If you're looking for a fun and easy way to make a Native American Headband or Thanksgiving hat then look no further! Today we have an easy and simple thanksgiving craft to help you celebrate Native American culture and the Thanksgiving season. It's a simple colorful and fun Native American headband you can make at home with the kids or create in the classroom setting. So what are you waiting for? Let's get crafting!
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💖 Why You'll Love This Craft
- Cultural Learning: This craft offers a fun and educational way to learn about Native American traditions while crafting a colorful headband.
- Great for Role-Playing: Once completed, kids can wear their headbands and use them for imaginative play, exploring history and storytelling.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving: This craft ties beautifully into Thanksgiving activities, adding an extra layer of cultural understanding to the holiday.
Thanksgiving and the Native American Headband
Every November we celebrate Thanksgiving. We say "Thank you" to the people who helped us survive in the new world, and to God. We also eat lots of food!
But why do we celebrate? What is the history behind Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving was first celebrated in 1621. Pilgrims who were seeking religious freedom came to America from England. They crossed the ocean in a ship called The Mayflower.
The Pilgrims first landed in what is now Massachusetts and named their new home Plymouth after where they came from, England, which is called "Plymouth" today.
The Pilgrims met Native American Indians and brought them food. The Indians taught the Pilgrims how to grow corn and where to get water.
The Pilgrims celebrated Thanksgiving for the first time that year in November with a feast together. They invited their Native American friends, who also shared some of their food with the Pilgrims.
During the time that the Pilgrims were in America, they had a headband with turkey feathers on their head and a belt around their waist with seashells on it. Native American Indians gave them these things to one another when they helped each other.
We celebrate Thanksgiving today because we are thankful for all of the wonderful things we have. We also celebrate it to remember the picture of friendship between the Pilgrims and Native Americans, which still continues today.
Did you know that the headband and belt are now part of an outfit? You can wear the headband with turkey feathers, like a headband but with feathers attached on both sides. This is the craft we will make today. Enjoy!
🎨 Supplies Needed
- Foam craft sheets in brown, yellow, red, orange, and green
- Elastic string
- Needle or small hole punch
- Foam glue or Glue Dots
- Faux feathers in yellow, red, orange, and green
🖌️ How to Make a Native American Feather Headband
I'll now show you how to make this simple and fun Thanksgiving craft with kids.
- Step 1: Cut brown foam into strips 2 inches wide by 8 inches long.
- Step 2: Poke a small hole in each side of the strip. Cut a length of string about 10 inches long and poke through one side of the headband. Tie into a knot. Poke the elastic through the other side but do not tie.
- Step 3: Cut the red, green, yellow, and orange foam into small squares. Decorate the headband using the squares. Allow to dry.
- Step 4: Flip the headband and attach the feathers to the back of the headband. Allow to dry. Place the headband on the child and gently tighten the elastic using the loose end. Remove the headband and tie the loose end in a knot. Cut any excess elastic.
- Step 5: The kids can now wear their Thanksgiving hats as you teach them all about gratitude, sharing and giving. You may want to read some thanksgiving stories or do more fun thanksgiving art projects. Why not check out our Pilgrim and Native American popsicle sticks activity. Enjoy!
If you love this fun Thanksgiving craft idea then please do pin this pinterest and help me share this great idea with others. Happy Thanksgiving!
💡 Pro Tip: Turn this craft into a group activity with storytelling—have kids share something they’re thankful for while crafting their headbands to blend creativity with reflection!
🧑🎨 Expert Tips
- Use Sturdy Construction Paper: Choose thick, durable paper for the headband base so it holds its shape well and fits securely around the head without tearing.
- Measure for a Comfortable Fit: Wrap the base strip around the child’s head and secure the size before adding decorations. A good fit ensures comfort and helps keep the headband in place.
- Layer Feather Colors: Create paper feathers in different sizes and shades for a layered look. This adds visual interest and gives the headband a more vibrant and festive appearance.
- Add Patterns with Markers: Decorate the band with zigzags, dots, or tribal-inspired lines using colorful markers. Simple hand-drawn designs bring cultural flair and encourage creativity.
- Use Glue or Staples for Security: Attach feathers and decorations with school glue or staples so they stay put during wear. Make sure all pieces are fully dry before trying it on.
- Encourage Personalization: Let each child add their name or unique symbols to make the craft feel special. Personal touches give the project more meaning and engagement.
💭 FAQs
This craft lets kids make colorful paper headbands inspired by Native American styles. It’s a Thanksgiving-themed activity that encourages creativity and cultural appreciation.
You’ll need construction paper, glue, scissors, and markers or crayons. These supplies help kids design and decorate their own headbands with patterns and paper feathers.
Yes, it’s a fun and simple craft for all ages. Younger kids can focus on coloring and gluing, while older children can create more detailed feather designs.
It builds fine motor skills through cutting and assembling the headband. It also encourages creativity and provides a chance to talk about Native American culture respectfully.
🖌️ Related Crafts
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