This is a fun project the kids can show off on Thanksgiving!
For this project you'll need:
Large piece of construction paper in a fall color (9 x 12 will work but the 12 x 18 is better)
a few other sheets of construction paper
crayons and/or markers
white glue
glitter
a foam paper plate
scissors
clear contact paper
newspaper to cover the table.
The first step is to cover the table with newspaper. It's best if you can add a piece of tape here and there to hold the paper down.
The large piece of construction paper is going to be the placemat.
Pick one of the other sheets of construction paper and lay the foam plate top-side down and trace around it. Carefully cut out the plate template. Write the name of the child on the plate template with white glue. (Be sure that it's written thick enough to hold glitter.) Sprinkle the glitter over the glue name. Gently shake the paper so the glitter gets in the glue and covers the entire name thoroughly. Set aside to dry.
Using the foam plate again, place it in the center of the large piece of construction paper and trace around it again. This gives the children an idea of where their construction plate with their name on it is going to go. Now decorate all around the plate circle. To decorate in a Thanksgiving theme, draw handprints and turn them into turkeys.
Once the decorating is done, glue the construction paper plate in the circle they drew on the placemat.
Tear off a large piece of contact paper that's big enough to cover the placemat. Lay the placemat down flat on top of the contact paper and gently smooth over to get out any wrinkles or bubbles. Cover the top with a second sheet of contact paper and repeat the smoothing process. **Be sure to leave plenty of overhang with the contact paper so that it seals nicely and it can be trimmed within about a half inch of the construction paper.
**This is a project that you can also use to teach children about setting the table. Instead of random Thanksgiving decorations on the placemat, have them put construction napkins, forks, spoons and knives in the proper places next to the plate. For the cup you can simply cut a glass sized circle out of construction paper and show them where to place it in relation to the plate and silverware. Then cover with contact paper and seal.
In addition to these lessons, you can also include a lesson on manners with this project. Once they do the initial plate, the place setting activity, talk about the proper manners to use at the table. Then have them write things to remind them of those manners right on the placemat, so they'll remember when they're using their placemat at the table.
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