Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey and pie (though that is a great part!), it’s a wonderful opportunity to help our young students learn about gratitude, kindness, and community. As a teacher, you can create meaningful learning experiences that go beyond rote crafts and give students a chance to reflect on what they’re thankful for. Here are 7 projects that are simple to set up, engaging for students in K-2, and promote gratitude all season long.

1. Thankfulness Craftivity (Paper & Digital Option)

Use my Thanksgiving Google Slides Activity | Paper and Digital Craftivity resource.
Students can choose either paper or digital mode: write or type things they’re thankful for (people, places, activities, animals, etc.), add drawings or images, then assemble into a poster or decor piece. This is great for differentiation and lets students with varying comfort in writing express themselves.

2. Thanksgiving Show for Parents

Organize a class performance using my Thanksgiving Play – Holiday Show for Parents. Students can act out short scenes, recite poems, or perform songs about gratitude, harvest, family, and community. This gives them something to rehearse and share, reinforcing gratitude not only to themselves but in front of others.

3. Gratitude Journal Prompts

Set aside a few minutes each morning for students to journal or draw one thing they’re thankful for. Prompts could include: “Who helped you yesterday?” or “What made you smile last week?” Over time, students will build awareness of the little things.

4. Thank You Letters or Cards

Have students write thank you notes to someone in their school (custodian, bus driver, librarian), at home, or someone else they appreciate. Use fun stationery or let them decorate. You might combine this with your show for parents or display these letters in a gratitude wall.

5. Gratitude Tree or Wall Display

Create a classroom gratitude tree: have paper leaves, feathers, or turkeys where each student writes something they are thankful for and adds it to the tree. It becomes a visual reminder of all the positive things around them.

6. Partner Interviews

Pair students up and have them interview each other: “What are you thankful for and why?” Then share responses with the class. This builds empathy, listening skills, and allows students to learn about classmates’ lives while recognizing shared blessings.

7. Acts of Kindness Project

Encourage small acts of kindness as part of gratitude. Students can plan something kind to do each day leading up to Thanksgiving: help a friend, share, clean up without being asked, etc. Reflect at the end of each day: how did that act make them feel?

Why These Work

• They combine reflection (thinking about gratitude) with action (creating something, performing, helping others).
• They allow for different modes of expression like writing, speaking, art, drama.
• They foster community both inside the classroom and with families.

Putting It Into Practice

• Plan your timeline: Mix shorter activities (journals, interviews) with longer ones (play, craftivity) so the work is spread out.
• Display student work: gratitude walls, performances, or showcasing craft projects boosts pride and reinforces gratitude.
• Debrief: Take time after each project for students to talk about how gratitude feels and how noticing gratitude can change perspectives.

If you try one or more of these ideas, you’ll likely find students become more thoughtful, kind, and joyful, not only during Thanksgiving, but year-round.For more thanksgiving ideas, check out my post here!