Are you looking for some Thanksgiving thematic unit ideas to use in your classroom? Create a thematic unit about Fall across all the curricular areas.
From literature lists to art projects, have your students explore the theme of Thanksgiving. Check this list to explore some wonderful Thanksgiving unit ideas that can be used with this exciting theme.
1. Thanksgiving Themed Literature Lists
A Thanksgiving thematic unit has so many wonderful choices for literature. You could create a literature-based thematic unit based on one of the numerous Thanksgiving themed stories. Here are just a few Thanksgiving books.
Thanksgiving Literature List
- The Thanksgiving Story: Alice Dalgliesh
- Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving: Dave Pilkey
- Turkey Surprise: Peggy Archer
- Arthur’s Thanksgiving: Marc Brown
- A Plump and Perky Turkey: Teresa Bateman
- Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks: Margaret Sutherland
- The First Thanksgiving Day: Laura Krauss Melmed
- The Pilgrim’s First Thanksgiving: Ann McGovern
- Bear Says Thanks: Karma Wilson
- Five Silly Turkeys: Salina Yoon
- 10 Fat Turkeys: Tony Johnston
- Turkey Trouble: Wendi Silvano
2. Thanksgiving Language Arts Centers & Activities
There are numerous language arts centers and activities that can be used with a Thanksgiving thematic unit. From classroom-made books to phonic games students will enjoy the variety of centers and activities while learning about Thanksgiving. Check out this list!
Thanksgiving Themed Language Arts Centers & Activities
- Thanksgiving Writing Word Bank
- “All About Thanksgiving” Classroom Book
- “Thanksgiving Senses” Student Booklet
- Thanksgiving Student Story
- Thanksgiving Graphic Organizers
- Thanksgiving Beginning, Middle & Ending Story Graphic Organizers
- Thanksgiving Sequence Story Retelling Graphic Organizers
- Thanksgiving Beginning Sound Capital & Lowercase Match Games
- Thanksgiving Make a Short Vowel Word Family Game
- Thanksgiving Short Vowel Sounds Roll It! Read It! Words & Sentences
- Thanksgiving Acrostic Poems
- Thanksgiving Build a Word Game
3. Thanksgiving Mathematics Centers and Activities
Let us look at some Thanksgiving mathematics centers and activities that you could use with your students. These activities could be used with lower elementary students, along with special education students depending on their skill level. Try one of these Thanksgiving thematic unit math activities with your students!
Thanksgiving Themed Math Centers & Activities:
- Thanksgiving Counting Student Booklet
- Thanksgiving Ten Frame Roll & Cover Game
- Thanksgiving Number & Number Word Match Game
- Thanksgiving Counting Games
- Thanksgiving Number & Ten Frames Matching Game
- Thanksgiving Roll & Cover Math Games
- Thanksgiving Build 2-Addend Addition & Subtraction Sentences
- Thanksgiving Build 2-Addend Addition & Subtractions Sentences with Ten Frames
- Thanksgiving Build 3-Addend Addition & Subtraction Sentences
- Thanksgiving 5 In a Row Math Game Cards: 2 & 3 Addends
- Thanksgiving Roll & Bump Math Games: 2 & 3 Addends
4. Thanksgiving Science & Social Studies Centers & Activities
Thanksgiving is a great unit to do investigations in science and social studies. There are several Thanksgiving activities that you can do with your students that promote learning in these areas. Here are some suggestions for you!
Thanksgiving Themed Science & Social Studies Centers & Activities
- Thanksgiving Writing Word Bank
- “Thanksgiving Senses” Student Booklet
- “All About Thanksgiving” Classroom Book
- Pumpkin Volcanos
- Making Butter
- Bread in a Bag
- Dancing Corn
- Thanksgiving Facts Booklet
- Mapping Ancestors
- Native American Research
5. Thanksgiving Art & Technology Centers & Activities
Have you ever thought of doing art projects with the Thanksgiving theme? Students will love to create Thanksgiving themed art projects along with using technology to work on learning skills in this theme. Look at these ideas for you!
Thanksgiving Themed Art & Technology Centers & Activities
- Thanksgiving Coffee Filter Turkey
- Indian Corn Art Project
- Hand Print Turkey
- Mayflower Art Project
- Pilgrim Hat Art Project
- Thanksgiving Letter & Sound Match BOOM & Task Cards
- Thanksgiving Counting Google Slides
- Thanksgiving Build a Word BOOM Cards
- Thanksgiving Number & Ten Frame Match BOOM & Task Cards
- Thanksgiving Build a Word Google Slides
In summary, there are many engaging Thanksgiving thematic unit ideas. You and your children can explore the units with books, centers, and activities. Whatever theme you choose, your students will have a wonderful time discovering the literature and activities you choose.
Find some more Thematic Units and ideas in my store, The Teaching Scene by Maureen.
To read more topics about thematic units check out my blog, “Why Use Thematic Units In Your Classroom or Home School?”
