Thanksgiving is a special celebration in the United States and Canada, full of values that we can also convey in the classroom: gratitude, generosity, and sharing. Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks for what we have and share a meal with the people we love.
If you are an English teacher looking for creative activities to introduce this tradition to your students, here you will find free resources for preschool, primary, and secondary school students that combine vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing with fun and meaningful activities. From coloring a turkey headband and writing thank-you letters to reading about the history of the holiday, these ideas will help you celebrate Thanksgiving in class while fostering empathy and English language learning.
Thanksgiving Resources for Preschoolers
Thanksgiving Turkey Headband
A fun and easy craft activity where little ones color, cut out, and assemble their own turkey headband to celebrate Thanksgiving in the classroom. Children can unleash their creativity by decorating the feathers with lots of colors while sharing something they are thankful for. A perfect way to work on basic English vocabulary, positive emotions, and fine motor skills while enjoying a creative activity.
Thanksgiving Resources for Primary School
My Job as a Teacher – Gratitude Writing Activity (A2–B1)
A simple and meaningful reading about the life of a teacher, accompanied by comprehension questions and a final writing activity that invites students to express gratitude toward their teachers. Although not directly related to Thanksgiving, this activity addresses one of the most important values of this holiday: gratitude.
This resource is part of Bookroom Bites, the latest addition to the Read & Play primary reading program. A collection of materials that combines paper-based reading with creative and hands-on activities to promote reading comprehension, writing, and a love of reading in English. Want to learn more about Bookroom Bites or Read & Play? Request more information here.
Thanksgiving Resources for Secondary School
Reading + Writing Activity (B2)
A comprehensive reading that reviews the origin and meaning of this holiday, accompanied by multiple-choice questions ideal for working on reading comprehension at the B2 level. The final activity invites students to reflect on the current meaning of Thanksgiving—a time to share a meal with family and friends—and to think about what dish they would bring, thus exploring cultural diversity and personal expression in English. If you are already a Milton teacher, you have access to an expanded digital version of this resource.
If you were curious to learn more about Thanksgiving and how it is celebrated, we hope these activities have given you new ideas for working on it in the classroom. Download them, share them with other teachers, and celebrate an educational Thanksgiving full of gratitude and learning!