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12 Thanksgiving writing prompts for homeschoolers

by | Nov 11, 2019 | Writing & Journal Prompts

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.

Engage your kids in some holiday writing, whether stories, journals, essays, or reports. Check out these Thanksgiving writing ideas for all ages.

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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