15 Fun Thanksgiving Writing Activities

Are you in need of some fun and creative Thanksgiving writing activities? Thanksgiving, a time for feasting and giving thanks, is just around the corner. For upper elementary students, it’s not just about enjoying a delicious turkey dinner; it’s an opportunity to spark creativity and express gratitude through the written word.

Whether it’s crafting futuristic feasts, penning turkey tales, or exploring Thanksgiving traditions, this list of 15 fun Thanksgiving writing activities will get young minds buzzing with imaginative inspiration. So, grab your pens, gather ’round, and let’s embark on a journey of words and wonder, this holiday season!

15 Fun Thanksgiving Writing Activities

1.Thanksgiving Dinner Menu of the Future: Imagine it’s Thanksgiving in the year 2050. Write a menu for a futuristic Thanksgiving dinner. What kind of dishes will your family enjoy in the future?

2. The Great Thanksgiving Parade: Create a detailed description of your ideal Thanksgiving parade. Who are the grand marshals, and what floats and balloons will be featured? Will there be food trucks and concessions? Save time with the ready-to-print Plan a Thanksgiving Parade Project. See some photo examples in the blog post here.

3. Thanksgiving Traditions Around the World: Research and write about how people celebrate gratitude and harvest time in different parts of the world. Compare these traditions to your own Thanksgiving activities.

4. Turkey Tales: Write a short story from a turkey’s perspective. Is the turkey excited about Thanksgiving, or does it have a plan to avoid being the main course?

5. Gratitude Challenge: Have students list 100 things they are thankful for. It sounds easy, but proves more challenging than most people think! Get the printable Gratitude Challenge Brochure Project here.

6. Thanksgiving Acrostic Poem: Write an acrostic poem using the word “THANKSGIVING.” Each letter should start a line, and each line should express something you’re thankful for. Remember to be descriptive with your word choices!

7. Thanksgiving Interview: Interview a family member, neighbor, or friend about their favorite Thanksgiving memories. Write an article sharing their stories and insights.

8. Plan a Thanksgiving Menu: Imagine your family has put you in charge of planning the Thanksgiving dinner menu. Will it be traditional, or will you think outside the box? Use this ready-to-go, printable Plan a Thanksgiving Menu Writing Project for a fun and easy activity!

9. Turkey Trouble:Write a humorous story about a mischievous turkey who causes chaos in the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day. What does he do, and how does the family handle the situation? This idea is a favorite among these Thanksgiving writing activities.

10. A Visit to the Pilgrims: Imagine you could time-travel and visit the Pilgrims at the first Thanksgiving. Write a journal entry about your experience and what you learn from them.

11. Thanksgiving Bucket List: Create a bucket list of fun Thanksgiving activities you’d like to do with your family or friends. Check off the ones you complete.

12. The Unusual Thanksgiving Guest: Write a story about an unexpected guest showing up at your Thanksgiving celebration. Who is it, and how does the day unfold?

13. Thanksgiving in Space: Imagine celebrating Thanksgiving on a space station. Describe what the meal would be like and how you’d give thanks in zero gravity.

14. A Letter to a Veteran: Write a heartfelt letter to a veteran, expressing your gratitude for their service. Share your thoughts on what they mean to you and your country.

15. The Ultimate Leftovers Recipe: Write a creative recipe for using Thanksgiving leftovers. How do you transform turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce into a new dish? List the ingredients and give the steps for creating this new recipe.

As we wrap up our list of 15 creative Thanksgiving writing activities for upper elementary students, we hope these prompts have ignited the creative sparks in your young writers. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the many things we’re thankful for and to share those feelings with others.

So, encourage your students to pick a few ideas from this list of Thanksgiving writing activities, put pen to paper, and let their imaginations soar. Whether they’re crafting stories, expressing gratitude, or inventing futuristic feasts, the power of the written word can capture the spirit of Thanksgiving in a way that makes this holiday truly special. Happy writing and, of course, a very Happy Thanksgiving to you and your students!

PRINTABLE THANKSGIVING WRITING ACTIVITIES

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