Variation: This project can also be easily adapted to a cork board (see photo) by simply using colored push pins to match the leaves. Use brown construction paper to make the tree trunk.

You may draw the tree trunk freehand or print out our template by clicking here: Tree Template

At the top of the posterboard, entitle your tree "Smith Kids Thanksgiving Tree", inserting your family surname in the title.

With a pencil on poster board, draw a basic tree with a branch for each child in the family. If you only have 1-2 children, it might be fun to include two or three branches for each child.

Using tempera paint, markers, or crayons color the tree trunk brown. On red, orange, green and yellow construction paper, trace 10 copies of each child's hand. Cut out and give each child their "leaves".

Each child writes one thing that they are thankful for on each leaf (grown ups can help if needed!). You may decorate the leaves with glitter glue if you like. Next, tape or glue the leaves onto their designated branches.

This makes a great activity to keep kids happy during a large family gathering. Hint: Make the base ahead of time for quick start up.

Hang up the Thanksgiving Tree where the whole family can see it. Makes a great conversation piece! Later, after dinner, have the children present their tree to the family gathered around. Each child tells what they are thankful for and why.

For added fun, make additional posterboard bases up ahead of time so that the rest of the family can add their leaves as well. Have supplies at the ready!

Amanda Formaro is the entrepreneurial mother of four children. She is also the owner of FamilyCorner.com Magazine at http://familycorner.com Subscribe to her free kid's craft newsletter, Busy Little Hands, by sending any email message to kidscrafts-on@mail-list.com or by filling out the form on the left side of this article