Here’s a classic math activity for kids perfect for the Thanksgiving season- a pattern block turkey craft! Children will explore shapes and rotational symmetry while making these colorful turkeys for Thanksgiving!

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This symmetry turkey craft using pattern blocks was always one of my favorite projects to do with my kindergarten and first grade classes. This activity provides a hands-on way for children to explore shapes and rotational symmetry while creating some colorful art for Thanksgiving! This post contains affiliate links.

Pattern Block Turkey Craft

Materials for Pattern Block Turkey Craft

• Construction paper in various colors
• Glue stick
• Scissors or paper cutter (I use this little one all the time at home.)
• Paper cut into the shapes of pattern blocks: I cut mine using my AllStar SuperStar Die Cut Machine and pattern block die sets. (You can read more about my die cutting machine here. I absolutely love it!) Other options would be using pattern block stickers or printing out your pattern blocks onto paper to cut out. (I had some wonderful parent volunteers that would cut mine out ahead of time before I owned my die cutting machine. You can find pattern block templates to print here.)

Directions for Pattern Block Turkey Craft

1. Cut a 9 inch x 9 inch square of black construction paper for your background.

2. Glue a hexagon in the center of your black paper square to start.

3. Use the paper shapes to begin building around your hexagon. Glue them in place.

4. Once you’re finished with your design, it’s time to turn it into a turkey! Cut out two brown circles for your turkey head and body. (You can cut out your own circles or use our circle template. Here’s a template for creating a single turkey, or if you’re making a large set, print out this template perfect for a group.)

5. Glue your turkey body and head onto your pattern block design.

6. Add some eyes, an orange beak, and a red waddle. Display your turkey craft!

Check out our ebook ABCs and 123s! You’ll find 40+ ways to encourage children to explore letters and numbers through play!