Thanksgiving Songs And Finger Plays

Here are some great songs and finger plays to sing on Thanksgiving!  While you're cooking and getting ready to feast, enjoy these festive songs with your child.

~ THE TURKEY ~
The turkey is a funny bird.
(Hook thumbs together and spread fingers to create turkey tail.)
Its head goes wobble, wobble.
(Wobble head back and forth.)
And all it knows is just one word:
(Hold up one finger.)
"Gobble, gobble, gobble."
(Make mouth shape with hand, opening and closing it while sounding like a turkey.)

~  FIVE LITTLE TURKEYS ~ 
Five little turkeys sitting by the barn door, One ran away, and then there were four.
Run, turkey! Run, turkey! Run far away! Soon it will be Thanksgiving Day. 
Four little turkeys sitting under a tree. One ran away, and then there were three. Run, turkey! Run, turkey! Run far away! Soon it will be Thanksgiving Day.   Three little turkeys playing Skip-To-My-Lou. One ran away, and then there were two.
Run, Turkey! Run, turkey! Run far away! Soon it will be Thanksgiving Day. 
Two little turkeys lying in the sun. One ran away, and then there was one.
Run, turkey! Run, turkey! Run far away! Soon it will be Thanksgiving Day. 
One little turkey, having no more fun. He ran away and then there were none.
Run, turkey! Run, turkey! Run far away! Soon it will be Thanksgiving Day.

~ I’M A GREAT BIG TURKEY ~
(Tune: “I’m A Little Teapot”)
I’m a great big turkey
‘Cause I’m well fed.
Watch me spread my feathers.
Watch me bob my head.
When I strut around
I waddle, waddle, waddle.
And when I talk
I “gobble, gobble, gobble”.
I’m a great big turkey
And I’d love to stay.
But Thanksgiving’s coming.

~ FIVE FAT TURKEYS ~
Five fat turkeys were sitting on a fence. (One hand up)
The first one said, "I'm so immense." (Point to thumb)
The second one said, "I can gobble at you." (Pointer finger)
The third one said, "I can gobble, too." (Middle finger)
The fourth one said, "I can spread my tail." (Ring finger)
The fifth one said, "Don't catch it on a nail." (Little finger)
A farmer came along and stopped to say (Pointer of other hand)
"Turkeys look best on Thanksgiving Day."

~ TURKEY DINNER FINGERPLAY ~ 
Up and down, round and round (make circles in the air)
The turkey ran across the ground. (wave hands across the floor)
Over, under, in between (hold hands up, down, and between the legs)
Now the turkey can't be seen.
The farmer looks in front (look in front, holding hand above the eyes)
The farmer looks behind, (look behind, holding hand above the eyes)
Still the turkey can't be found.
There's the turkey (point across the room) Running right (move hands right)
Running left (move hands left)
Over the hill and out of sight (move hands up and down)
No turkey for dinner tonight!

~ MR. TURKEY ~
Mr. Turkey's tail is big and wide (spread fingers)
He swings it when he walks (swing hands)
His neck is long (stretch neck)
His chin is red (stroke chin)
And he gobbles when he talks (open and close hands, and gobbles)

~ FIVE PILGRIMS ~
Five Pilgrims fish in the morn. (pretend to fish)
Five Indians help them plant corn. (pretend to plant)
The Indians bring the corn (hold up right hand)
The Pilgrims bring the meat. (hold up left hand)
Ten new friends sit down to eat. (Fold hands together)