thanksgiving essay ideas

80 Thanksgiving Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best thanksgiving topic ideas & essay examples, 🎓 good research topics about thanksgiving, ⭐ simple & easy thanksgiving essay titles, ❓ thanksgiving research questions.

Thanksgiving History and Significance This holiday is celebrated with a lot of merrymaking and communal Thanksgiving as it is the day celebrated with an aim of showing gratitude for all the great things that life has given to a […]
Thanksgiving in Canada vs. Uraza Bayram in the UAE The main tradition of Thanksgiving is to spend this day in the circle of family and close friends, to be with those to whom people are grateful for every minute of communication. We will write a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts 808 writers online Learn More
“No Room for Scrooges This Thanksgiving” by Ellen Goodman As a journalist and a columnist, the author employs a style that appears to be a paradox to bring out the characteristics of the American nation.
A Tradition of the Thanksgiving Day I liked the dinner not only because it was a very delicious, but also of the atmosphere which was during the preparation of the evening.
Thanksgiving Dinner Preparations The plates have to be placed at the center of the table in front of the guest and the knives and spoons on the right side of the guest.
Thanksgiving Day Celebration in My Surroundings According to him that in the 1620s, there were about a hundred people who started to question the existing beliefs in the Church of England.
Thanksgiving Day in the United States The purpose of current essay is to provide the analysis of Thanksgiving Day’s historical cultural patterns of celebration in the past and now.
Family Culture in Wing’s “The Night Before Thanksgiving” The book is a great representation of my own family system and culture because it shows that small things involved in preparation for a holiday enable family members to get closer to one another.
Thanksgiving Day and Its History Myth This event is treated as the first Thanksgiving dinner, which started a tradition that is a couple of centuries old. In addition, there are doubts that the festival could be organized in November since the […]
The History of Thanksgiving in the United States The author evaluates the evolution of Thanksgiving in the US. The focus was on the adoption of Thanksgiving among the middle-class and poor families during the 19th century.
Thanksgiving Dinner: Colorful and Joyfully Event During the course of my study in America, I got to meet and mingle with different people who from each I was able to at least gain something.
History of Thanksgiving: The Legendary Indians and Pilgrim Myth It is fictional to believe that the Pilgrims held the first thanksgiving ceremony. Many people believe that thanksgiving is a ceremony that is related to the family.
Thanksgiving’s Day History: From Showing Gratefulness to God to National Holiday It hence makes much sense to conclude this essay by attesting to the fact that for a fulfilling commemoration of the thanksgiving event, the satisfaction of almost all the human senses is deemed necessary.
Thanksgiving vs. Christmas There are a variety of ways to understand the importance of these two but the best way perhaps is to see it from the eyes of a child.
Thanksgiving and It’s Celebrating
Pilgrims First Thanksgiving: History and Traditions
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: An Annual Parade in New York City
The First Thanksgiving and President George Washington
How Thanksgiving Started: Celebrating the Harvest and Other Blessings of the Past Year
Celebrate Thanksgiving: Tradition, Origins, and Meaning
The Plymouth Thanksgiving Story
Eventful October: With the Beauty of Fall Upon Us and the Season of Holidays With Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Now vs. Thanksgiving Then
Holidays: Family and Thanksgiving
Christmas Shopping the Day After Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Decorations: Show Your Fall Spirit
Behind the Holiday: Rethinking of Thanksgiving
The First Thanksgiving: A Day of Public Thanksgiving and Prayer
How Can Make Your Thanksgiving More Spiritual for You and Your Family
The Day After Thanksgiving: “Black Friday” – The Start of the Christmas and Holiday Shopping Season
Thanksgiving and Its Meaning Throughout the Years
Native Americans and Thanksgiving: A Day of Mourning
Traditions for Thanksgiving and Hanukkah
The Patriotic Feelings During the Days of Thanksgiving
What Does Thanksgiving Mean to Me
Thanksgiving Feast and Dinner: Family Food Taste
Preparations for the Thanksgiving Holiday: Dinner and Party
Thanksgiving: What Were the Pilgrims Thankful For?
Cultural Values and Norms of Americans: Thanksgiving
The Thanksgiving Holiday: Meal and Traditions
What Really Happened During the First Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving: Crime and Theory
Truth About the First Thanksgiving
Exploring the American Culture: A Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving With the Family
The Days Before and After Thanksgiving Day
Community-Wide Thanksgiving Celebration
The True, Dark History Behind Thanksgiving
Deconstructing Discrimination Through Experience at a Thanksgiving Dinner for Refugees
The Underappreciated Holiday: Thanksgiving
Cooking From the Heart on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day: Unique Traditions to Start With Family
Family Relationship: What Annoying Question Is Your Family Going to Ask You on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day: History and Traditions
Why Should You Plan an Adults-Only Thanksgiving Party?
Do People Celebrate Thanksgiving Differently Around the World?
What Is the Most Popular Thanksgiving Dessert?
How to Prepare the House for Guests on Thanksgiving Day?
What Is the Dark History of Thanksgiving?
Should Thanksgiving Be Decorated for Fall or Christmas?
Why Do We Eat Turkey at Thanksgiving?
How Do Native Americans Feel About Thanksgiving?
What Are the Reasons Why the World Loves the Holiday of Thanksgiving?
Do Thanksgiving Decorations Reflect the Spirit of Fall?
Why Should You Plan a Kids-Only Thanksgiving Party?
Is Christmas or Thanksgiving Bigger in America?
What Happened on the First Thanksgiving?
Has Thanksgiving Lost Its Meaning Throughout the Years?
What Are the Traditional Thanksgiving Dishes?
Are There Similarities Between Thanksgiving and Christmas?
Why Do People Give Thanks on Thanksgiving?
Is Thanksgiving a Religious Holiday?
What Was the Original Meaning of Thanksgiving?
Do Thanksgiving Screensavers Foster Feelings of Gratitude?
What Is the Truth Behind the Tradition of Thanksgiving?
Is America the Only Country That Celebrates Thanksgiving in November?
Why Is Thanksgiving Different in Canada and the US?
How Does Thanksgiving Make People Feel?
What Are the Cultural Values and Norms of Americans Regarding Thanksgiving?
In Which Countries Do They Celebrate Thanksgiving?
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Student Opinion

10 Prompts for Talking and Writing About Thanksgiving

What are your Turkey Day traditions? What are you grateful for this year? What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory? And more.

By Natalie Proulx

Every school day, we post a writing prompt based on a New York Times article for teenagers to respond to. And every November, we ask about Thanksgiving.

This year, we’ve decided to round up some of these Thanksgiving-related prompts in one post. Below, you’ll find 10 questions that can be jumping-off points for writing or discussion in the classroom, or conversation starters for the dinner table, such as: What are your Turkey Day traditions? What are your favorite side dishes? Do you participate in Black Friday shopping? And do we need to rethink this holiday?

Each prompt we include has links to a related Times article, essay, photo or graphic, and many of these prompts are still open for comment for students who are 13 or older.

Have a happy Thanksgiving!

1. What are your Turkey Day traditions?

Every family celebrates Thanksgiving differently. What are your holiday traditions?

Look at these photos and videos to see what 15 families from all different backgrounds across the country cook on this day that speaks to their heritage. Then discuss the questions from our related Picture Prompt : How do you and your family or community celebrate Thanksgiving? What does the food you serve or the things you do that day say about where you are from?

Or, read about how the Turkey Trot became a Thanksgiving tradition and then use these questions as a guide to talk about the activities you do on Thanksgiving and in the days that follow.

2. What has been your most memorable Thanksgiving?

In 2017, we asked teenagers to tell us about some of their favorite Thanksgiving memories . Here is what Kate from Wilmington, N.C., wrote:

The Silver household celebrates Thanksgiving a little differently than the typical family. We spend our holiday roasting ducks instead of turkey, and steaming dumplings rather than sweet potatoes. I’ll never forget the first time my family decided to try something a little different for dinner. My dad had no idea what he was doing and couldn’t figure out how to separate the skin of the duck from the meat. My mom then had the crazy idea to use a bike pump to solve our problem. Since everyone else in my family was disgusted by the idea of pumping a dead duck full of air, I ended up having to do it. That was definitely one of the weirdest half-hours of my life. Despite it being an unpleasant chore, my family has continued to use a bike pump every year since. Although my friends may give me odd looks when I tell them we aren’t serving the usual “Turkey dinner,” I’m glad we have our own traditions. It’s what makes my Thanksgiving holidays so memorable.

Students, share a “snapshot” of your most memorable Thanksgiving. What makes that day stand out in your mind?

3. What are your favorite side dishes?

What do people eat on Thanksgiving in your state? Take a look at the map above, which shows the most “distinct” Thanksgiving side dish by state as determined by the number of Google searches during the week of Thanksgiving from 2004 to 2013, relative to the number of searches in other states. Have you ever tried any of these foods?

You can use the questions from our What’s Going On in This Graph? feature as a jumping-off point for talking or writing about your favorite Thanksgiving Day side dishes:

What do you notice?

What do you wonder?

What impact does this have on you and your community?

What’s going on in this map? Write a catchy headline that captures the map’s main idea.

4. Who and what are you grateful for this year?

Thanksgiving, for many people, is a time to share what they are grateful for this year. Join hundreds of other teenagers in telling us what you are thankful for by responding to our Picture Prompt “ Gratitude ” from 2021.

Or, answer to the more recent question “ Who Is Someone You Would Like to Thank? ” It might even inspire you to send a handwritten thank-you note to a person you appreciate.

5. What does this holiday mean to you?

In this special Thanksgiving Student Opinion question from 2019, we selected four articles from around The Times, each of which takes on a different perspective about Thanksgiving — one on connecting with others, another on eating, a third on celebrating the holiday as a refugee and a fourth on challenging the myths around the first Thanksgiving.

Read excerpts from each of them and then share your response to the question — What does Thanksgiving mean to you ? — here .

6. Do we need to rethink Thanksgiving?

In 2020, amid the coronavirus pandemic, a racial reckoning and a series of climate disasters, we asked teenagers, How should we honor Thanksgiving this year? How can we hold the complicated history and commodification of this holiday alongside celebrating with family and friends?

We think those questions are still relevant today. In “ How to Do Thanksgiving With Less Waste ,” Priya Krishna writes that these issues can feel daunting to tackle but that “food — and the Thanksgiving meal — is a great place to start.”

Students, read the article and then discuss the questions in our related Student Opinion prompt, “ Should We Rethink Thanksgiving? ”

7. What will you talk about at Thanksgiving dinner?

Do you look forward to gathering with family members and friends around the Thanksgiving dinner table? Or does the thought fill you with dread?

If the latter, try brainstorming some things to talk about ahead of time. These two prompts can help:

In “ What Will You Talk About on Thanksgiving? ” read about ways you can share gratitude “without rolling your eyes” and some suggestions from the NPR interviewer Terry Gross for having better conversations . Then, use our prompts to come up with some things you can say to start good discussions on Thanksgiving Day.

And in a time of political polarization, not to mention a recent election, it might help to have a game plan for talking with people who have views different from yours. Even though our prompt “ Will Your Family Members Disagree With Each Other About Politics This Thanksgiving? ” was written after the 2016 election, we think the questions are still relevant in 2022.

8. What Thanksgiving story could this image tell?

Now for something a little different: Use your imagination to write the opening of a Thanksgiving-themed short story, poem or memoir inspired by this illustration. You can read other students’ writing here .

You and your family or classmates can also use this image for an Exquisite Corpse-type story . One person starts by writing or saying aloud the first line of a story based on the image, and then another person adds on and so on.

9. Do you participate in Black Friday?

Look at the photograph above. What emotions do you feel as you look at the faces in that crowd?

Have you ever been in a crowd waiting for a store to open after Thanksgiving? If so, what was it like? Would you do it again?

If you want to debate the merits and discuss the mayhem of Black Friday shopping, you can find questions here and here to get you started.

10. What, if anything, is hard about the holidays for you?

Finally, we know that Thanksgiving isn’t easy for everyone.

“Family drama around the holidays is such a cliché that I can probably name a dozen movies off the top of my head that start with the premise of a moderately dysfunctional clan getting together for Thanksgiving or Christmas,” begins a recent Parenting newsletter.

Though the writer is addressing adults, holidays can be stressful for teenagers, too. What, if anything, has you worried about the coming Thanksgiving holiday, or any other seasonal family or community gathering? How will you cope? What tips can you offer others for making family celebrations go smoothly?

Weigh in on our recent Picture Prompt “ Holiday Stress .”

Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public.

Find more Student Opinion questions here. Teachers, check out this guide to learn how you can incorporate these prompts into your classroom.

Natalie Proulx joined The Learning Network as a staff editor in 2017 after working as an English language arts teacher and curriculum writer. More about Natalie Proulx

Thanksgiving Writing Prompts: 20 Creative Prompts to Practice Gratitude

by Abigail Perry | 0 comments

It's Thanksgiving week! During this holiday, are you hoping to find some extra practice time for writing? Or maybe you're looking for some great Thanksgiving writing prompts that can help you express your gratitude?

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of the year for you to take a breath and slow down. You have a lot to do, I'm sure! However, sometimes taking a few minutes—even just fifteen minutes—in your day to show your gratitude can rejuvenate your holiday spirit.

In this article, you can have some quick and quiet writing time to reflect on what you're thankful for—by using one fo these twenty creative writing prompts and exercises.

Writing is Something to Be Grateful For

I have long admired writers and the stories they gift to the world. While writing can be hard and tedious work, it also offers endless ways to creatively express ourselves. In many cases, writing has therapeutic value. (It's not just for elementary students—although a fun writing prompt like the ones in this article do practice essential writing skills for elementary-aged students or homeschool students!)

For instance, taking the time to write can slow a person's mind down. When this happens, they are more likely to consider what is important to them, especially when they take the time to reflect on what is special in their life.

That's why, for today, I would like to invite you to try out one of the following writing prompts. Although there are undeniable hardships in the world, it's important to also remember the good things.

Use a daily writing prompt like the ones in this article to help express your gratitude . Perhaps they'll even put you into the spirit of giving!

20 Thanksgiving Writing Prompts to Spark Your Gratitude

Short story thanksgiving writing prompts.

If you're hoping to write a short story over the holiday break, these five prompt ideas are a wonderful place to start. Short story writer and author Sarah Gribble recommends writing a short story in one sitting. Take one of these ideas and set your clock, then run with your own narrative!

Every year on Thanksgiving morning, Sandy Johnson's family visits her grandmother's grave. This year, there's a myserteous letter from an anonymous sender waiting for them.
Tim has trained for years to dance with his team in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. Minutes before the parade begins, something terrible happens to Tim that could crush his dream forever.
Two best friends separated by life's unexpected events have made a vow to meet up once every year on Thanksgiving. They've done this faithfully for twenty years, which makes it all the more concerning when one of them doesn't show up as promised.
Kelly Johnson finally did it. He's invented a time machine that will allow him to go back in time to this exact date on Thanksgiving. The only question is, where will he go and what year will he choose? Each decision is paramount if Kelly wants to win back the love of his life.
Puppy's best friend is a pet Turkey. They do everything together on the farm, from chasing sheep to trudging through the forest. One day, Puppy overhears the farmer talking about eating Turkey for Thanksgiving supper. With only a week left, Puppy will stop at nothing to change the farmer's mind.

Poem Thanksgiving Writing Prompts

You don't need to write a short story or novel to practice writing. Try one of these five Thanksgiving writing prompts to inspire a poem.

Write a haiku about your favorite Thanksgiving tradition.
Write an acrostic poem with one of these words: THANKFUL, GRATEFUL, FAMLY, TRADITION, FEAST.
Write a poem about the ten steps to a happy Thanksgiving day.
Write a sonnet to your favorite Thanksgiving food or favorite fall desserts.
Write a limerick for a small child about the meaning of Thanksgiving.

Journal Thanksgiving Writing Prompts

Journaling is an incredible way to reflect on what we are thankful for—and boost out happiness in the process. Try journaling about one of these five Thanksgiving writing prompts to elevate your mood.

Describe how five people helped you get you through some rough patches this year.
Journal about five things that you appreciate each day, each one triggering a different sense: sight, smell, touch, sound, taste.
Write about the one thing that you are most grateful for today.
Journal about something that you really enjoyed doing during your spare time in the month of November.
Write about something new you learned to do this year—and liked. Describe how this made you feel.

Card Thanksgiving Writing Prompts

There's no better time of the year to take some time to write cards to those we are thankful for! Grab a blank card, piece of white paper, or thank you card to write a special note . You might be surprised, but sometimes a thoughtful note is an unexpected and perfect gift.

Write a thank you card to a teacher about something that made you feel encouraged this year.
Write a special note to a child about how they make your life special.
Write a card to a parent or grandparent about what they mean to you in your life.
Write a note to a sibling about how you enjoy THIS about them.
Write a card to a friend, thanking them for doing THIS.

Take Time to Write, and Be Thankful

Thanksgiving is a busy time of year, but even taking a few minutes in your day to write can make a difference for your mental health—or in the life of someone you love, and to whom you wrote a special note.

Whether you write stories or poems, or prefer journaling or writing a quick card, touching people with our words is a great way to express ourselves creatively. It also is a wonderful way to build relationships and put joy and love back into the world.

I hope you take a few minutes to try out one of these writing prompts! And Happy Thanksgiving!

What are you most thankful for this year? Let us know in the comments .

Happy Thanksgiving! For today's writing practice, pick one of the twenty writing prompts from the article. Start by choosing the type of writing you want to explore, and then pull your favorite prompt from the list.

Spend fifteen minutes to work on this. When you're done, we'd love to see what you picked and why! Share your practice in the Pro Practice Workshop , and leave feedback for a few other writers.

Not a member? Join us .

Abigail Perry

Abigail Perry is a Certified Story Grid Editor with professional teaching, literary agency, and film production experience. In addition to writing Story Grid masterwork guides, she works as a freelance editor and is the Content Editor for The Write Practice. Abigail loves stories that put women and diverse groups at the center of the story—and others that include superpowers and magic. Her favorite genres include: Smart Book Club Fiction, Women's Fiction, YA Fantasy, Historical Fiction, and unique memoirs. She also has a B.S. in TV, Radio, and Film and loves working on screenplays that are emotionally driven and/or full of action. You can learn more about Abigail on her website.

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Writing A Thanksgiving Essay: Pro Tips And Tricks

It doesn’t matter whether you are a college or high school student, escaping a thanksgiving essay paper is like a camel trying to make its way past a needle’s eye. It is because, in every stage of life, there is a milestone you achieve, which requires you to give thanks. That is why you need pro thanksgiving essay ideas to spice up your paper.

What is an Essay on Thanksgiving?

It is a paper that expresses a sense of gratitude that people feel for all the good things in life.

Thanksgiving happens in a variety of forms such as:

Gifting people
Feasting with family

Therefore, an essay about Thanksgiving Day will seek to show what led to those events and how they unfolded. Below are ideas for your Thanksgiving Day essay:

Five Paragraph Essay About Thanksgiving

Such a paper will have an appealing introduction, three body paragraphs, and a summative conclusion. Use these prompts for your body paragraphs:

Showing gratitude for having a country where you can confidently reside
Giving thanks for prolonged periods of peace and political tranquility
Appreciating the gift of a home and having a shelter over your roof
Saying thank you for the friends and relatives you have
Show your appreciation for being able to attend school and complete successfully

Thanksgiving History Writing Ideas

Here, it would help if you traced the roots of Thanksgiving Day in America with the following pointers in mind:

American colonies that initiated the Thanksgiving day
The role of the Pilgrims settling in the state of Massachusetts
How agriculture contributed to this day
The friendship between the Iroquois Indians and the pilgrims
Why did George Washington suggest November 26th as the day of Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving Essay – What Are You Thankful For?

There are a plethora of reasons to be thankful for every day. For instance, you can appreciate the following:

The gift of life every morning
Having parents who care for you
Being taken to college
Being spared from the devastating effects of COVID-19
Having a sense of belonging to a family
Ability to walk, talk, see, hear, smell or taste
Being healed from a dreadful disease
Having a crime-free neighborhood
Having completed your exams successfully
Having a laptop where you can study online

Top Writing Prompts for a Thanksgiving Dinner Essay

For a dinner party where you will give a thanksgiving speech, here are possible ideas:

Honoring your relative (grandpa, aunt, cousin)
Celebrating a graduation ceremony
Felicitations for a marriage proposal
Giving thanks for a family reunion

Mary Moran Thanksgiving Essay

It is an essay touching on how Mary Moran, a Rhode Island schoolgirl, won a state Thanksgiving essay contest. It was in 1973, where she wrote a piece about the absurdity of Thanksgiving. Use these ideas for your inspiration:

How dissatisfaction is the cause of unhappiness
How faith can provide one with comfort and strength
Why people are not thankful because they are not happy

What Thanksgiving Means to Me Essay Prompts

There are different meanings of Thanksgiving, depending on the context. Here are some of the implications:

A natural impulse to the kindness received
Reflecting on the deeds done to me and how I responded to them
A time of feasting and celebrating
A time of coming together

Now, let’s explore a thanksgiving narrative essay for your inspiration:

Being in a family is one of the most incredible things that ever happened to me. The gift of a mother, father, and two siblings thrills my heart at its thought. Not that it is a perfect family but that even in the imperfections, I give thanks for them. My mother is my most significant pillar. She is one person I can confidently lean on and trust despite any circumstance. I remember a time when I messed up in school, and I went back home. She lovingly spoke to me and took me back to school. There are many instances when she has supported me and held my hand in every step of the way. Having a father is a privilege that many yearn for every day. Whenever I head home from school, I know of someone who will scold me and buy me a present. He is always concerned about my performance in school, wanting to bring the best out of me. He indeed is a rock that firmly holds me from swaying here and there. And then there are these two loves, my little brother and sister. Stubborn and annoying as they may be, these two have been my best friends. In them, I have found real friends, confidants, and support systems. I can freely talk with them and feel renewed. All my sorrows melt away, and I am brave again to fight my battles. Indeed, blood is thicker than water. Belonging to a family is one of the greatest blessings I consider myself to have. I feel secure, healthy, supported, and, most of all, genuinely loved with them. They are like that guardian angel, always by your side.

Thanksgiving Essay – Easier Than It Seems

Writing a Thanksgiving essay is not that big of a deal, after all. The secret is to identify the specific aspect you are thankful for and build on it. If you are short of a specific one, do not worry, you can right on just about anything – even the air.

Nonetheless, if you need a professional paper, seek our world-class custom writing help at cheap rates today. We will avail you with all you need for an A+. Try us.

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Discussing The Need To Celebrate Thanksgiving Day With The Family

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BEST THANKSGIVING WRITING PROMPTS

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Heavenly bodies, black friday is the one day of the year where the devil makes selling your soul a good thing, although there are some bizarre t’s & c’s., write a story about somebody trying to rationalize giving into temptation, even though they know they shouldn’t., your character finally gives into a temptation they've been avoiding, and becomes better because of it., at some point in your story, a character says “you’re better than this…”., your family’s holiday dinners always end with everyone at each other’s throats. this year you’re determined to keep a low profile, but your patience is being put to the test..

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Start your story with someone saying, sarcastically, "What have I got to be thankful for?"

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Write about a character who is back home for the holidays, and finds that nothing has changed.

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The best Thanksgiving writing prompts

Ah, Thanksgiving. The holiday of (burnt) turkeys, (dysfunctional) families, (awkward) dinners, (controversial) pilgrims, and (questionable) history. Of course, that's not all there is to Thanksgiving — there's also a lot of gratitude, traditions, emotional comings-together, and, of course, pie.

And if you think that all of this would make the perfect storm for a story, you're right! We've even got all the Thanksgiving writing prompts you need to get started. Whether you're a teacher guiding kids through fun writing activities or a writer looking to practice some writing just in time for Thanksgiving, here's to giving thanks to all of the stories that get us through life.

If you're looking to cut to the chase, here are our top ten Thanksgiving writing prompts:

"What are YOU doing here for Thanksgiving?"
Write about a Thanksgiving meal from the perspective of someone who is not grateful.
Your character's father stands up to give a speech at Thanksgiving. What he says next surprises everyone.
It's Thanksgiving, and somebody's forgotten the turkey.
Write about someone whose turkey recipe is to die for — literally.
Your character has a plan. They're going to save the turkeys. All of them.
Write a story about a family dinner from the perspective of an in-law who's married into the family.
Write a story about a family dinner that includes someone unexpectedly showing up.

If you’re interested in branching out beyond Thanksgiving and becoming an author of all seasons, check out our free resources on the topic:

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Holidays — Thanksgiving

Essays on Thanksgiving

Hook examples for thanksgiving essays, anecdotal hook.

"The scent of roasted turkey filled the air as family and friends gathered around the table, ready to give thanks. It's moments like these that make Thanksgiving a cherished tradition."

Rhetorical Question Hook

"What does it mean to truly give thanks? As we sit down to our Thanksgiving feast, it's worth pondering the deeper meaning behind this beloved holiday."

Startling Statistic Hook

"Did you know that Americans consume an estimated 46 million turkeys on Thanksgiving Day? Beyond the numbers, this holiday reflects our values, traditions, and history."

"Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings." —William Arthur Ward. This quote encapsulates the essence of Thanksgiving."

Historical Hook

"In 1621, the Pilgrims and Native Americans gathered for a harvest feast that would become the first Thanksgiving. Exploring this historical event reveals the origins of a cherished tradition."

Narrative Hook

"Imagine being a Pilgrim aboard the Mayflower, braving the unknown to seek religious freedom. Their story and the first Thanksgiving are woven into the fabric of American history."

Contrast Hook

"In today's fast-paced world, Thanksgiving provides a stark contrast—a day when we pause, express gratitude, and spend quality time with loved ones. This contrast is a valuable reminder of what truly matters."

Emotional Appeal Hook

"Thanksgiving is a time for heartfelt expressions of gratitude. Letters, poems, and even tears shed around the table reveal the deep emotional connections we share."

Shocking Scenario Hook

"Imagine a Thanksgiving without food or a place to call home. For many, this is a reality. Exploring the importance of charity and giving back on this holiday is both eye-opening and inspiring."

Curiosity Hook

"Have you ever wondered why we eat turkey on Thanksgiving or why we watch parades and football games? Unpacking the traditions and customs of this holiday is a fascinating journey."

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40 Unique Thanksgiving Creative Writing Prompts for Kids of All Ages

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As Thanksgiving approaches, homeschooling becomes an opportunity for more than just education – it’s a canvas for creativity!

In this post, I’m going to help you unlock the magic of Thanksgiving through the art of creative writing in your homeschool. If you’re looking to add some imagination and inspiration to your homeschool lesson plans this month, I’ve crafted a great list of Thanksgiving creative writing prompts and projects your students of ALL ages will love.

Thanksgiving creative writing prompts for kids

At the heart of homeschooling lies the flexibility to explore a wide range of teaching methods, and creative writing is a powerful tool that can ignite young minds (even helping reluctant writers!), foster critical thinking, and nurture self-expression. Whether you have preschoolers or high schoolers, there are writing prompt ideas here for everyone.

Why Creative Writing on Thanksgiving?

You know that Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday filled with favorite food and family gatherings; and it’s a great time of year to weave creative writing into your homeschool lessons!

Why you might ask?

Creative Writing Fosters Self-Expression and Communication Skills

When kids have the opportunity to write creatively, they are empowered to share their thoughts, emotions, and experiences through words. They can be encouraged to find their own unique voice, and communicate effectively!

As homeschool moms, we have the opportunity to create a nurturing environment where our kids can freely express themselves, and holidays like Thanksgiving can be a fun time to do this (when we sometimes stray a bit from our “typical” homeschooling routine).

Creative Writing Encourages Critical Thinking

There are many Thanksgiving creative writing prompts you can use that can encourage critical thinking in your kids: about the world around them, the history and significance of the holiday, cultural aspects of celebrations, or analyzing their own beliefs and experiences

This not only enhances their critical thinking skills but also broadens their understanding of the world.

Creative Writing Can Help Cultivate Gratitude

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, and creative writing provides a great platform for children to reflect on the things they are thankful for.

You can use writing prompts to encourage your children to express their appreciation for family, friends, food, and the simple joys of life. In the process, they will develop a deeper sense of gratitude, a valuable life skill that extends far beyond the holiday season!

Creative Writing Enhances…Creativity!

Creative writing unleashes children’s imaginations! They can create stories, poems, and essays that reflect their unique perspectives on Thanksgiving.

This creativity not only makes learning more enjoyable but also reinforces the idea that there’s no one “right” way to approach a topic. It encourages out-of-the-box thinking and opens the door to imaginative storytelling.

…RELATED POST… A Great Way to Get Your Kids Writing: Night Zookeeper Review

Creative writing personalizes learning.

Homeschooling allows for personalized education (that’s why we love it so much, right?). Creative writing can be tailored to each child’s skill level and interests.

You can provide age-appropriate prompts and challenges for each of your kids, ensuring that they’re continually challenged and engaged. It’s a flexible tool that can be adapted to suit your child’s learning needs.

Age-Appropriate Creative Writing Prompts for Thanksgiving

So what do writing prompts look like at different ages and stages? How could you adapt and use them for all learners in your homeschool?

Let’s take a look at how to adjust the complexity and expectations of creative writing prompts to cater to your homeschooling needs.

For Younger Kids (Preschool and Elementary School):

Simple and Concrete Prompts: Younger children may benefit from straightforward, concrete prompts that are easy to understand. For example, “Write a short thank you note to someone you love.”
Visual Prompts: Incorporating images or drawings alongside the prompts can help younger kids who are still developing their writing skills. They can describe what they see in the picture or write a story based on it.
Short Sentences: Prompts should be concise and use simple language, ensuring that younger children can grasp the concept quickly.
Prompt with Leading Questions: Use leading questions to guide their thinking. For instance, “What is your favorite thing about Thanksgiving, and why?”
Use of Familiar Themes: Leverage familiar themes, such as family, pets, favorite toys, or holiday-related topics like “What’s your favorite Thanksgiving food?” These themes resonate with younger children and make writing more relatable.
Encourage Drawing and Labeling: Allow younger kids to combine drawing with their writing. They can draw a picture and label it or write a short sentence or phrase to describe it.

For Older Kids (Middle School and High School):

Abstract and Thought-Provoking Prompts: Older kids can handle more abstract and thought-provoking prompts that require deeper reflection. For example, “Describe a time when you had to show gratitude even when it was difficult.”
Extended Prompts: Provide more detailed prompts that require a longer response, such as, “Write a short story about a Thanksgiving adventure.”
Prompts with Multiple Parts: Create prompts with multiple parts or questions to encourage critical thinking and comprehensive responses. For instance, “Explain the history of Thanksgiving and how it has evolved over the years.”
Incorporate Literary Techniques: Challenge older kids to incorporate literary techniques like metaphors, similes, or alliteration in their writing. For example, “Write a poem that expresses your feelings of gratitude, using metaphors to describe what you’re thankful for.”
Promote Personal Reflection: Encourage older kids to reflect on their experiences and emotions. Prompts may revolve around introspective questions like, “What does gratitude mean to you, and how has it shaped your life?”
Research-Based Prompts: Introduce prompts that involve research, analysis, and argumentation. For example, “Research the history of Thanksgiving and write an essay explaining the significance of the holiday.”
Narrative or Persuasive Writing: For high school students, you can offer prompts that involve narrative storytelling or persuasive writing. They can write a short story about a unique Thanksgiving experience or argue a specific point of view related to the holiday.

Tailoring your creative writing prompts to the age and developmental stage of your kids ensures that they provide the right level of challenge and support for their writing abilities.

Fun Thanksgiving Writing Prompts

Here’s a list of 40 total Thanksgiving creative writing prompts, 10 for each grade/age level.

If you’d like to grab this list in printable form (along with some Thanksgiving theme writing pages!), you can do so here .

Preschool and Kindergarten

These prompts are designed to be simple and engaging for preschool and kindergarten-age kiddos, fostering creativity and gratitude while developing essential writing skills!

Draw and Describe Your Favorite Thanksgiving Food: Have your child draw a picture of their favorite Thanksgiving dish, and then help them describe it using simple words. For example, “I like turkey. It’s yummy!”
Write a Thank You Note: Help your child write a thank you note to someone they are grateful for. For example, “Thank you, Mom, for the delicious pie!”
Create a List of Things You’re Thankful For: Encourage your child to make a list of things they are thankful for, such as family, friends, toys, or pets.
Draw Your Dream Thanksgiving Meal: Ask your child to draw what their dream Thanksgiving meal would look like, and then have them describe it to you.
Tell a Story About a Thanksgiving Adventure: Prompt your child to tell a simple story about a Thanksgiving adventure, like going on a turkey hunt or having a special meal with a talking turkey.
Draw a Thanksgiving Picture and Write a Sentence: Have your child draw a Thanksgiving-themed picture and then write a simple sentence about it. For example, “I see a pumpkin.”
Write a Sentence About What You Wear on Thanksgiving: Ask your child to describe what they wear on Thanksgiving. For example, “I wear a fancy dress.”
Draw and Describe a Thanksgiving Tradition: Encourage your child to draw a picture of a Thanksgiving tradition your family has, like watching the parade or playing football, and then describe it.
Write a Thank You Note to Nature: Help your child write a thank you note to nature for the beautiful fall leaves, and ask them to describe their favorite leaf.
Create a Simple Thanksgiving Poem: Work with your child to create a short, rhyming Thanksgiving poem. For example, “Turkeys on the run, Thanksgiving has begun. Pumpkin pie so sweet, it’s a special treat.”

Elementary Students

Here are ten creative writing prompts suitable for elementary kids. These prompts are designed to inspire elementary-age children to express themselves creatively and reflect on the meaning of Thanksgiving.

They can be adapted to different grade levels, allowing for varying levels of complexity in the responses.

Describe Your Perfect Thanksgiving Day: Have your child write a detailed description of what their perfect Thanksgiving day would look like. Encourage them to use vivid language and sensory details.
Write a Thanksgiving Letter: Ask your child to write a letter to someone they are thankful for, expressing their gratitude and sharing what they appreciate about that person.
Create a Thanksgiving Acrostic Poem: Have your child write an acrostic poem using the word “THANKSGIVING,” with each letter representing something they are grateful for.
Tell a Thanksgiving Tale: Encourage your child to write a short story about a Thanksgiving adventure, whether it’s a journey back in time to the first Thanksgiving or a fictional tale about a turkey’s adventure.
Design a Thanksgiving Menu: Have your child design their own Thanksgiving menu, including appetizers, main dishes, sides, and desserts. They can describe each dish and explain why they chose it.
Write a Dialogue Between a Turkey and a Pilgrim: Challenge your child to write a dialogue between a Thanksgiving turkey and a Pilgrim. What would they say to each other?
Describe Your Thanksgiving Traditions: Ask your child to write about the family traditions they follow on Thanksgiving and why they are important.
If I Were a Thanksgiving Turkey: Have your child imagine they are a Thanksgiving turkey. Ask them to write from the turkey’s perspective, describing their thoughts and feelings.
Thanksgiving Interview: Encourage your child to “interview” a family member about their favorite Thanksgiving memories and traditions. Write the interview in a question-and-answer format.
Create a Thanksgiving Poem or Song: Challenge your child to write a poem or song about Thanksgiving. They can choose the theme, whether it’s gratitude, family, or the Thanksgiving feast.

Middle School Students

Here are ten creative writing prompts suitable for middle schoolers:

Write a Thanksgiving Journal Entry: Have your kids imagine they are a Pilgrim or Native American at the first Thanksgiving. Write a journal entry from their perspective, describing the experience and their thoughts.
The Great Thanksgiving Escape: Encourage your kids to write a short story about a Thanksgiving turkey’s daring escape from the dinner table. What adventures does the turkey encounter?
A Thanksgiving Mystery: Challenge your kids to write a mystery story set on Thanksgiving. There’s a missing item or a mysterious event, and they need to solve the case.
Thanksgiving Around the World: Ask your kids to research and write about how Thanksgiving or similar gratitude-themed holidays are celebrated in other countries. Compare and contrast these traditions with the American Thanksgiving.
An Interview with a Historical Figure: Have your kids write an imaginary interview with a historical figure from the first Thanksgiving, such as Squanto or William Bradford. What questions would they ask, and how might the historical figure respond?
The Thanksgiving Feast of the Future: Encourage your kids to envision a futuristic Thanksgiving feast. What new foods, technology, or new Thanksgiving tradition might be part of a Thanksgiving family celebration in the future?
If You Could Invite Anyone to Thanksgiving: Have your kids write about whom they would invite to their Thanksgiving dinner if they could choose anyone, living or historical. Why did they make these choices?
A Thanksgiving Poem of Gratitude: Challenge your kids to write a heartfelt poem expressing gratitude for the people, experiences, or things they are thankful for in their life.
Thanksgiving Traditions Essay: Ask your kids to write an essay discussing their family’s Thanksgiving traditions and how these traditions have evolved over the years.
The Thanksgiving Debate: Assign a Thanksgiving-related debate topic. For example, “Should Black Friday shopping start on Thanksgiving evening?” Have your kids research and present their arguments in writing.

These prompts are designed to engage middle school students in creative and reflective writing while encouraging them to explore different aspects of the Thanksgiving holiday. They can be adapted to different skill levels and serve as opportunities for critical thinking and self-expression.

High School

Here are ten creative writing prompts suitable for high school-age students, designed to engage them in critical thinking, creativity, and self-expression while encouraging them to explore deeper themes related to Thanksgiving and gratitude. They provide a bit more opportunity for in-depth writing and reflection.

The Modern Pilgrim: Have students write a first-person narrative from the perspective of a modern-day Pilgrim who time-traveled to experience the first Thanksgiving. What differences and similarities would they observe?
Thanksgiving Through the Eyes of an Immigrant: Ask students to write a story or reflection from the viewpoint of an immigrant experiencing Thanksgiving in the United States for the first time. What surprises or challenges might they encounter?
A Thankful Letter to the Future: Encourage students to write a letter to their future selves, expressing gratitude for the people, experiences, and opportunities they hope to have in the years to come.
The True Meaning of Giving Thanks: Challenge students to write an essay exploring the true essence of giving thanks. What does gratitude mean to them, and how does it relate to the holiday of Thanksgiving?
The Thanksgiving Experiment: Have students envision a unique Thanksgiving experiment. What happens when people try to celebrate the holiday without food or in complete silence? Write a narrative about the outcomes.
An Alternative Thanksgiving History: Prompt students to rewrite the history of Thanksgiving from a different perspective. For instance, what would the history be if it were told by Native Americans or African Americans?
The Thanksgiving Feast of the Future: Encourage students to create a detailed vision of a Thanksgiving feast in the distant future. Describe the cuisine, customs, and technology of this futuristic celebration.
Thanksgiving Reflection Poem: Ask students to write a reflective poem about the people and things they are thankful for, but with a focus on personal growth and self-discovery.
The Politics of Thanksgiving: Have students write an essay or op-ed piece discussing the political, cultural, or environmental aspects of Thanksgiving. Explore topics like food sustainability, the representation of Native Americans, or the holiday’s commercialization.
A Thanksgiving Mystery: Challenge students to write a mystery story set during Thanksgiving. What mysterious event or crime occurs, and how is it solved?

Incorporating Creative Writing into Your Thanksgiving Curriculum

Now that you know why it’s a great idea to get your kids writing creatively during Thanksgiving (and have some great prompts to help you out!), let’s talk about ho w you can actually fit this into your homeschool curriculum.

Creative writing isn’t just an extra activity; it can become a valuable tool for teaching various subjects and skills.

Here are some thoughts on how you can incorporate creative writing into your homeschool curriculum during the holidays:

Set Clear Learning Objectives

In other words…what is your “why” for your activities? What skills or knowledge do you want your children to gain through these creative writing exercises?

Whether it’s improving vocabulary, enhancing descriptive writing, or exploring historical themes, defining objectives will guide your approach and activities.

Theme Integration

Integrate Thanksgiving themes into other subjects! For example, in history, your kids can explore and write about the historical context of Thanksgiving, the Mayflower voyage, and the interactions between the Pilgrims and Native Americans. In science, they might write about topics like the life cycle of a turkey or the fall season.

Creative writing can easily become a cross-disciplinary exercise that enriches your curriculum.

Multimodal Learning

Incorporate various learning styles by combining writing with other forms of communication.

For example, you might have your children create visual representations alongside their creative writing, such as drawings, diagrams, or collages. These multimodal approaches enhance comprehension and memory.

Field Trips and Experiential Learning

Take advantage of the Thanksgiving season by organizing field trips or experiential learning activities. If you can, visit a historical site related to the Pilgrims (or even take a “virtual” field trip if you can’t go in person). Encourage your kids to document these experiences through writing and reflection.

Interactive Storytelling

Foster interactive storytelling by having your children create and perform Thanksgiving-themed plays or share their stories during a Thanksgiving gathering. This not only promotes public speaking skills but also builds a sense of community through shared narratives.

Fun Thanksgiving Writing Activities

Finally, Thanksgiving provides a fantastic opportunity for students to take on creative writing projects that go beyond a daily writing prompt.

The following fun writing activities not only encourage imagination and self-expression, but also allow kids to dive deeper into the spirit of the holiday. Here are some inspiring Thanksgiving creative writing projects for your homeschool:

Thanksgiving Journals

Thanksgiving journals are a great way for your kids to document their thoughts, feelings, and experiences throughout the holiday season.

These journals can include daily reflections on gratitude, descriptions of Thanksgiving traditions, and even illustrations. This project will encourage consistent writing and self-expression.

Short Stories or Essays on Gratitude

Challenge your kids to craft short stories or essays centered on the theme of gratitude.

They can write fictional tales that revolve around characters learning the value of thankfulness, or they can write personal essays discussing the people, moments, or experiences for which they are most thankful.

Letters of Thanks

Involve your kids in writing letters of gratitude to family members, friends, or even community helpers like firefighters, teachers, or healthcare workers.

This project not only hones their writing skills but also nurtures empathy and thankfulness.

Creating Thanksgiving-Themed Poetry

Encourage your kids to explore the world of poetry by composing Thanksgiving-themed poems!

They can experiment with different forms like haikus, sonnets, or free verse to express their feelings of gratitude, the beauty of autumn, or the essence of the holiday.

Historical Narratives

Delve into the history of Thanksgiving by challenging your children to write historical narratives.

These narratives can explore the events surrounding the first Thanksgiving, the Mayflower voyage, or the interactions between the Pilgrims and Native Americans.

Research, storytelling, and writing converge in this educational project.

Thanksgiving Recipe Book

Combine creativity with practicality by creating a family Thanksgiving recipe book!

Have your children write short descriptions of their favorite Thanksgiving dishes, along with the recipes. Illustrations or photographs can accompany the descriptions, turning this project into a cherished keepsake.

Diary of a Thanksgiving Turkey

In a humorous twist, encourage your children to write a diary from the perspective of a Thanksgiving turkey. What would the turkey think and experience in the days leading up to the holiday? This imaginative exercise encourages creative storytelling.

Comparative Thanksgiving Analysis

For older students, have them research and write an analytical essay comparing Thanksgiving traditions and celebrations in different parts of the country or even in different countries. This project promotes research skills, critical thinking, and cultural understanding.

Thanksgiving Play or Skit

For a hands-on project that combines creative writing with performance, encourage your students to write a Thanksgiving play or skit.

They can perform it for family members during the Thanksgiving celebration, bringing their writing to life in a fun and interactive way.

These Thanksgiving creative writing projects offer a wide range of opportunities for your kids to explore their creativity, strengthen their writing skills, and deepen their understanding of the holiday’s significance. Choose the project that resonates most with your family and watch the magic of Thanksgiving come to life through the written word!

Homeschool Creative Writing Resources

I hope this post was helpful to you in giving some ideas for incorporating creative writing into your Thanksgiving homeschooling plans!

Make sure to grab my Thanksgiving Creative Writing Prompts printable to get a copy of all 40 prompts listed in this post, along with some cute Thanksgiving writing papers for your kids to use with their writing!

You might also like these FREE Creative Writing Graphic Organizers to help your kids organize their ideas as they write throughout the year.

Happy writing, and Happy Thanksgiving!

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Essays on Thanksgiving

Need to write a Thanksgiving essay? Consult our Thanksgiving essay samples for facts and notes about this awesome holiday. Thanksgiving is a harvest festival, celebrated mainly in the United States and Canada. Thanksgiving essays explore the history of this day as well as its many traditions. The main idea of Thanksgiving was “giving thanks” – expressing gratitude and appreciation to God for a bountiful harvest, good health, and other blessings. In the US, Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday of November, while in Canada – on the second Monday of October. Many essays on Thanksgiving boil down the main traditions of Thanksgiving to feasting on roasted turkey and pumpkin pie and giving thanks for the good that the current year brought. We prepared some essay samples below that you can check out if you need some tips for your essays.

1. In my house, one of the most critical ritual meals is the Thanksgiving feast, which must include a stuffed turkey. It is an important feast for thanksgiving and reaffirming ideas and assumptions relevant to American cultural and social solidarity (Williams-Forson, 2008). The family gathered physically and emotionally for the...

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My Ten-Hour Carrier Learning Project at Friendly House After my ten-hour carrier learning project at Friendly House in Worcester, I learned a lot about the community service, food pantry, immigration service, and after school programs. In this paper, I reflect on the matters I achieved during this service learning, as expected...

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Traditions are practices or values that are handed on in a culture because of their symbolic meaning. Throughout the world, diverse cultures adopt and follow a number of rituals that have important significance for them. Specifically, many rituals have been followed for thousands of years without sacrificing their significance. The...

Words: 1458

Thanksgiving Writing Prompt Ideas for 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade

Need some low prep activities before Thanksgiving Break? Providing your students with some engaging Thanksgiving writing prompts is a great way to keep students learning while minimizing your prep.

Thanksgiving covers a variety of topics - from turkeys, to thankfulness, to the relationship between Native Americans and the first European settlers. No matter what your 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students need, one of the 7 Thanksgiving writing prompt ideas below is bound to work for your classroom.

7 Thanksgiving Writing Prompt Ideas

1. thanksgiving from the turkey's point of view.

This is a classic - I remember doing this activity when I was in 3rd grade, and loving it!

Have students write a narrative that considers how a turkey might be feeling on Thanksgiving Day. Have students consider:

How might a turkey feel about humans?
How might a turkey describe what humans do on Thanksgiving?
What might a turkey think about a kitchen, the oven, and knives?

Let your students' creative juices flow!

Find more point of view ideas here.

2. A Persuasive Paper From the Turkey's Perspective Convincing Humans to Eat Something Else for Thanksgiving

Have students practice their persuasive writing skills! Why do we need to eat turkey for Thanksgiving dinner? Why can't we eat chicken, or beef, or sushi?

Teacher Meaghan Freiburger uses this fun writing prompt with her 2nd graders. Students get to pretend to be turkeys convincing humans NOT to eat a turkey, but instead to eat something else for Thanksgiving!

3. Disguise a Turkey

One last turkey-themed thanksgiving writing prompt. Tell 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade students that they have a turkey that needs to be well-disguised so it won't get eaten for Thanksgiving dinner.

Have students draw a picture of their turkey in disguise. Then, have students explain their disguise and why it would be effective.

You can find a free turkey template and writing pages for this activity here.

4. Thank You Letters

Thanksgiving is a great time to celebrate people we are thankful for. Encourage your upper elementary students to think about someone in their life that they are thankful for, and then write a Thank You Note to them.

You can simply give students some writing paper and have them write whatever comes to mind, or use this as an opportunity to practice different writing skills.

This Scaffolded Thank You Letter Writing Template Resource helps walk students through all of the steps of writing a quality Thank You Note.

Teacher Ivy Schmeltzer has her students write thank you notes to past teachers, while teacher Julia Curry has students write thank you letters to their parents as a gift. There are so many different people in students' lives that they can be thankful for!

Figurative Language in Poetry No Prep Printables for 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade

Need some no prep figurative language practice? These worksheets include engaging poems with figurative language along with questions, activities, a student reference chart, and more. And as an added bonus, the worksheets walk students through the process of creating their own short poems with figurative language.

This resource is great for Poetry Month!

5. Compare and Contrast Thanksgivings

Practice comparing and contrasting with a Thanksgiving theme. Have students think about the similarities and differences between Thanksgiving and another holiday like Christmas, and then write a short paper to compare and contrast the two.

Or, pair upper elementary students up and have partners discuss with each other what they will do on Thanksgiving Day. Students should discover both similarities and differences, and then write about them.

Check out these tips for scaffolding compare and contrast writing so your students can be successful with this activity.

Your students might also be interested in learning the differences between how people in Canada and the U.S. celebrate Thanksgiving differently. We don't even celebrate on the same day! This resource has a reading comprehension passage comparing how the two countries celebrate, as well as a fun scavenger hunt comprehension activity!

6. Make a Thankful ABC Book

Taking time to consider things we are thankful for is beneficial for the mental health of both students and teachers alike.

Make this activity a little more rigorous by having students come up with things they are thankful for for each letter of the alphabet, and make an ABC book!

7. A Native American / Indigenous People Writing Research Project

Have 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade students learn more about the people that were here before the "First" Thanksgiving.

You could stick with the Thanksgiving theme and have students research the Wampanoag, or have students research groups that were / are native to your area. Then, have students write a report about what they have learned.

BONUS Idea: Make an Edible Turkey How - To Writing

Food makes everything more fun! As a class, make an edible turkey together. Then, have students write a how to paper that gives instructions on how to make that turkey.

This edible turkey is made from Oreos and candy corn, while this one uses pretzels and Reese's.

Get a head start on your holiday lesson plans with these fun Christmas / holiday writing prompt ideas.

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12 Thanksgiving writing prompts for homeschoolers

by Kim Kautzer | Nov 11, 2019 | Writing & Journal Prompts

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s a great time to engage your kids in some holiday writing, whether stories, journals, essays, or reports . Here are some Thanksgiving writing prompts—for homeschoolers of all ages—to get things rolling:

1. How to Bake a Pumpkin Pie

Bake a pumpkin pie (with help, if needed). While you go through the steps, ask someone to take photos of you along the way. When finished, write an instruction manual explaining the process, using the photos to illustrate each step.

2. Be Our Guest!

Think of someone you know who might be spending Thanksgiving alone. Write a letter inviting them to dinner at your house. Include three reasons why you want them to come.

3. A Feast for the Senses

Draw a picture of a Thanksgiving feast. Include your favorite foods. Next, use your senses to describe each food, including appearance, taste, smell, and textures.

Engage your kids in some holiday writing, whether stories, journals, essays, or reports. Check out these Thanksgiving writing ideas for all ages.

4. A Thankful Essay

There are so many reasons to give thanks! Write an essay explaining what it means to have a thankful heart. Include several examples from your own life.

5. Grateful Thoughts

Think of 3-4 things you and your family are most grateful for. In a paragraph or two, explain what each one means to you .

6. That Very First Thanksgiving

Describe what you know about the first Thanksgiving . When you’re finished, compare it to the facts !

Click to find even more First Thanksgiving writing prompts .

7. It’s Traditional

Tell about some of your Thanksgiving day (or Thanksgiving week) traditions. What role does each member of the family play?

8. I Love Thanksgiving!

Turkey! Football! Family! Pumpkin pie! Write a paragraph explaining why you love Thanksgiving . Are there any parts of the holiday you don’t enjoy?

9. From Seed to Gourd

Explain how to grow a pumpkin . Think of each detail, from planting through harvest. You can make a list with numbered steps, or you can write a paragraph.

10. Pet Gobbler

Would a turkey make a good pet? Why or why not? When writing your paragraph, use facts and opinions to explain your reasons.

11. It’s Tough to Be a Turkey!

Write a Thanksgiving story from a turkey’s point of view. Are you destined for the dinner table? Or are you one of the lucky ones who gets pardoned? Whether your story is funny or serious, include plenty of emotion words.

12. The Best Day Ever

Describe your ideal Thanksgiving using emotion words and your five senses . Do you travel to visit family? Does everyone come to your house? What are your favorite activities and games? Who celebrates with you? What foods make the day absolutely perfect? When you write with vivid description , your readers will feel like they spent the whole day with you!

Journal All Year! Writing Prompt Calendar Bundle

Don’t just stop at Thanksgiving—now your kids can journal and write all year long with these PRINTABLE Journal All Year! Writing Prompt Calendars . Each set is jam-packed with dozens of topics ranging from silly to serious. Choose Journal All Year! Writing Prompts (elementary) or Journal All Year! Essay Prompts (teens) . Just $3.50 each!

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15 Fun Thanksgiving Writing Activities and Prompts for Kids

Holiday , Learning | 1 comment

Are you looking for fun Thanksgiving writing activities to do with the kids this fall? Here are 15 different writing activities and prompts that are all about Thanksgiving!

Writing can be a challenge for kids- of any age!

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Young kids often lack the small muscles- and the confidence- needed to write.

Older kids can have trouble organizing information and putting their thoughts down on paper.

But as with anything, practice makes perfect!

One of the best ways to practice writing is to give a variety of assignments and writing types- and a lot of different topics!

Here are 15 Thanksgiving writing activities and prompts for kids- that will help them practice and enjoy writing!

15 Thanksgiving Writing Activities for Kids

Thankful flip book.

Flip books are fun writing activities for kids of all ages. It’s also simple to put together and allows kids to also personalize and use their artistic imagination in the design.

To make a flip book you will need several sheets of paper, each of just a couple inches shorter than the other. Here’s a quick tutorial on how to put a flip book together: Flip Book Tutorial.

To make this a Thanksgiving Writing Activity, use colored paper in browns, oranges, and yellows. And then have use a Thanksgiving theme for each of the flaps/

Here are a couple of ideas of writing prompts for each tab:

Historical – with each tab focusing on one piece of the history of Thanksgiving (traditions, symbols, meaning of, etc)
I am Thankful – each tab covers family, friends, school, self, etc.
The Meal – each tab can discuss a different course or aspect of the Thanksgiving meal

Movie Extension Writing Prompt

There are a lot of great movies out there covering Thanksgiving.

You can choose a cartoon or other fun kids movie or even choose a documentary or other non-fiction film.

Have the kids watch the movie and then have them write on the movie. Such as:

Compare and contrast what was depicted in the movie to their own life
Discuss historical accurateness
Favorite part and why

Turkey Pardon Persuasive Writing Activity

Take a moment to read or watch about the tradition of pardoning a turkey each year in the US.

Then have the kids write a persuasive letter or paper from a turkey’s point of view asking to be pardoned.

In this Thanksgiving writing activity, make sure the students decide on who the audience is (a farmer, a family getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner, etc) and that they speak as the turkey for the duration of the writing assignment.

Thank You Letters

This is a great Thanksgiving writing activity for kids of all ages. And it’s a great life skill to develop!

Have students choose a person in their life- a family member or friend- to write a thank you letter to.

This doesn’t have to be a thank you for anything specific, but a general Thanks for all you do for me letter that helps kids to feel gratitude for other people in their life.

You can download a free Thanksgiving Thank You Letter Template here: Thanksgiving Thank You Letter

How to Cook a Turkey Research Project

This Thanksgiving writing activity helps teach kids both now to research and how to organize information in logical, sequential order.

Have them do a little research- online or in books, depending on the age- and take notes on the steps to cook a turkey for Thanksgiving.

Then have them write the steps in paragraph form.

Don’t forget to help them use transition words such as first, then, and next!

Thanksgiving Acrostic Poems

Acrostic poems are a fun writing activity that doesn’t have as much pressure as other poetry! An acrostic poem simply takes a word and then you have to write a line or word starting with each letter in that word.

Here are some words to use for Thanksgiving Acrostic poems:

Thanksgiving

Or you can download my Free Thanksgiving Acrostic Poem templates for an easy activity!

Thanksgiving Traditions

This easy Thanksgiving writing prompt idea is a great way to give kids writing practice with no pressure.

Simply give them a sheet of paper, or their writing journal, and the topic: Thanksgiving Traditions .

Then let them free write for 10-20 minutes on that topic.

The First Thanksgiving

Spend some time reading all about The First Thanksgiving. Read various books on the topic that cover both the history leading up to the First Thanksgiving and what the First Thanksgiving looked like.

Then have the students write an paper on the First Thanksgiving.

Depending on age this could be a 4 paragraph essay, a paragraph or simply a couple of sentences.

chalk board filled with thanksgiving words surrounded by orange pumpkins

Use Thanksgiving Words

Give your students a bank of Thanksgiving words and ask them to write a story using as many of the words as they can.

Bonus points for using ALL of the words at least once!

Thanksgiving ABCs

This Thanksgiving writing activity is similar to an acrostic poem, except instead of using a word at it’s base, it uses the ABCs.

Have the students write a Thanksgiving phrase or sentence for each letter of the alphabet.

The Great Turkey Escape

Now let’s get creative! Have the kids write a create writing story about what would happen if the the Thanksgiving turkey got away and escaped butchering.

How did he escape? Where will he go? Does he get caught?

Thanksgiving Venn diagram comparing the first thanksgiving to today

Then and Now Venn Diagram

After reading and researching the first Thanksgiving have kids fill in a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting the first Thanksgiving to today’s Thanksgiving.

Depending on their age they can fill in with words or complete sentences.

You can also have them use their diagram to turn it into a few paragraphs.

You can download the free Thanksgiving Venn Diagram Template here: Thanksgiving Venn Diagram

Thanksgiving Story Book Report

Have the students choose a favorite Thanksgiving story book or chapter book (or assign a specific one!) and have them to a book report.

Include everything you would normally ask for in a book report- characters, setting, plot, etc. And ask some Thanksgiving specific questions as well!

Thanksgiving Journal

Have the kids start a Thanksgiving journal.

This is a great Thanksgiving writing activity for the whole month of November. You can use different prompts for each day or choose a central theme- such as gratitude or thankfulness.

Have the kids take time each day to write in their journal as a way to practice writing and brainstorming.

Futuristic Thanksgiving

This fun Thanksgiving writing activity allows the kids to imagine what they think Thanksgiving will look like in the future.

Set a time- such as 100 years from now- and ask them to imagine what Thanksgiving will look like then.

What will be different? What will be the same?

Need some Thanksgiving writing paper to use for these activities? Just click here to download some Thanksgiving Writing Paper

Tips for Altering Writing Activities for All Ages

Almost all writing activities can be altered to work for kids of all ages- from kindergarten to high school level.

Here are some tips for altering lessons:

Take age and ability into account. A kindergartner can write one word answers for acrostic poems or copy work for other assignments. An older child is capable of full and complete sentences.
Vary length. Elementary age kids can be required to write a short paragraph, while middle and high schoolers may be required to write 3-5 paragraph essays. Creative writing assignments will also have differing length requirements.
Use appropriate expectations. This includes things neatness and handwriting or if the assignment should be typed. Correct grammar and spelling. The older the child, the higher the expectations should be.
Use appropriate resources. Older kids can do their own research and find their own sources. Younger kids might need to be given the resources to choose from. You can also choose to read aloud from resources for elementary aged kids, while middle and high schoolers will likely have assigned readings.

You may also like: Thanksgiving Coloring Pages

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Free Sample Essays About Thanksgiving for Joyful Writing

46 samples on this topic

Thanksgiving is one of the most significant holidays in the US despite the fact that many people have little to no idea of its true historical and religious roots. In any case, when tasked with a Thanksgiving essay paper, you quickly come to realization that simply describing your holiday dinner or telling how thankful you are to somebody isn't quite enough for producing a really worthy academic piece. Even reflecting on what Thanksgiving means to me is not as straightforward as it may seem.

In such dire times, WowEssays.com comes to the rescue, offering an extensive sample database with dozens of exciting Thanksgiving essay ideas. Moreover, here you will find vivid examples of non-typical approaches to writing about this significant event that might change your entire perception of this day. For example, did you know that similarly named holidays are celebrated in Japan and Germany? Read our samples, discover new aspects of this feast, and do your best to come up with a meaningful essay on Thanksgiving of your own!

In case you're too busy cooking a turkey and don't have spare time to skim through our samples, you can still benefit greatly from services offered by WowEssays.com. For instance, you can have a customized model paper composed from scratch by an essay writer online sent to your email. Does this sound like a plan to you? Then stop wasting time and contact our customer managers today to get the most of this thrilling opportunity!

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Congress chose the bald eagle as the national symbol of the United States of America in 1782, but this move faces a fierce opposition from Benjamin Franklin, one of the founders of the nation. He was keen to make the turkey as the national symbol. Moreover, the bald eagle has an association with the ancient Roman Republic while the turkey is a true native to the United States.

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80 Thanksgiving Essay Topic Ideas & Examples
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2. Write a story about a turkey that escapes from a Thanksgiving dinner. 3. Describe your favorite Thanksgiving foods. 4. You plan to host a sweet potato pie contest. Write a letter persuading families in the local area to sign-up. 5. Compare and contrast Thanksgiving to another holiday.
Thanksgiving Writing Prompts: 20 Creative Prompts to Practice Gratitude
Try journaling about one of these five Thanksgiving writing prompts to elevate your mood. Describe how five people helped you get you through some rough patches this year. Journal about five things that you appreciate each day, each one triggering a different sense: sight, smell, touch, sound, taste.
Thanksgiving Essay: Best Guide With Topics And Samples
Mary Moran Thanksgiving Essay. It is an essay touching on how Mary Moran, a Rhode Island schoolgirl, won a state Thanksgiving essay contest. It was in 1973, where she wrote a piece about the absurdity of Thanksgiving. Use these ideas for your inspiration: How dissatisfaction is the cause of unhappiness; How faith can provide one with comfort ...
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1 page / 309 words. This 300-word essay is about Thanksgiving break, a time to relax, unwind, and spend quality time with loved ones. For this particular Thanksgiving break, I had a blast with my family, friends, and relatives. It all started on Thursday when my aunt cooked a plethora of delicious food for...
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Free Essays on Thanksgiving, Examples, Topics, Outlines
We prepared some essay samples below that you can check out if you need some tips for your essays. 1. In my house, one of the most critical ritual meals is the Thanksgiving feast, which must include a stuffed turkey. It is an important feast for thanksgiving and reaffirming ideas and assumptions relevant to American cultural and social ...
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3. Disguise a Turkey. One last turkey-themed thanksgiving writing prompt. Tell 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade students that they have a turkey that needs to be well-disguised so it won't get eaten for Thanksgiving dinner. Have students draw a picture of their turkey in disguise. Then, have students explain their disguise and why it would be effective.
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Describe the process and the joy of giving. These prompts are designed to inspire both personal and fictional narratives, focusing on themes relevant to November. They encourage empathy, critical thinking, and creativity. These Thanksgiving writing prompts are a great way to celebrate the students' best Thanksgiving and have fun while doing it.
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15 Fun Thanksgiving Writing Activities And Prompts For Kids
Here are a couple of ideas of writing prompts for each tab: Historical - with each tab focusing on one piece of the history of Thanksgiving (traditions, symbols, meaning of, etc) I am Thankful - each tab covers family, friends, school, self, etc. The Meal - each tab can discuss a different course or aspect of the Thanksgiving meal.
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Sample Essay On Thanksgiving Day. The day of Thanksgiving is probably the most famous American holiday after the Independence Day. The celebrations are typically associated with turkey, family gathering, a rich dinner with a special set of dishes, and a parade of smiling people, orchestras, and humongous balloons.
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Thanksgiving Essay. This essay sample was donated by a student to help the academic community. Papers provided by EduBirdie writers usually outdo students' samples. America has always carried the desire to ignore its past and live in its view of itself as a melting pot. America wants us all to forgive and forget the past to be one people.

80 Thanksgiving Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

10 Prompts for Talking and Writing About Thanksgiving

1. What are your Turkey Day traditions?

2. What has been your most memorable Thanksgiving?

3. What are your favorite side dishes?

4. Who and what are you grateful for this year?

5. What does this holiday mean to you?

6. Do we need to rethink Thanksgiving?

7. What will you talk about at Thanksgiving dinner?

8. What Thanksgiving story could this image tell?

9. Do you participate in Black Friday?

10. What, if anything, is hard about the holidays for you?

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Essay Samples on Thanksgiving

The First Thanksgiving: A Historical Reflection on Unity and Gratitude

Thanksgiving Reflection: Gratitude, Growth, and the Power of Connection

A Heartwarming Thanksgiving Narrative: Embracing Family and Traditions

Thanksgiving: The Best Holiday for Gratitude, Unity, and Joy

How I Spent My Thanksgiving

300 Words About Thanksgiving: A Celebration of Gratitude and Togetherness

Thanksgiving; What I Need To Be Thankful For

My Family Tradition: Thanksgiving Did Not Go As Planned

The Meaning Of Thanksgiving: What It Means To Me

Coping Methods To Get Through Thanksgiving

Discussing The Need To Celebrate Thanksgiving Day With The Family

The Right Advice For Perfect Thanksgiving Break

All That Thanksgiving Means To Me On Break

Taking Care of Eating Disorders During Holidays

An Overview of My Favorite Holidays Throughout the Yaer

The Importance of Thanksgiving Day

A Controversial Holiday of Thanksgiving

Cooking a Successful Thanksgiving Dinner

Steps to Planning a Successful Thanksgiving

Analysis of The Malleable Psalm of Thanksgiving

BEST THANKSGIVING WRITING PROMPTS

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Start your story with someone saying, sarcastically, "What have I got to be thankful for?"

Your character has a plan. They're going to save the turkeys. All of them.

Write about a character who is back home for the holidays, and finds that nothing has changed.

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The best Thanksgiving writing prompts

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