”Thanksgiving” has different meanings for everyone. For some it is to celebrate our blessings and good fortune, for others it is our worst travel nightmare. Allow your students to explore their own feelings towards the holiday, and make a short depiction of what Thanksgiving means to them. Students can write about a Thanksgiving experience they have had or what they would like to happen (or expect to happen) this Thanksgiving. You may have students brainstorm on their own, or have a classroom discussion about plans, favorite memories, or favorite foods.
For those who need a little inspiration:
This example focuses on telling a story with pictures and dialogue, rather than mostly with narration. Use a comic like this on its own, or to get main ideas for a longer composition.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Invite students to share specific things they are grateful for, whether big or small, to foster a positive classroom atmosphere. Listening to each other’s gratitude helps build empathy and community.
Set up a section of your classroom where students can post sticky notes or drawings about what they are thankful for. This visual display allows everyone to see and celebrate each other’s blessings.
Connect the Thanksgiving topic to reading, writing, art, and even math activities. For example, use Thanksgiving vocabulary in spelling, or calculate recipes in math lessons for real-world connections.
Start each day or class with a quick gratitude round where everyone shares one positive thing. Consistent routines help students develop lasting habits of thankfulness.
Encourage students to talk about different ways their families or communities observe Thanksgiving or similar holidays. This helps all students feel included and valued for their unique backgrounds.
A simple Thanksgiving writing activity is asking students to create a short story or comic about what Thanksgiving means to them, using their own experiences, feelings, or expectations for the holiday.
Encourage students to brainstorm by discussing favorite Thanksgiving memories, foods, family traditions, or plans. Use prompts like "giving thanks," "family gatherings," or "favorite foods" to inspire ideas.
Students can include topics such as family and friends, favorite foods like turkey or pumpkin pie, memorable traditions, parades, football, or even Black Friday shopping in their Thanksgiving comic.
Make Thanksgiving activities meaningful by letting students express personal memories or wishes, encouraging classroom discussions, and allowing creative formats like stories, comics, or artwork.
Comics allow students to visually depict their Thanksgiving experiences or expectations, using scenes, characters, and dialogue, which helps develop storytelling and creative thinking skills.