Thanksgiving activities for kids: Perfect for Teletherapy
The holiday season is almost here! Whether you are working virtually as an Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Speech therapist, or teacher, you’ll find something to use to work on your student’s goals this Thanksgiving season. All the links needed for your teletherapy sessions in one place! Don’t waste any more of your free time scrolling to find ideas!
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays!
I love the smell of the turkey cooking all day, the aroma of the stuffing and mashed potatoes.
And don’t forget the green bean casserole!
This time of the year can be distracting (for kids and adults too!)
As an Occupational Therapist working via teletherapy, this time of the year means caseloads grow, paperwork piles up, and it becomes hard to find time to find activities to make those therapy sessions fun!
So don’t worry, I’ve done all the compiling for you in this one post in hopes that you can get back to all the other tasks you need to complete before the holiday season is fully upon us.
Thanksgiving activities for elementary-age students
Guided Drawing Activities for Teletherapy
Use the first 4 videos to have your student copy from the video or use the last link to screen share and give the drawing lesson yourself.
I also like to practice writing a short sentence, story, or the student’s name after we draw, if appropriate.
Teletherapy Ideas for Writing
I love using Madlibs to practice writing some new words. They are also a great way to work on parts of speech for older students. If my student has typing goals then I will screen share and have them type the words. But, if we are focusing more on handwriting then I have them write their words on paper and I’ll type them into the screen.
I also enjoy using word searches for writing practice as it kills two birds with one stone (writing and visual perceptual work)!
Using jokes for writing practice can be fun too! Some of my kiddos enjoy writing them down so they can bring them home to tell them to their family.
Thanksgiving is also a great time to think about what you’re grateful for. If you’re not able to screen share, have your student write some things down on paper that they’re grateful for.
Visual Perceptual Teletherapy Ideas
Thanksgiving-themed books
Books are a great way to pair reading skills with writing.
For younger students, I’ll have them draw a picture of their favorite part of the book.
For older students, I’ll have them write down answers to reading comprehension questions that I ask them.
I love doing activities that are functional and work on a variety of skills at once.
Teletherapy-friendly Crafts
Make sure to have your families print what’s needed or have the supplies ready for these projects.
My favorite activity of all-time in November is to have student’s disguise Tom the Turkey.
I love seeing what the kids come up with!
Disguise Tom the Turkey (free printable + writing worksheet)
Pinecone turkeys: This is also a fun craft. You can use paint, feather, pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks or paper to make the turkeys colorful feathers.
Gross Motor Teletherapy Ideas
Use these videos or movement/yoga poses as brain breaks, a warm-up or a cool-down during your sessions.
Are you stuffed? from Your Therapy Source
Working in-person or want some fun games to do at home with your kiddos?
Check out these fun Minute to Win It games from Kid Friendly Things to do
Need Thanksgiving activities for older students?
Here are a couple of Thanksgiving themed activities good for middle and high school students:
Practice searching for and writing down a new recipe to try this holiday season.
Menu planning for Thanksgiving dinner.
Make a list of supplies needed for Thanksgiving dinner.
Comparison shopping online for Thanksgiving dinner items and budgeting.
Make a centerpiece for the table.
Practice setting the table.
Looking for more Thanksgiving activities for preschoolers and toddlers?
If you’re working with children 0-5, please check out the Growing Little Brains shop for more done-for-you activities to use with this age group. There are several themed google slide decks perfect for preschoolers that include music, movement, fingerplays, fine motor, gross motor, visual perceptual and craft ideas. Perfect for screen sharing with children with limited supplies available at home.
If you’re working in Early Intervention, you may be interested in the November book activities. It features books with coordinating fine motor, gross motor and sensory motor activities perfect for the littlest learners. Each month features a one page handout for 3 different books that are perfect for sharing with families to coordinate your sessions.
Also, be sure to check out The Therapy Village membership if you are working with children ages 0-5 and want more mentorship and tools for your OT practice.