Thanksgiving means a lot of waiting: waiting for guests, waiting for the turkey, waiting for dessert. A coloring kids’ table turns waiting into fun.
Set up the table
- Paper table cover. Kraft paper or a paper tablecloth kids can color directly on.
- Supply caddy. Crayons and washable markers in the middle.
- Name cards. Kids color their own.
- Coloring place mats. One page per seat.
Gratitude coloring
- Thankful page. Color a character and write what you’re thankful for.
- Gratitude chain. Color strips, write a thankful word on each and link them.
- Thank-you notes. Color a picture for the host.
Theme ideas
- Farm animals and turkeys from Trace Then Color: Cute Cartoon Animals
- Silly food characters from Trace Then Color: Cartoon Food Monsters (a grumpy pie or a silly corn cob)
- Family portraits with Trace Then Color: Cartoon People
Timing
- Before dinner. Coloring keeps kids busy while adults cook.
- During dinner. Place mats give early finishers something to do.
- After dinner. A calm activity while adults clean up and chat.
Quiet corner
Big family gatherings can be overwhelming. A quiet coloring corner helps kids reset. See coloring for anxious kids.
Ask older cousins to help little ones. Mixed-age coloring builds family bonds. See coloring with mixed ages.
Questions parents ask
How many pages should I print?
Two or three per child, plus extras.
What supplies work best at the table?
Crayons and washable markers. Skip anything that stains tablecloths.
How do I keep it from getting messy?
Washable supplies, a paper table cover and a cleanup bin.
About Kevin Coulston
Kevin Coulston is a cartoonist and member of the National Cartoonists Society who has written and illustrated more than 100 drawing, tracing and coloring books for kids, including the Trace Then Color series. Meet Kevin or browse all his books on FirstArtBooks.com.
