Cute Printable Turkey Masks (DIY Coloring Masks – PDF)

These printable turkey masks come with a pre-colored template for quick, low-prep making and a plain one for your little learners to decorate however they like.

they’d make a lovely addition to your Thanksgiving printables or a fall theme. And while your kiddos are busy cutting, coloring and strutting about, they won’t even notice how much fine motor practice and storytelling they’re sneaking in.

Here’s a little fact to share while they play. That long red bit hanging down beside the beak is called a snood, and the bumpy flap of skin under a real turkey’s chin is its wattle. A wild turkey’s wattle can change color depending on how the bird is feeling, turning bright red when it’s showing off and bluish when it’s scared.

This simple bird craft is great for developing your child’s cutting skills, and an awesome chance to practice some pencil control and creativity if you opt with the plain templates.

And a super thing about these types of crafts is not only are they great fun to make and your children can practice lots of skills when doing so, but then they have a toy they can play with at the end – and play is just such a great way for children to learn!

Win win!

So grab some crayons, scissors, and string, it’s time to spread those wings and get creative!

What Skills Can Your Children Learn And Practice?

When making these tremendous turkey masks, your children will have the chance to practice and develop some skills such as:

• Cutting Skills – if you feel they’re ready, you can let them have a go at cutting out the pieces all by themselves – they’ll need to be careful and have good scissor control if they want to cut out the pieces neatly
• Pencil Control – if you print off the black and white templates they can practice their pencil control and develop hand strength through decorating.

And when they’re done, they’ll also be able to use their imagination, storytelling and social / communication skills when going on adventures with friends and family!

How To Prepare These Printable Turkey Masks

First you’re going to want to download the mask templates by clicking on the download button at the bottom of the page – I’ve made a color and a black and white version for each mask.

Ready to nurture those neurons? Join 2600+ members now and unlock INSTANT ACCESS to our entire library of awesome activities plus all the activity makers! So don’t miss out – become a member today and start exploring!

Other Materials You’ll Need:

• Safety scissors
• Card stock or craft paper
• Some coloring pencils or pens / other artsy materials for decorating
• Some elastic or string to keep them on your little one’s head 
• Or you could add a popsicle stick if you’d like the masks to have a more ‘masked ball’ feel

These masks are fairly simple to make but your little ones will probably need a bit of help with attaching the elastic if you go down that route (*always be careful with little ones and string – keep an eye on them to ensure they’re safe while playing*).

Once you’ve downloaded the templates, you’ll need to print them off onto paper or card.

Then, you can cut them out. Or if you’d like your children to get some cutting practice, you can let them have a go. If you’re going with the plain templates it’ll probably be a good idea to decorate them first.

The next two steps will probably require some grown-up support:

The first is to carefully cut out the eyes holes.

Then, if you want to add elastic, simply make a couple holes near the edge (either with scissors or a hole punch). It’s a good idea to add a little clear tape on the area you’re making the holes for some added support.

Thread the elastic through the hole and tie a knot on the face side to stop it slipping back through.

Then loop around with enough elastic so it’s not too loose or tight, do the same on the other side and you’re good to go!

Some Other Ways You Could Use This Mask Craft

Turkey Freeze

Pop on some music and let your little turkeys strut, flap and waddle around the room. When the music stops, everyone freezes. For a twist, call out a way to move before each round (“tiny turkey steps!” or “big turkey struts” etc.).

Down on the Farm

Turn your dramatic play area into a farmyard and let the turkey meet a few friends. Our printable chicken masks make perfect barnyard companions, and one child can play the farmer while the others go about their animal business.

Put On a Turkey Puppet Show

Pair the mask with our turkey finger puppets and you’ve got a whole turkey family. The child in the mask can be the grown-up turkey while the finger puppets become the little ones (baby turkeys are called poults, which is a fun new word to throw in). Encourage them to plan a simple beginning, middle and end for their show.

Gobble for T

Put on the masks, then give your turkeys a phonics job. Say a list of words and have everyone gobble like a turkey (or flap their wings) only when they hear one that starts with the ‘t’ sound, like turtle, table or ten. Stay silent for the rest. 

Count the Feathers

There are five feathers on each mask, which is just right for early counting. Have your little learners count them, tap each one as they go for 1:1 correspondence, then hold up the matching number of fingers. If they’re keen for more feather counting, our count the turkey feathers game is a lovely next step.

A Thanksgiving Parade

It’s almost Thanksgiving, so why not hold a mini turkey parade? Everyone puts on their mask, marches around the room, then stops to share one thing they’re thankful for. It’s a sweet way to bring a bit of gratitude into the celebrations, and you’ll find more ideas for the day on our Special Day Calendar.

However your little ones end up using these, I hope you all have fun!

Enjoy and let’s nurture those neurons!