Thanksgiving is such an important American holiday and deserves to be a part of your November homeschooling time. I’ve assembled a variety of Thanksgiving learning ideas below for you and your family.
This collection of Thanksgiving activities is designed for homeschool moms who want meaningful learning with little prep and minimal expense. You can use the books, printables, and ideas below as a mini unit study, morning basket additions, seasonal read-alouds, or cozy afternoon activities.
Picture Book Activities
Enjoy a Thanksgiving picture book and a few simple activities with your child. Click any of the book titles or covers to go to a post filled with learning ideas.
This Is the Feast
This Is the Feast is a Thanksgiving picture book that introduces children to the Pilgrims, the voyage of the Mayflower, the first difficult winter, and the harvest celebration. It is a helpful read-aloud for younger children learning about the first Thanksgiving.
Best for: Thanksgiving, Pilgrims, the Mayflower, early American history, and seasonal discussion.
Sarah Morton’s Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Girl
Sarah Morton’s Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Girl by Kate Waters, with photographs by Russ Kendall, invites children to spend a day with a young girl living in Plimoth Plantation in 1627. The story is based on a real girl named Sarah Morton who is mentioned in period journals and histories.
Best for: Thanksgiving studies, early American history, and exploring daily life in the past.
Three Young Pilgrims
Three Young Pilgrims by Cheryl Harness follows the Allerton children from the Mayflower to Plymouth. With rich, detailed illustrations and meaningful historical content, it makes a strong addition to Thanksgiving studies.
Best for: Pilgrim history, Plymouth Colony, geography, Bible connections, and Thanksgiving notebooking.
Cranberry Thanksgiving
Cranberry Thanksgiving is a beloved holiday picture book with humor, hospitality, and a memorable cranberry bread recipe. It is a fun Thanksgiving read-aloud that also opens the door to baking, character discussion, and family traditions.
Best for: Thanksgiving, hospitality, baking, family traditions, and character lessons.
Over the River and Through the Wood
Over the River and Through the Wood pairs Lydia Maria Child’s classic Thanksgiving poem with beautiful woodcut illustrations. It is perfect for poetry, music, memorization, and cozy holiday reading.
Best for: Thanksgiving poetry, music, family gatherings, memorization, and early American atmosphere.
Free Printables
These are free printables for you to download and use. No opt-in is required for any of them.
More Learning Ideas
“Thanksgiving” By Robert Haven Schauffler | Free ebook
Free vintage book of traditions, stories, and origins
In the Shop
Thanksgiving Copywork | Print & Cursive Worksheets
Handwriting practice with interesting Thanksgiving facts
Thanksgiving Fun Facts Cards | Printable Activity
Thanksgiving facts your children will enjoy in your morning basket
Thanksgiving Themed Pack – Printable Worksheets & Activities
Lots of hands-on learning ideas and printables
Thanksgiving Handwriting and Coloring Pages
Handwriting and coloring in both manuscript (print) and cursive