Disguise Turkey Tom Thanksgiving Activity

Disguise Turkey Tom Thanksgiving Activity

Disguise Turkey Tom Thanksgiving Activity

Katie Taylor, CCLS Child Life On Call for SmileMakers Inc

Disguise Turkey Tom Thanksgiving Activity

For as long as I can remember, I've had to explain to people that the hospital never closes and yes, healthcare workers have to go to work on weekends and holidays. Illness, injury and access to healthcare happens at any time of the day on any day of the week.  Yes, even on Thanksgiving!

What I have found within children's hospitals is that holidays spent in the hospital can be especially challenging for children and their families. Their usual traditions must change and the normal holiday experience is different. As a Child Life Specialist, it is my job to help make this day as special and familiar as possible. A holiday spent in the hospital is anything but normal, but Child Life Specialists do our best to make the experience as normal as possible.

One of the most fun and timely things I love to do with preschool and school-age patients (and maybe even help them create a new tradition!) is to tell them a story about "Turkey Tom."

Turkey Tom Disguise Activity

  • Step 1: I write a hand-written letter from Turkey Tom and explain that this poor turkey doesn't want to be eaten on Thanksgiving day. In the letter, I ask for help creating a disguise so that he will not be seen!
  • Step 2: II bring in common medical supplies for the patient to help disguise the turkey.
  • Step 3: We either draw a turkey using the trace-your-hand method, or you can use Make Your Own Turkey sticker sheets.
  • Step 4: I encourage the patient to explore the medical supplies like Disney Frozen Bandages and Flavored Tongue Depressors and watch as the medical equipment goes from medical to fun! The sky's the limit and creativity is key for this activity!

Here are a few examples of this year's Turkey Tom activity:

Thanksgiving Turkeys
Thanksgiving Turkeys
Disguise Turkey Tom Thanksgiving Activity

And don't feel too bad for hospital workers who have to work a holiday, it is our honor to be able to care for families - especially when they need us most on special days. One of my favorite activities for children and families is Thanksgiving BINGO. Grab a great prize bundle you can use for your BINGO winners.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and good luck keeping Turkey Tom safe!

2021-11-08 19:36:00 75 viewed
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