Teaching about holidays can be fun, but they are also required. At least they are in Texas.
In early elementary, we talk about the origins of customs, holidays, and celebrations celebrated in the community, state, and nation.
Among those holidays is Thanksgiving. Today I’m sharing some Thanksgiving activities and resources you might want to add to your lesson plans.
Unlike some holidays, such as Constitution Day, students are most likely familiar with Thanksgiving and probably celebrate it at home. However, our younger students may not be familiar with the story of Thanksgiving or understand its significance.
There are many ways to talk about Thanksgiving in your classroom. Check out the following videos, books, and resources to help supplement your lesson plans.
Thanksgiving Videos
The Mouse on the Mayflower is about a mouse named Willum, who is discovered on the Mayflower. This movie is an animated Thanksgiving special from 1968. It’s about 45 minutes long, so you may only have time to show part of it.
The Berenstain Bears Meet Bigpaw originally aired in 1980 and is about 20 minutes long. This short animated special inspired the book The Berenstains’ Thanksgiving which was released in 1997. This video is hosted on the official Berenstain Bears YouTube channel and houses lots of great videos!
Thanksgiving Books
There are far too many Thanksgiving books to list here. I’ve shared a few of my favorites, but most Thanksgiving children’s books have lots to do with thankfulness and usually a touch of fun!
You’ll find supplemental materials for some of these books from both Creation Castle and Resource Ranch on TpT. Have we covered your favorite book?
Thanksgiving Activities and Resources
If you’re at school the week of Thanksgiving, you’ll definitely want to check out the Thanksgiving activities and resources available from Creation Castle and Resource Ranch on TpT.
Speaking of Thanksgiving activities, make sure you pick up this FREE first Thanksgiving bracelet activity used by over 70,000 teachers.
Creation Castle
Heather is the author of Creation Castle. She has experience with general education, special education, and ESL students in kindergarten through fifth grade. She specializes in early elementary math and literacy, as well as organization.
