Activity Overview
”Thanksgiving” has different meanings for everyone. For some it is to celebrate our blessings and good fortune, for others it is our worst travel nightmare. Allow your students to explore their own feelings towards the holiday, and make a short depiction of what Thanksgiving means to them. Students can write about a Thanksgiving experience they have had or what they would like to happen (or expect to happen) this Thanksgiving. You may have students brainstorm on their own, or have a classroom discussion about plans, favorite memories, or favorite foods.
For those who need a little inspiration:
- giving thanks
- family/friends
- food/feast/eating too much
- parade
- specific foods (cranberry sauce, turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, etc.)
- autumn/transition into winter
- football
- Black Friday shopping
This example focuses on telling a story with pictures and dialogue, rather than mostly with narration. Use a comic like this on its own, or to get main ideas for a longer composition.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the description boxes, summarize a Thanksgiving memory.
- Illustrate each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, items, and dialogue.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events | Each of the cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or more cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that accurately show events in the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Most images show the events of the story, but some are incorrect. | The images are unclear or do not make sense with the story. |
| Descriptions | Descriptions match the images and show the change over time. | Descriptions do not always match the images or mention the importance of the event. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is very difficult to understand. |
Activity Overview
”Thanksgiving” has different meanings for everyone. For some it is to celebrate our blessings and good fortune, for others it is our worst travel nightmare. Allow your students to explore their own feelings towards the holiday, and make a short depiction of what Thanksgiving means to them. Students can write about a Thanksgiving experience they have had or what they would like to happen (or expect to happen) this Thanksgiving. You may have students brainstorm on their own, or have a classroom discussion about plans, favorite memories, or favorite foods.
For those who need a little inspiration:
- giving thanks
- family/friends
- food/feast/eating too much
- parade
- specific foods (cranberry sauce, turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, etc.)
- autumn/transition into winter
- football
- Black Friday shopping
This example focuses on telling a story with pictures and dialogue, rather than mostly with narration. Use a comic like this on its own, or to get main ideas for a longer composition.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the description boxes, summarize a Thanksgiving memory.
- Illustrate each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, items, and dialogue.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events | Each of the cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or more cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that accurately show events in the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Most images show the events of the story, but some are incorrect. | The images are unclear or do not make sense with the story. |
| Descriptions | Descriptions match the images and show the change over time. | Descriptions do not always match the images or mention the importance of the event. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is very difficult to understand. |
How Tos about What Thanksgiving Means to Me
Encourage Students to Express Gratitude in the Classroom
Invite students to share specific things they are grateful for, whether big or small, to foster a positive classroom atmosphere. Listening to each other’s gratitude helps build empathy and community.
Facilitate a Gratitude Wall Activity
Set up a section of your classroom where students can post sticky notes or drawings about what they are thankful for. This visual display allows everyone to see and celebrate each other’s blessings.
Integrate Thanksgiving Themes Across Subjects
Connect the Thanksgiving topic to reading, writing, art, and even math activities. For example, use Thanksgiving vocabulary in spelling, or calculate recipes in math lessons for real-world connections.
Model Thankfulness with Daily Routines
Start each day or class with a quick gratitude round where everyone shares one positive thing. Consistent routines help students develop lasting habits of thankfulness.
Celebrate Diverse Traditions and Perspectives
Encourage students to talk about different ways their families or communities observe Thanksgiving or similar holidays. This helps all students feel included and valued for their unique backgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions about What Thanksgiving Means to Me
What is a simple Thanksgiving writing activity for K-12 students?
A simple Thanksgiving writing activity is asking students to create a short story or comic about what Thanksgiving means to them, using their own experiences, feelings, or expectations for the holiday.
How can I help students brainstorm ideas for Thanksgiving lessons?
Encourage students to brainstorm by discussing favorite Thanksgiving memories, foods, family traditions, or plans. Use prompts like "giving thanks," "family gatherings," or "favorite foods" to inspire ideas.
What topics can students include in a Thanksgiving comic assignment?
Students can include topics such as family and friends, favorite foods like turkey or pumpkin pie, memorable traditions, parades, football, or even Black Friday shopping in their Thanksgiving comic.
What are some ways to make Thanksgiving activities meaningful for students?
Make Thanksgiving activities meaningful by letting students express personal memories or wishes, encouraging classroom discussions, and allowing creative formats like stories, comics, or artwork.
How can comics be used to teach about Thanksgiving in the classroom?
Comics allow students to visually depict their Thanksgiving experiences or expectations, using scenes, characters, and dialogue, which helps develop storytelling and creative thinking skills.
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