preschool thanksgiving lesson plans

Olvin

2 min read

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23-01-2025

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Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to introduce preschoolers to the spirit of gratitude, the history of the holiday, and the beauty of the autumn season. These lesson plans are designed to engage young learners through hands-on activities, storytelling, and creative expression, making learning fun and memorable.

Week-Long Theme: Giving Thanks & Autumn Abundance

This comprehensive plan spans a week, allowing for a gradual introduction of concepts and ample time for activities. Adapt it to fit your specific preschool schedule.

Day 1: Introduction to Thanksgiving – What are we thankful for?

• Morning Circle Time: Begin with a discussion about Thanksgiving. Ask simple questions like, "What is Thanksgiving?" and "What do you like to eat at Thanksgiving?" Introduce the concept of gratitude and encourage children to share things they are thankful for. Use visual aids like pictures of family, food, or autumn leaves.
• Activity: Create a "Thankful Tree." Provide a large paper tree cutout and have children draw or write (with assistance) things they are thankful for on leaf-shaped pieces of paper, attaching them to the tree.
• Story Time: Read age-appropriate Thanksgiving books focusing on gratitude and family.

Day 2: The First Thanksgiving – A Story of Friendship

• Morning Circle Time: Introduce the story of the First Thanksgiving in a simplified, child-friendly manner. Focus on the friendship between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people and their shared harvest feast. Use visual aids like pictures or a simple timeline.
• Activity: Create a collaborative "First Thanksgiving" mural. Provide large paper and different art supplies (crayons, paints, markers) and let children draw scenes representing the Pilgrims, the Wampanoag, and the harvest feast.
• Snack Time: Serve a simple snack reminiscent of the harvest, such as apple slices or pumpkin seeds.

Day 3: Autumn Exploration – Nature's Bounty

• Outdoor Exploration: Take a nature walk to collect autumn leaves, acorns, pinecones, and other natural materials. Talk about the changing colors of the leaves and the sounds of autumn.
• Activity: Create autumn leaf collages or nature rubbings. Use collected materials to create art projects.
• Sensory Bin: Create a sensory bin filled with dried leaves, acorns, and other natural materials for children to explore.

Day 4: Cooking Up Gratitude – Simple Recipes

• Cooking Activity (with adult supervision): Prepare a simple Thanksgiving-themed snack, such as making pumpkin bread (using pre-made mix) or decorating sugar cookies shaped like turkeys. Emphasize the process and the joy of sharing food.
• Activity: Create a "Thanksgiving Feast" picture using construction paper cutouts of different Thanksgiving foods.
• Story Time: Read a book focusing on the different foods associated with Thanksgiving.

Day 5: Giving Back – Acts of Kindness

• Morning Circle Time: Discuss different ways to show gratitude and kindness to others.
• Activity: Make simple thank-you cards for family members or helpers at the preschool.
• Community Service Project (optional): Engage in a simple act of community service, such as collecting canned goods for a local food bank (age-appropriate).

Adapting the Plan:

These lesson plans are flexible and can be adapted to suit the specific needs and interests of your preschoolers. Feel free to:

• Shorten or lengthen the activities based on the children's attention spans.
• Substitute activities with similar ones that better suit your resources.
• Incorporate songs and rhymes related to Thanksgiving and autumn.
• Adjust the difficulty of the activities to match the children's developmental levels.

This comprehensive approach ensures a rich and engaging Thanksgiving learning experience for your preschoolers, promoting gratitude, understanding of the holiday's history, and appreciation for the autumn season. Remember to prioritize fun and creativity!