Are you looking for some Thanksgiving themed children’s books to use in your classroom that includes literacy extension activities? This list may be just what you are looking for!
Thanksgiving is a fun holiday theme for many students. It is filled with some exciting literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these Thanksgiving books already, but hopefully, some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. Explore with your children the theme of Thanksgiving by trying these engaging books and some of the extension activities suggested.
1. 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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 story!
Literacy Extensions:
- “Save the Turkeys” Classroom Book
- Thanksgiving Writing Station
- Turkeys & Feathers Counting Games
- Turkeys Build a Word Game
5. Arthur’s Thanksgiving by Marc Brown
Would you like to celebrate Thanksgiving with Arthur? When Arthur is picked to direct his school’s Thanksgiving play, all his friends beg him for the lead role. But not everyone can be the star! Someone must be the turkey! Can Arthur find the perfect lead, the perfect turkey, and save the day?
Literacy Extensions:
- My Thanksgiving Student Story
- “My Thanksgiving I See” Student Counting & Color Booklet
- Turkey Art Project
- Thanksgiving Roll It & Read It Short Vowel Game Cards
6. Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks by Margaret Sutherland
Thanksgiving is about pilgrims and history and turkey! But most importantly, it’s a holiday all about everything that we are thankful for. This book’s cheerful, colorful illustrations accompany the simple text in this celebration of family, friends, and the holiday that brings them all together.
Literacy Extensions:
- “We Are Thankful” Classroom Book
- “Thanksgiving Senses” Student Booklet
- I Am Thankful for Student Worksheet
- Thanksgiving Build a Word Game
7. The First Thanksgiving by Laura Krauss Melmed
Celebrate the very first Thanksgiving in this wonderful counting story. From I dressed in linen to 10 making baskets, this rowdy verse shows Wampanoag and Pilgrim friends preparing for and sharing a wonderful Thanksgiving feast.
The story is filled with vibrant illustrations of count up the rabbits, squirrels, and other small creatures tucked into each scene. Find the bold turkey on every page and for the very sharp of eye, there are all sorts of surprises hidden in the art!
Literacy Extensions:
- “Thanksgiving Fun” Classroom Book
- Thanksgiving Story Retelling Worksheet
- Thanksgiving Build a Word Google Slides
- Thanksgiving Addition & Subtraction Game
8. The Pilgrim’s First Thanksgiving by Ann McGovern
The Pilgrims’ first Thanksgiving lasted three whole days. McGovern’s simple text introduces children to the struggles of the Pilgrims during their first year at Plymouth Colony and the events leading to the historic occasion we celebrate today, Thanksgiving.
The full color illustrations are what make this Thanksgiving book stand out. With the updated illustrations the story is told from a child’s perspective which gave the details more meaning. A great introduction to the Thanksgiving story.
Literacy Extensions:
- “My Thanksgiving” Classroom Book
- Mayflower & Pilgrims Counting Activity
- Thanksgiving Roll It & Read It Game Cards
- Thanksgiving Sight Word Game
Finally, there are so many wonderful Thanksgiving children’s books you can choose from fiction to nonfiction, 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.”
