Thanksgiving writing activities

Looking for a few last-minute writing activities to occupy your antsy children? Try some of these!

• List. Make a list of things you’re thankful for.
• Thank-you note. Think of a special person in your life. Write a thank-you letter and tell him or her why you value your relationship.
• Silly story. Pretend you are a turkey who does not want to end up on someone’s Thanksgiving table. Write a plan for how to escape.
• Sensory description. At first glance, a leaf is just a leaf. But when you study it closely, you can discover many small details that make it one-of-a-kind. Choose a colorful autumn leaf and brainstorm a list of phrases or sentences describing its unique features—including colors, shape, size, texture, veins, blemishes, or spots. Older students can then write a paragraph describing their leaf.
• Instruction manual. Write a paragraph explaining a simple process, such as how to make mashed potatoes, homemade cranberry sauce, or pumpkin pie. If possible, have someone take pictures of you during each step of preparing the food so you can decorate the pages with photos.

2008 © Kim Kautzer. All rights reserved.