As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s the perfect time to slow down and help our little dancers reflect on what they’re grateful for — all while keeping them moving, engaged, and full of joy. This special “Thankful for Dance” creative movement lesson plan is designed for toddlers and preschoolers, combining imagination, gratitude, and fun seasonal themes. Whether you're teaching in a studio, preschool, or community space, this class will leave your little ones smiling, stretching, and feeling thankful for the joy of movement.
Age Group: Toddlers (2–4 years)
Length: 30 minutes
Theme: Thanksgiving / Gratitude
Focus: Movement, imagination, rhythm, social-emotional learning (gratitude)
1. Welcome Circle & Warm-Up (5 minutes)
Goal: Create a sense of community and get bodies moving
Activity:
Sit in a circle and sing a “Hello” song
Ask: “What are you thankful for?” (Prompt with examples: family, pets, dance, snacks!)
Stretch and warm up with:
Arms up like a tree
Wiggle fingers like falling leaves
Curl up like a sleepy turkey
Stretch tall like a thankful sunflower
Music Suggestion: “If You’re Thankful and You Know It” (clap your hands, do a spin, stomp your feet)
2. Gratitude Movement Game: “I’m Thankful For…” (5–7 minutes)
Goal: Promote positive expression through movement
How to Play:
Teacher says: “I’m thankful for ______!” (e.g. dogs, sunshine, hugs, pie)
Students act it out through dance/movement:
Dogs → crawl or bark
Sunshine → stretch arms wide
Pie → pretend to eat, rub bellies
Turkeys → flap and wobble
Dance → freestyle dancing!
Bonus: Let children take turns choosing what they’re thankful for
3. Across-the-Floor: Turkey Trot Parade (7 minutes)
Goal: Work on locomotor skills, taking turns
Instructions:
One at a time or in small groups, move across the floor in themed ways:
Waddle like a turkey
Tiptoe like a quiet mouse
March like you're in a Thanksgiving parade
Jump over “pumpkins” (use cones or spots)
Play upbeat music like an instrumental marching band or “Turkey Trot” tracks
4. Prop Play: Thankful Scarves (5 minutes)
Goal: Sensory play + creative movement with scarves or ribbons
Use prompts like:
Wave your scarf for something you love 🧣
Make big circles for family
Make zig-zags for your favorite food
Float the scarf like leaves falling in the wind
Dance in a circle all together to soft music
Suggested Song: “Over the River and Through the Woods” (instrumental)
5. Cool Down & Gratitude Circle (3–5 minutes)
Goal: Slow the energy and end on a thoughtful note
Activity:
Sit back in the circle
Gentle breathing: “Smell the pie… blow out the candles”
Ask each child again: “What are you thankful for today?”
Stretch arms up and give themselves a big hug
Sing a soft “Goodbye” song
Music Example:
“Wave goodbye to friends so sweet,
We’ll see you next time when we meet.
Thankful hearts and happy feet —
Dancing days are such a treat!”
Teacher Tips:
Use warm, gentle energy — Thanksgiving is a cozy, reflective theme
Keep transitions smooth with short songs or chants
Reuse this format with winter/holiday themes next month!
Thankful for all of you and all that you do and give of yourself.
Happy Thanksgiving.
See you in the dance studio,
Jess
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Age Group: Toddlers (2–4 years)
Length: 30 minutes
Theme: Thanksgiving / Gratitude
Focus: Movement, imagination, rhythm, social-emotional learning (gratitude)
1. Welcome Circle & Warm-Up (5 minutes)
Goal: Create a sense of community and get bodies moving
Activity:
Sit in a circle and sing a “Hello” song
Ask: “What are you thankful for?” (Prompt with examples: family, pets, dance, snacks!)
Stretch and warm up with:
Arms up like a tree 🍂
Wiggle fingers like falling leaves 🍁
Curl up like a sleepy turkey 🦃
Stretch tall like a thankful sunflower 🌻
🎵 Music Suggestion: “If You’re Thankful and You Know It” (clap your hands, do a spin, stomp your feet)
2. Gratitude Movement Game: “I’m Thankful For…” (5–7 minutes)
Goal: Promote positive expression through movement
How to Play:
Teacher says: “I’m thankful for ______!” (e.g. dogs, sunshine, hugs, pie)
Students act it out through dance/movement:
🐶 Dogs → crawl or bark
☀️ Sunshine → stretch arms wide
🥧 Pie → pretend to eat, rub bellies
🦃 Turkeys → flap and wobble
💃 Dance → freestyle dancing!
🧡 Bonus: Let children take turns choosing what they’re thankful for
3. Across-the-Floor: Turkey Trot Parade (7 minutes)
Goal: Work on locomotor skills, taking turns
Instructions:
One at a time or in small groups, move across the floor in themed ways:
Waddle like a turkey 🦃
Tiptoe like a quiet mouse 🐭
March like you're in a Thanksgiving parade 🎺
Jump over “pumpkins” (use cones or spots) 🎃
🎵 Play upbeat music like an instrumental marching band or “Turkey Trot” tracks
4. Prop Play: Thankful Scarves (5 minutes)
Goal: Sensory play + creative movement with scarves or ribbons
Use prompts like:
Wave your scarf for something you love 🧣
Make big circles for family
Make zig-zags for your favorite food
Float the scarf like leaves falling in the wind 🍂
Dance in a circle all together to soft music
🎵 Suggested Song: “Over the River and Through the Woods” (instrumental)
5. Cool Down & Gratitude Circle (3–5 minutes)
Goal: Slow the energy and end on a thoughtful note
Activity:
Sit back in the circle
Gentle breathing: “Smell the pie… blow out the candles”
Ask each child again: “What are you thankful for today?”
Stretch arms up and give themselves a big hug
Sing a soft “Goodbye” song
Music Example:
“Wave goodbye to friends so sweet,
We’ll see you next time when we meet.
Thankful hearts and happy feet —
Dancing days are such a treat!”
Teacher Tips:
Use warm, gentle energy — Thanksgiving is a cozy, reflective theme
Keep transitions smooth with short songs or chants
Reuse this format with winter/holiday themes next month!
Thankful for all of you and all that you do and give of yourself.
See you in the dance studio,
Jess
Join our Community of Dance Educators By Clicking Here!
Dance Teachers, get instant access to 1000+ videos including full length master classes, "How To" teacher training tips, Choreography with break downs and 100's of lesson plans and teacher enhancement articles
For the busy Dance Studio Owner, we offer the ultimate toolkit with business building articles, videos and downloadable forms. Topics include help with marketing, increasing revenue and improving communication.
Our Dance Studio Owner VIP consulting services offer one-on-one coaching for a more hands on approach to your business development. Inspiration is only a click away!
