Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year to bring warmth and gratitude into your middle school English classroom. It's a chance to foster a sense of community and creativity while still staying focused on your curriculum. In this blog post, we'll explore a variety of engaging and fun Thanksgiving activities that you can use to inspire your students while improving their English skills. From creative writing to interactive games, these ideas will keep your middle schoolers excited and motivated as they learn.
Thanksgiving Story Writing
Encourage your students to embrace their creativity and gratitude by having them write their own Thanksgiving stories. Provide them with writing prompts related to the holiday, such as "A Thanksgiving Adventure" or "The Most Memorable Thanksgiving Dinner." You can also ask them to incorporate elements like setting, characters, and conflict into their stories. This activity not only enhances their writing skills but also allows them to express their personal experiences and feelings associated with Thanksgiving.
Gratitude Journals
Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks, and what better way to celebrate this holiday than by starting gratitude journals in your classroom? Have each student keep a journal throughout November, where they can write down things they are thankful for every day. Encourage them to use descriptive language and reflection to articulate their gratitude. This activity helps improve their vocabulary and self-expression skills while also fostering a positive mindset.
Thanksgiving Vocabulary Bingo
Turn vocabulary building into a fun and interactive game with Thanksgiving-themed bingo. Create bingo cards with words related to Thanksgiving, such as "turkey," "pilgrims," "cornucopia," and "gratitude." Call out definitions or synonyms, and students must identify the corresponding word on their cards. Not only does this activity reinforce vocabulary, but it also adds an element of competition and excitement to the classroom.
Thanksgiving Themed Book Clubs
Incorporate Thanksgiving-themed books or short stories into your curriculum and create book clubs for your students. Select books suitable for their reading levels and assign different reading groups. They can read and discuss their chosen texts, exploring themes like family, gratitude, or the history of Thanksgiving. This not only improves their reading comprehension but also encourages lively discussions and critical thinking. Here are 10 books you can use for a Thanksgiving Book Club.
1. "The Leftovers" by Tom Perrotta
2. "What We Left Behind" by Robin Talley
3. "Let It Snow: Three Holiday Romances" by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle
4. "Tell Me Three Things" by Julie Buxbaum
5. "The Benefits of Being an Octopus" by Ann Braden
6. "The Misfits" by James Howe
7. "Family Game Night and Other Catastrophes" by Mary E. Lambert
8. "The Distance Between Us" by Kasie West
9. "Anything But Okay" by Sarah Darer Littman
10. "We Are Okay" by Nina LaCour
Turkey-Themed Poetry
Have your students write Thanksgiving-themed poetry, focusing on turkeys as their main subject. They can explore different poetic forms like haikus, acrostics, or free verse. Encourage them to use vivid and descriptive language to bring their turkey poems to life. This creative writing exercise can be both amusing and educational, allowing your students to experiment with language and imagery.
Thanksgiving Storytelling Circle
Create a storytelling circle in your classroom, where each student takes turns sharing their favorite Thanksgiving memory. This activity allows them to practice their storytelling and public speaking skills while also connecting with their peers on a personal level. You can provide a list of storytelling prompts or let them share what's most meaningful to them.
Thanksgiving is an excellent opportunity to engage middle school students in English classes with enjoyable and educational activities. By incorporating these Thanksgiving-themed exercises, you can enhance their writing, reading, and vocabulary skills while promoting a sense of gratitude and community. So, this holiday season, make your middle school English classroom a place where students can learn, grow, and celebrate Thanksgiving together.