Are you looking for some noteworthy November children’s books to use in your classroom that includes literacy extension activities? This list may be just what you are looking for!
The month of November is filled with some exciting literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these noteworthy books already, but hopefully, some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. Whether it is the sport of football or the fun holiday of Thanksgiving enjoy these engaging books and try some of the extension activities suggested.
1. My Football Book by Gail Gibbons
Learn the basics of the game of American football in the month of November. Football is a fun and exciting sport. In this book, learn the basics of the game, from what football players wear to the excitement of scoring a touchdown. Kids will love to learn about this sport!
Literacy Extensions:
- Football Writing Station Words
- “Football Counting” Student Counting & Color Booklet
- Football Acrostic Poem Art Project
- Football Letter & Beginning Sound Match Game
2. Kick, Pass, and Run by Leonard P Kessler
This wonderful story teaches the basics of the game of football. To make it more child friendly, the author has animals trying to figure out the game and wondering what they should use for a ball. Through their adventures, the game of football is explained in the simplest way.
Literacy Extensions:
- “To Play Football” Classroom Book
- “Football Senses” Student Booklet
- Venn Diagram Soccer vs Football Organizer Worksheet
- Football Counting Game
3. Owl Babies by Martin Waddell
A beautifully illustrated story of three baby owls that wake up one night in their hole in the tree to find that their mother has gone, so they sit on the branch and wait, wondering when she will return. At last, she does, and they all bounce up and down with joy, welcoming her home.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “If I Were an Owl”
- “I See Owls” Student Counting Booklet
- Owl Letters & Beginning Sound Match Game
- Owl Paper Plate Art Project
4. Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
This Caldecott medalist author is about how a young girl goes out with her father to see an owl and experiences the magic of the night. Late one winter night a little girl and her father go owling. The trees stand still as statues and the world is silent as a dream. Whoo-whoo-whoo, the father calls to the mysterious nighttime bird. “Owl Moon” is treasured by many children and adults!
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “The Owl”
- “All About Owls” Student Booklet
- Venn Diagram Owls vs Turkeys Organizer Worksheet
- Owls Roll & Cover Math Game
5. Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano
It’s almost Thanksgiving and Turkey needs to avoid ending up on the dinner platter? He has an idea: he disguises himself as a horse, a cow, a pig, and a sheep, but none of them fool even the animals. Finally, he tries being a rooster, but when Farmer Jake can’t find Turkey, his wife says they could always eat rooster. Yikes!
Literacy Extensions:
- “Our Turkey Disguises” Classroom Book
- “Turkeys” Student Counting & Color Booklet
- Turkey Bag Art Project
- Turkey Roll It & Read It Short Vowel Game Cards
6. Turkey Surprise By Peggy Archer
Two pilgrim brothers go around town and look for a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. The little pilgrim brother isn’t sure about plucking, stuffing, and cooking a turkey. As they are searching, a turkey walks along the road and realizes what the pilgrim brothers want to do. Find out the adventures of this fun turkey themed story!
Literacy Extensions:
- “Save the Turkeys” Classroom Book
- Turkey Writing Station
- Turkeys & Feathers Counting Games
- Turkeys Build a Word Game
7. Twas’ the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey
On the night before Thanksgiving, a group of children visit a turkey farm and meet Farmer Mack Nuggett and his coop of turkeys. The children and turkeys giggle and gobble, and everything is gravy. As the trip comes to an end, the children leave the farm with full hear, bulging bellies, and a reminder that people and poultry have much to be thankful for!
Literacy Extensions:
- “We Are Thankful” Classroom Book
- “My Thanksgiving I See Book” Student Counting Booklet
- Turkey Art Project
- Thanksgiving Addition & Subtraction Game
8. The Thanksgiving Story by Alice Dalgliesh
In this festive Caldecott Honor winning picture book the author brings to life the origin of the Thanksgiving holiday for readers of all ages. The Hopkins family are passengers aboard the crowded Mayflower to start a new life. However, when they arrive, there are even worse challenges to face for the Pilgrims. With the help of the Native Americans though, they might just be able to survive their first year in this strange land.
Literacy Extensions:
- “All About Thanksgiving” Classroom Book
- “Thanksgiving Senses” Student Booklet
- “My Thanksgiving” Student Story
- Thanksgiving Sight Word Game
Grab your Free, Thanksgiving Counting Student Booklet Here!
Finally, there are so many noteworthy November children’s books you can choose from. From the themes of football to the holiday of Thanksgiving the list of books is endless. Remember to pick the books that best fit the needs of your students or children and support your learning activities. Happy Reading!
Find some more literacy and extension activities in my store, The Teaching Scene by Maureen.
To read more blog topics check out my blog, “A Guide to Using Literature-Based Units of Study.”
