Ah, it's autumn... the holiday season is getting close, and the chance for some well-earned rest.
Until you realize there's another week of school to go!
Planning fun classroom activities is a challenge when you're exhausted, so we're going to make things simple for you middle school teachers. From fun to factual, these Thanksgiving activity ideas will give you a smooth ride to the holidays.
1. Interactive Thanksgiving Game
High-quality digital activities are hard to find.
But this educational video game unravels the real story of Thanksgiving.
It's got fun history activities and an engaging storyline. Students will love unlocking the actual history of 1621.
Learn more: Pilmonth
2. Thanksgiving History Task
his is a really clever task to sharpen critical thinking skills.
Your students will examine J.L.G. Ferris's 1932 painting The First Thanksgiving.
They'll need to use context clues to work out whether the painting is reliable or not. (Spoiler alert: it's not!)
Learn more: Stanford History Education Group
3. Thanksgiving History Video
Teach your middle school students the origins of Thanksgiving with this engaging video clip from the History Channel.
Students will learn about the Pilgrims' struggle to survive.
They'll also learn the key role Native Americans, such as the Wampanoag people, played in the Thanksgiving story.
Learn more: Mário Leal Rinaldi
4. A Different Perspective on Thanksgiving
Not everybody sees Thanksgiving as an exciting time.
Use this video in social studies to teach your students about the National Day of Mourning.
It's a yearly protest to inform people about the Native American view of Thanksgiving.
Learn more: Huff Post
5. Thanksgiving Writing Prompts
Build an attitude of gratitude in your language arts class with this fun writing activity.
It's a great way to work on core writing skills while winding down to the holidays.
Learn more: Write Shop
6. Thanksgiving Reading: The Turkey-Less Truth
What's your favorite food at Thanksgiving?
This fact-filled article and lesson plan idea on the theme of Thanksgiving foods comes in 5 difficulty levels. Get your students to discuss their own Thanksgiving celebrations. Then read the article and discuss how traditions have evolved.
Learn more: Teachers Pay Teachers
7. Thanksgiving Crossword
Here's a fun fall activity for puzzle fans.
This Thanksgiving crossword is perfect for a wide span of grade levels. Some of your students will know the answers, but you can provide computer access too (depending on the level of students).
Learn more: Real Life at Home
8. Reasons to be Thankful
Looking for an activity on the theme of gratitude that requires zero prep?
Get students to make an enormous list of things they're thankful for.
This video from Kid President provides the perfect inspiration.
Learn more: Participant
9. Thanksgiving Mourning
Does everybody look forward to Thanksgiving?
This social studies lesson plan explores Thanksgiving through the broader theme of colonial America and indigenous people.
It contains articles with lesson ideas and is appropriate for a wide span of grade levels.
Learn more: Learning for Justice
10. Thanksgiving Square Root and Perfect Squares
We all know how attention spans sink in the final week before the holidays. Give your students a break with this Thanksgiving square root coloring task.
It's a printable Thanksgiving activity, so just make sure you get enough copies of the relevant page and hand them out.
And don't forget to grab a box of coloring pencils!
Learn more: Teachers Pay Teachers
11. The Thanksgiving Feast Budget
How much does Thanksgiving dinner cost?
Boost your students' math skills with this fantasy Thanksgiving dinner lesson. Students will construct their own menu and price up foods online.
It's an effective activity with clear real-world application.
Learn more: Teachers Pay Teachers
12. Thanksgiving Math Word Problems
These fun Thanksgiving word problems will build students' skills with decimals, fractions, probability, and distance.
A nice relaxed one for the holiday wind-down.
Learn more: Teachers Pay Teachers
13. Thanksgiving Turkey Bookmarks
Here's a fun project that only requires a few materials.
These Thanksgiving turkey bookmarks are super adorable and actually pretty useful!
Guaranteed to be a favorite in grades 5-8.
Learn more: Printables Fairy
14. Thanksgiving Origami Turkey
For a more challenging craft project, cook up these origami turkeys with your middle school students.
Minimal resources needed: just a single sheet of brown paper.
Click the link for a fabulous step-by-step guide.
Learn more: The Spruce Crafts
15. Thanksgiving Jeopardy Game
Need a fun activity that requires zero lesson planning?
This groovy quiz game is one of my favorite holiday activities.
Just organize your students into teams and load up the list of questions.
Simple!
Learn more: Jeopardy Labs
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