Pass the gravy! Carve the turkey! Thanksgiving is next week, which means it’s time to pull out the recipes and head to the grocery store. But if you’re a teacher, you’re likely spending as much time preparing for Thanksgiving in the classroom, as you are preparing your Thanksgiving menu.
Now is the time to gather any last-minute resources and activity ideas. Here are four Thanksgiving-themed lesson plans we think early learners will love:
Thanksgiving Spelling Stones — This activity is a Thanksgiving craft and spelling practice “rolled into one.” After students spell out Thanksgiving on stones (one letter per stone), they are challenged to see how many words they can spell by moving the rocks around. Looks like fun!
Teaching Gratitude — This activity helps children reflect on what they have and how they can use their gifts and talents to serve others. On a piece of paper that is folded into three sections, they draw something they like, something they’re good at, and some way they can help others.
Corn Mosaic Art — Since Thanksgiving involves lots of good food, why not use corn kernels to create beautiful art? While creating the art, discuss what foods were on the menu of the first Thanksgiving (and yes, it includes corn!).
Giving Thanks with The Giving Tree — With this lesson idea, your class will read The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein and discuss the importance of being thankful by creating personal Giving Trees!
