When we think of Thanksgiving, we almost immediately think of turkeys, right? Sadly, most people are thinking about eating them rather than appreciating what interesting animals they are. More than 45 million turkeys are killed each year for Thanksgiving.

Turkeys are intelligent and sensitive—they enjoy listening to music, can recognize human faces, and are caring mothers—and we should give them a reason to be thankful. This year, let’s appreciate them for who they are—NOT what they taste like—by making a cute hand turkey!

So ask your parent for help, and let’s get started.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A pencil
• Brown construction paper (or recycled plain brown paper grocery bags)
• Scissors
• Multicolored construction paper
• Glue sticks
• Markers
• Stickers, glitter, pipe cleaners, or other decorations (optional)

Here’s what to do:

1. Trace your outstretched hand onto a piece of brown construction paper and then cut it out.

2. Cut the multicolored construction paper into teardrop shapes. Then glue them to the paper hand in between the fingers to make “feathers.”

3. Use a marker to draw a turkey face onto the thumb of the hand. If you’d like to add some decorations such as stickers, glitter, or anything else, now’s the time!

4. Choose one of the following fun facts and write it on the back of the turkey:

• In the wild, turkeys can fly at speeds of up to 55 miles per hour and run at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour.
• Baby turkeys usually stay with their moms until they’re 5 months old, and mother turkeys will bravely defend their families against danger.
• Wild turkeys can live to be up to 10 years old and are born with full-color vision.
• Turkeys are naturally curious animals who are always checking out new sights and smells.
• Turkeys love greeting visitors and making friends, and they can remember the faces of people they’ve met.

5. You’re done! Display the cute turkey in your house—on your fridge, in your bedroom, or on your front door. Don’t forget to take a picture of it to share with all your family and friends, too!