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Teacher Pay Teacher has readily available communication placemats that are specific to a holiday or topic. This can support language and teach holiday specific vocabulary. Here is the link:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thanksgiving-Placemat-AAC-Communication-Board-5004727?st=126be5a4c76fec7488ba81b16066a212

Consider using real pictures or a communication board generator source such as Lesson Pix or Board Maker to make a communication board specific to the student's needs and language abilities. Look for pictures with limited detail or busyness to limit distractibility.

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thanksgiving-Social-Story-Communication-Board-with-PICTURE-SYMBOLS-5029316

Here is an example of a communication board that incorporates core vocabulary as well as fringe words. Pre-teaching can be accomplished during grocery trips, meals or during quiet time. This communication board is available on News2You.

For those who love sensory bottles, consider making one that includes feather, nuts, leaves and other fall/holiday related items. Make sure and secure the lid with glue. Consider adding a soft wrap of foam or ribbon to the bottom and cap to decrease hard edges. Also consider adding a loop to attach the bottle to a lanyard to limit throwing or dropping.

https://www.firefliesandmudpies.com/fall-sensory-bottles/

A sensory bin can be made from simple materials found at a dollar store or out in the yard. Make sure the bin has a lid for easy transporting. To limit mess, add a top layer of press of Press and Seal. Add a few slits for access but also intrigue as you sneak you hand in to see what you can find.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/107804984801908450/

Many love a scented playdough. Consider making one with pumpkin spice. Add a few cookie cutters and a small rolling pin and creativity begins.

https://ilslearningcorner.com/2015-09-easy-wheres-waldo-pumpkin-spice-play-dough-sensory-activities/

Holiday gatherings can be very noisy. Consider bringing a pair of headphones, ear muffs or a hoodie to help filter volume. Headphones can be purchased at a dollar store or through sources such as Walmart or Amazon. Here is a link for some available through Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/sensory-headphones/s?k=sensory+headphones

Weighted items can help promote calm and regulation. Consider a weighted dinosaur, bear, unicorn or any other favorite animal that are readily available through many sources including Target, Walmart or Amazon. Perhaps a more generalized feeling of weight and pressure is needed. If so, consider a blanket or vest. One source is Fun and Function. Remember to follow recommended precautions and use restrictions.

https://funandfunction.com/shop/sleep/weighted-blankets.html

A collapsible tent or fort can provide a quiet space for retreat and self regulation. Consider putting it in a corner away from a lot of visible movement. Add a blanket, pillow and a few favorite fidgets to support the student's needs.

https://www.amazon.com/Teepee-Playhouse-Outdoor-Colored-Feathers/dp/B0932BC1PP/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=tp%2Btent&qid=1697744598&sr=8-6&th=1

Provide a coloring page and crayons or colored pencils to provide a simple, structured activity.

https://www.skiptomylou.org/turkey-coloring-pages/

The center piece at the kids table can be a simple box that has holes in it that feathers can be placed in. A fun activity will be removing the feathers and then replacing them in the holes.

https://funlearningforkids.com/turkey-feathers-fine-motor-activity/

Simple pictures can be cut in such a way to make a holiday puzzle. Pieces can be saved in a standard envelope. Make sure and provide a picture of the finished product to serve as a model.

https://www.teachinglittles.com/free-printable-thanksgiving-puzzle/

A fun activity can be imitating postures similar to yoga postures. Positions can assist with relaxation and regulation. This is good for all ages. Don't focus on quality of movement but rather on just moving slowly. Provide a chair for support as needed.

https://shop.pinkoatmeal.com/product/thanksgiving-yoga-cards/

Similar to an egg hunt, several small turkeys are hidden in the yard or house and on the hunt you go to find them. Small, simple turkeys can be found on Oriental Trading or you can make your own out of paper or print them off of the computer. A fun option can be coloring a picture of a turkey and then hide it for others to find.

Consider dance videos on You Tube or specific websites to participate in fun, holiday themed dancing. This one uses a familiar song with a turkey twist.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxfajHBG9Rg&list=PLNybXBzkI6fdC7XC_LTMDqbJsEkW0A0tX&index=5

Try a simple app such as Dress the Turkey. The app is fun and leads to great conversation.

Consider a variety of computer games related to the holidays. A good source is ABCya.

https://www.abcya.com/blog/ckgutk9h61f8a0915ebos7pw9

Another computer option is games such as click and drag shapes to complete the puzzle. Fun!

https://www.primarygames.com/holidays/thanksgiving/games/