Celebrate Thanksgiving with the Baby Signs® Program
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, enjoy delicious food, and express gratitude—and it’s also a perfect opportunity to use the Baby Signs® Program!
Whether you’re preparing a big family feast or spending a quiet day at home, incorporating signs into your Thanksgiving traditions can make the day extra special and engaging for little ones. Here are some fun ideas for using signs to celebrate the season:
Teach Seasonal Signs
Help your baby or toddler learn signs related to Thanksgiving! Some fun and relevant signs include:
- TURKEY: Hold a “Q” hand under your chin and wiggle.
- EAT/FOOD: Bring your fingers together and tap them to your lips.
- FAMILY: Form the letter “F” with both hands and circle them outward to represent your family gathering.
- THANK YOU: Touch your fingertips to your lips and extend your hand forward, a meaningful way to show gratitude.
Use Signs During Mealtime
Thanksgiving dinner is a sensory wonderland for babies. Use signs to help them communicate about the feast:
- Signing MORE when they want more mashed potatoes or cranberries.
- Using ALL DONE when they’re full and ready to play.
- Practicing PLEASE and THANK YOU to build early manners in a fun, low-pressure way.
Share Gratitude Together
Before your meal, gather as a family to share what you’re thankful for. Use the sign for THANK YOU as you go around the table, and encourage your little one to join in. It’s a sweet way to help them feel included, even if they can’t yet say the words.
Make Learning Fun with Books and Crafts
- Read books about Thanksgiving and add signs for key words like FOOD, FRIEND, and HAPPY to bring the story to life.
- Try a turkey-themed craft where kids can decorate paper feathers with things they’re thankful for. Add the sign for TURKEY when you display the finished craft!
Keep It Simple and Enjoy the Moment
The holiday can be busy, but it’s important to enjoy the small moments with your child. Using basic sign language is a wonderful way to stay connected and make Thanksgiving memorable for your family.
This Thanksgiving, let the Baby Signs® Program help you and your little one connect through communication, fun, and gratitude. From all of us at Baby Signs®, we wish you a joyful and heartwarming holiday!
Find a Class Near You
Want to learn more signs? Check out our classes to discover how signing can enhance your child’s development year-round. Visit BabySigns.com to find a class or workshop near you.
