Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and you’re likely looking for ways to incorporate the holiday spirit into your classroom without adding to your already full plate. You want to celebrate, teach, and enjoy without the extra prep work, right? Well, you’re in luck!
This blog post delivers ready-to-go Thanksgiving activities that save you planning time and ensure a good time for your students. Let’s explore five festive fun activities that are easy to implement and will make learning fun and meaningful!
Activity #1: Thanksgiving Math Games
You know how competitive games can sometimes overwhelm your kiddos? They either shut down, melt down, or blow up. It’s like navigating a minefield of behavior issues.
But what about low-risk games? They change everything. Kids can correct their mistakes without any stress. Plus, the cards are leveled, so everyone’s playing within their abilities, and no one’s feeling left out.
They’re simple to prep. Just a few snips, and you’re set for some fun math centers. Super handy when you’re up to your ears in other tasks.
And the flexibility is a plus – they’re perfect for all elementary students practicing math facts. You’ve got five sets of math facts, so there’s something for each kiddo, no matter their skill level.
And there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing every one of your students progress. It’s the best feeling!
Activity #2: Thanksgiving STEM Activities
Budgeting for STEM supplies for different grade levels can really add up, especially when you’ve got Christmas shopping on the horizon! No worries, though. These STEM activities use materials you likely already have, making them budget-friendly.
And, if you participate in a robotics program, we’ve included some optional tech challenges – without requiring extra spending.
These activities feature a Thanksgiving-themed STEM Challenge that’s both educational and fun. I’ve included opinion writing pages to encourage your students’ creativity. With the diverse needs of each class in mind, these activities can be adapted for each student.
You’ll enjoy watching your students engage in these activities, all without the worry of overspending. It’s an ideal way to reconnect with the joy of teaching with activities that ignite excitement in your classroom.
🔗: Thanksgiving STEM Activities
Activity #3: Thanksgiving STEM Task Cards
Have you ever noticed when students get stuck during a STEM activity, unsure of what to create with the materials in front of them? They want to build something exciting but can’t seem to start.
I like to call this “builder’s block,” similar to “writer’s block.”
To assist them, I introduce task cards with clear starting points for building. Each card includes a QR code that links to an informative article to spark their ideas and motivation. The cards also showcase realistic photos to suggest what they could create.
I’ve combined elements of technology and reading to make the learning experience well-rounded. The challenges on the cards guide while leaving room for students’ creativity. These cards work well with any materials you have, from specialized STEM kits to simple classroom supplies.
The result is students entering your class feeling confident and ready to achieve their goals with enthusiasm.
And this leads to positive outcomes for everyone!
🔗: Thanksgiving STEM Task Cards
Activity #4: Thanksgiving Grammar Games
Let’s be real, those dull Thanksgiving grammar worksheets are just not going to cut it. I mean, who’s trying to grade papers with a turkey in the oven? Not me! So, here’s the scoop: we ditch the boring worksheets and jazz things up with an interactive grammar game.
It’s all about having a blast while the learning sticks- no work, all play.
This means you get to save those precious hours for what really matters during the holidays: enjoying a feast with your family and relaxing. Instead of bringing work home, you can take a real break.
This Thanksgiving Grammar Game reinforces grammar skills, helping kids master sentences, nouns, and verbs in an engaging way. And for an unexpected twist, as they play, they earn toothpicks for STEM challenges that are both fun and thought-provoking.
Students get so immersed in strategizing and building with their toothpicks that they don’t even realize how much they’re learning.
Meanwhile, you’ll enjoy a sense of satisfaction knowing that while your students are engaged and learning, you’re also taking care of yourself. It’s a situation where everyone is content and thankful.
Activity #5: Thanksgiving Digital Math (Kindergarten)
Dealing with login and computer issues can be a real hassle, right? Entering codes, choosing usernames, and selecting icons eats up a lot of our instructional class time. But don’t worry, I’ve got a solution!
I’ve simplified the whole process so students can start learning immediately. This means less time spent on tech setup and more time for learning in a way that’ll captivate their attention.
My goal is to focus more on learning and less time managing technology. I’ve tailored my resources to work seamlessly with tools like Google Slides and interactive whiteboards, ensuring an easy start.
With this straightforward setup, you can say goodbye to tech troubles. You’ll be able to relax, knowing you have everything in hand, your lesson plans are effective, and your classroom is alive with enthusiastic learning. Consider it a well-earned reward for all your hard work!
🔗: Thanksgiving Digital Math (Kindergarten)
What’s Next?
You’ve read about some great Thanksgiving activities that are all ready to go and will save you time. The next action for you is simple: Click on the links below to visit my TPT shop and get these resources. You’ll find activities that are easy to prepare, saving you time and effort. Just imagine your students engaged and learning with enthusiasm. These activities are designed to make your teaching effective and enjoyable during the Thanksgiving season.
Here’s what to do:
🦃 Thanksgiving STEM Activities
🍁 Thanksgiving STEM Task Cards
💻 Thanksgiving Digital Math (Kindergarten)
BONUS: Turkey Life Cycle Activity
Select the resources that suit your needs, download them, and get ready to enhance your teaching this Thanksgiving. Enjoy the holiday, knowing your students are learning and having fun.
BONUS Turkey Activity: Need a Science Idea?
Balancing science and language arts in a crowded curriculum is tough. You need activities that are engaging but don’t require hours of prep. That’s where the All About Turkeys Life activity comes in. It’s designed to enhance students’ understanding of sequences through a turkey life cycle timeline and strengthen retention with comprehension exercises while being incredibly simple for you to implement.
With this resource, you’re effectively merging science with language arts, making the most of your literacy time without sidelining your science lessons. It has all the materials you need to support your students’ learning and gauge their understanding.
You’ll feel relieved and satisfied, seeing your students grasp complex concepts and express their understanding, all while you’ve streamlined our teaching process to hit multiple educational goals at once.
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