom

Music makes the preschool classroom come alive. Music isn't just fun; it's a superpower for our little learners. When we sing and dance with our preschoolers, we're actually helping their memory, focus, and problem-solving skills increase. Preschoolers can express themselves, understand their emotions, and learn more about who they are. Music brings out the happiest side of preschoolers where they are singing and dancing alongside their peers. These catchy songs and rhymes are also the building blocks of language. They make learning words, sounds, and reading feel like a fun game. So, in the world of preschool, music is the key to a wild, fun, and brain-boosting adventure where our little learners grow, laugh, and learn.

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Turkey Songs for Preschoolers 

Turkeys go hand in hand with Thanksgiving! Of course, we need to sing a few songs about our feathery friends.

Do The Turkey Hop

The Do the Turkey Hop preschool song is fun and silly and gets preschoolers running, hopping, and gobbling!

​Pairing songs and gross-motor movement is an excellent way to encourage following directions and establishing rhythm! 

5 Little Turkeys

Five Little Turkeys is a classic Thanksgiving song and it's great for preschoolers to use their fingers to add and subtract the turkeys. Or, make little turkeys onto craft sticks to use as props while the preschoolers sing.

5 Little Turkey Lyrics
5 little turkeys jumping in the tree
One fell off and hurt his knee
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said
“No more turkeys jumping in the tree!

4 little turkeys jumping in the tree
One fell off and hurt his knee
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said
“No more turkeys jumping in the tree!

3 little turkeys jumping in the tree
One fell off and hurt his knee
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said
“No more turkeys jumping in the tree!

2 little turkeys jumping in the tree
One fell off and hurt his knee
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said
“No more turkeys jumping in the tree!

1 little turkey jumping in the tree
He fell off and hurt his knee
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said
“Get those turkeys back in the tree!

Turkey in the Straw

"Turkey in the Straw" is a lively and fun preschool folk song that has been a favorite among kids for generations. It's an upbeat song that encourages children to move and dance.

This can help preschoolers develop gross motor skills and coordination as they sway, skip, or hop to the music.
*Teacher Tip: Pay attention and talk about the new vocabulary after the song is finished.

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​Thanksgiving Songs for Preschoolers

Learn about Thanksgiving through songs! Singing songs and hearing lyrics are easier to remember than facts. When preschooler learn through songs, they are more likely to retain the information. 

Thankful Song

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Creative Expression Through Song and Movement

It Smells Like Thanksgiving

Celebrate all of the delicious tastes and smells associated with Thanksgiving with this fun thanksgiving song for your preschoolers. This song is a great introduction into a conversation about what we eat for Thanksgiving dinner.

It's Harvest Time

Teach your preschoolers about harvesting with this Thanksgiving song all about harvesting. An easy way to describe the harvest as the time when farmers and gardeners collect the ripe fruits and vegetables they've grown in their fields and gardens.

It's a special time of year when we gather delicious, healthy foods, like apples, pumpkins, and corn, to enjoy at Thanksgiving and throughout the year.

​You can also highlight the idea that the harvest is a time for being thankful for the food we have and for sharing it with family and friends.

We love this Thankful Song by Super Simple Songs. It's a great introduction to what it means to be thankful and express gratitude. This song demonstrates the various people, places, and things you can be thankful for. A great addition to add to your Thanksgiving music for your preschoolers.

Music is a great avenue for creative expression whether it's through singing, dancing, and moving to the beat. Preschoolers love being able to show off their dance moves by dancing to all different kinds of music.

While you're sharing different Thanksgiving songs to your preschoolers try encouraging them to create their own turkey-themed verses or playful movements. It adds an element of fun and personal engagement to the learning process.

If You're Thankful and You Know It

Thanksgiving is all about showing appreciation and gratitude towards our families and friends. Use this Thanksgiving song to help your preschoolers better understand the concept of being thankful for things that are important to them.

Thanksgiving Dinner 

Learn about the different foods we eat at Thanksgiving with this engaging Thanksgiving Dinner preschool song, it's simple enough that your preschoolers can remember. Try adding a few lyrics with other things that your preschoolers might eat at Thanksgiving Dinner. Use this as an opportunity to embrace other cultures, too!

Interactive Thanksgiving Song Activities 

The Thanksgiving season offers a fantastic opportunity to infuse learning with fun and creativity. One way to do this is through interactive Thanksgiving song activities. These activities not only make learning enjoyable but also foster a sense of togetherness among the little learners. Try a "Turkey Dress Up" activity, where children can engage in a craft project to create their own Turkey Hats. As your preschoolers proudly don their Turkey Hats, they're not just having fun; they're also connecting with the concept of Thanksgiving and its traditions. Grab a copy of our Preschool Thanksgiving Name Hats. 

Another engaging activity is a "Thanksgiving Parade." Invite your preschoolers to wear their turkey hats and play music as they parade. This not only allows for an imaginative exploration of the season it also enhances coordination and motor skills. As they march in this mini parade, the children learn about teamwork, taking turns, and sharing the spotlight – all valuable social skills that extend far beyond the classroom. These interactive song activities are a great way to celebrate Thanksgiving and provide young learners with a hands-on, memorable experience.

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Tips for Incorporating Music in Preschool Thanksgiving Celebrations:

Here are some quick and easy tips you can consider when bringing Thanksgiving music and activities into your preschool classrooms this season.
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1. Designate a Musical Corner: Create a special area or circle time for Thanksgiving songs to make the celebration more engaging.
2. Visuals and Props: Use colorful visuals and props like posters of turkeys and autumn leaves to enhance the learning experience and set the holiday mood.
3. Age-Appropriate Instruments: Consider introducing age-appropriate instruments like shakers and tambourines to actively involve preschoolers in the musical festivities.

As we approach the Thanksgiving season, let's not forget the importance of music in early childhood education. These songs not only teach about the holiday but also reinforce important skills like rhythm, language, and social interaction.

It's a reminder to parents and educators to bring together the Thanksgiving season with the magic of music. By doing so, we can create lasting memories and instill a love for learning in our children. So, let's sing, dance, and celebrate this season with the Thanksgiving tunes that make this holiday a truly special time for our preschoolers.

Don't forget to share your favorite turkey tunes and Thanksgiving activities with us in the comments.

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