Bringing Festive Fun and Learning to Your Classroom This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a perfect time to engage young learners in activities that foster creativity, curiosity, and learning while celebrating the spirit of gratitude and togetherness. When early educators design fun, engaging tasks such as gardening or a treasure hunt, they do more than wake up drowsy students—they open a world of imagination and social-emotional growth. Creative activities prime children's brains for cognitive skills, build their socio-emotional awareness, and keep them intrinsically motivated. This blog highlights five dynamic Thanksgiving-themed activities to add to your toolkit and create memorable learning experiences for your students.
1. Nature Walk
A nature walk doesn’t need to be complicated! A stroll in the schoolyard or a nearby park can open up endless learning opportunities. Create a scavenger hunt by giving students a list of items to find, like pebbles, leaves, sticks, or acorns. This activity encourages practical observation skills and strengthens their connection to the natural world. The thrill of finding items on their list keeps them engaged and encourages curiosity about the environment around them.
Tip: Ask students to bring back their found objects to use in a follow-up activity like nature art (explained below)!
2. Gardening and Planting
Gardening is a hands-on way to teach children about plant life and environmental science. Set up a small garden area in the classroom or playground where students can observe plants' growth daily. Guide them to understand how water, sunlight, and minerals are essential to plant life. By actively participating in caring for a plant, students develop patience, responsibility, and an appreciation for nature.
Extension Idea: Incorporate additional lessons on ecosystems, insects, or seasons as the garden grows, making this an ongoing learning project.
3. Puzzles
Puzzles are excellent for developing problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, and critical thinking. Offer a variety of puzzles, from jigsaw puzzles to age-appropriate brain teasers, and demonstrate how to approach each one. Start with simple puzzles, allowing students to understand patterns, and gradually increase the difficulty to encourage logical thinking and persistence. This activity is especially beneficial for fostering concentration and a sense of accomplishment.
Pro Tip: Try a Thanksgiving-themed puzzle or create a custom puzzle from holiday images to make it even more festive!
4. Nature Art
Inspire children to explore art using materials from nature. Take them on a nature walk to collect leaves, flowers, twigs, and other natural items, which they can use to create a nature-inspired masterpiece. They can press leaves onto paper to make leaf prints or arrange collected items in patterns or designs. This activity not only sparks creativity but also encourages students to see art in everyday objects, promoting resourcefulness and imagination.
Suggested Project: Use the collected items to create a “Thankful Tree” display in the classroom, where each child can add leaves with words of gratitude written on them.
5. Dance Sessions
Dance is a great way for kids to express themselves and develop physical coordination. Play lively Thanksgiving-themed or autumn-inspired music and encourage children to dance along. Start by inviting a volunteer to demonstrate a dance, then get the whole class to join in by clapping along or mimicking movements. Dance promotes body awareness, rhythm, and teamwork—and it’s a fun way to create joyful memories!
Classroom Tip: End the session with a group circle where children can share how dancing makes them feel, adding an emotional connection to the activity.
These activities encourage children to explore the world around them and think creatively, developing skills that will serve them throughout their lives. By integrating nature, movement, art, and problem-solving, we can foster a learning environment where children’s imaginations run wild and their curiosity is sparked. Together, let’s support the visionary thinkers and leaders of tomorrow by encouraging them to discover, explore, and dream.
References
Trost, S., Fees, B., & Dzewaltowski, D. (2008). Feasibility and efficacy of a "move and learn" physical activity curriculum in preschool children. Journal of Physical Activity & Health, 5(1), 88-103. https://doi.org/10.1123/JPAH.5.1.88
Two Pine Adventure. (n.d.). Nature Walk for Preschoolers. Retrieved from: https://www.twopineadventure.com/nature-walk-for-preschoolers
My Brightwheel. (n.d.). Gardening Activities for Preschoolers. Retrieved from: https://mybrightwheel.com/blog/gardening-activities-for-preschoolers
Speak Play Love. (n.d.). Puzzle Activities. Retrieved from: https://speakplaylove.com/puzzle-activities/
KinderCare. (n.d.). Nature Art Activities for Toddlers. Retrieved from: https://www.kindercare.com/content-hub/articles/2018/may/nature-art-activities-toddlers
About the Author:
Sheika Petteway, as CEO of Elite Educational Enterprises, delivers impactful educational and leadership training tailored to individuals and organizations, helping to build capacity and inspire growth across sectors.
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