The JumpStart Blog

Thanksgiving is soon approaching, and with the Thanksgiving holiday comes the remembrance of the shared feast between Plymouth Pilgrims and a group of Native Americans.  Native Americans played a key role in the Pilgrims’ survival!  It’s no surprise that children enjoy recreating the feast scene, playing as Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing together.  To help their imaginations flow, we have a craft in the image of a Native American vest to help them feel more the part.

We made our Native American vest JumpStart-themed! From left to right: Kisha, Hopps.

Native American Vest

What you’ll need:

• 1 Brown grocery bag
• Pencil
• Paint or markers
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Draw a thin line from the top, open end of the bag toward the bottom of the bag.
2. Make large circles at the bottom of the bag, and at the bag sides, towards its bottom.
3. Cut along the pencil line, including the circle.


Cut along the drawn lines, including the circles.

4. Trim the circle as needed to make enough room for your child’s neck.
5. Cut fringe into the bottom of the vest, as in the picture.  Shorten the vest to prevent the child from tripping, if needed.
6. Use the paint or markers to decorate the vest with designs.

Frankie swinging by the river to get a drink of water.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving-themed attire!

Tell your friends to diversify their kids’ closets with a new vest for this holiday!