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.
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!
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