thanksgiving creative writing middle school

40 Unique Thanksgiving Creative Writing Prompts for Kids of All Ages

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As Thanksgiving approaches, homeschooling becomes an opportunity for more than just education – it’s a canvas for creativity!

In this post, I’m going to help you unlock the magic of Thanksgiving through the art of creative writing in your homeschool. If you’re looking to add some imagination and inspiration to your homeschool lesson plans this month, I’ve crafted a great list of Thanksgiving creative writing prompts and projects your students of ALL ages will love.

At the heart of homeschooling lies the flexibility to explore a wide range of teaching methods, and creative writing is a powerful tool that can ignite young minds (even helping reluctant writers!), foster critical thinking, and nurture self-expression. Whether you have preschoolers or high schoolers, there are writing prompt ideas here for everyone.

Why Creative Writing on Thanksgiving?

You know that Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday filled with favorite food and family gatherings; and it’s a great time of year to weave creative writing into your homeschool lessons!

Why you might ask?

Creative Writing Fosters Self-Expression and Communication Skills

When kids have the opportunity to write creatively, they are empowered to share their thoughts, emotions, and experiences through words. They can be encouraged to find their own unique voice, and communicate effectively!

As homeschool moms, we have the opportunity to create a nurturing environment where our kids can freely express themselves, and holidays like Thanksgiving can be a fun time to do this (when we sometimes stray a bit from our “typical” homeschooling routine).

Creative Writing Encourages Critical Thinking

There are many Thanksgiving creative writing prompts you can use that can encourage critical thinking in your kids: about the world around them, the history and significance of the holiday, cultural aspects of celebrations, or analyzing their own beliefs and experiences

This not only enhances their critical thinking skills but also broadens their understanding of the world.

Creative Writing Can Help Cultivate Gratitude

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, and creative writing provides a great platform for children to reflect on the things they are thankful for.

You can use writing prompts to encourage your children to express their appreciation for family, friends, food, and the simple joys of life. In the process, they will develop a deeper sense of gratitude, a valuable life skill that extends far beyond the holiday season!

Creative Writing Enhances…Creativity!

Creative writing unleashes children’s imaginations! They can create stories, poems, and essays that reflect their unique perspectives on Thanksgiving.

This creativity not only makes learning more enjoyable but also reinforces the idea that there’s no one “right” way to approach a topic. It encourages out-of-the-box thinking and opens the door to imaginative storytelling.

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Creative writing personalizes learning.

Homeschooling allows for personalized education (that’s why we love it so much, right?). Creative writing can be tailored to each child’s skill level and interests.

You can provide age-appropriate prompts and challenges for each of your kids, ensuring that they’re continually challenged and engaged. It’s a flexible tool that can be adapted to suit your child’s learning needs.

Age-Appropriate Creative Writing Prompts for Thanksgiving

So what do writing prompts look like at different ages and stages? How could you adapt and use them for all learners in your homeschool?

Let’s take a look at how to adjust the complexity and expectations of creative writing prompts to cater to your homeschooling needs.

For Younger Kids (Preschool and Elementary School):

• Simple and Concrete Prompts: Younger children may benefit from straightforward, concrete prompts that are easy to understand. For example, “Write a short thank you note to someone you love.”
• Visual Prompts: Incorporating images or drawings alongside the prompts can help younger kids who are still developing their writing skills. They can describe what they see in the picture or write a story based on it.
• Short Sentences: Prompts should be concise and use simple language, ensuring that younger children can grasp the concept quickly.
• Prompt with Leading Questions: Use leading questions to guide their thinking. For instance, “What is your favorite thing about Thanksgiving, and why?”
• Use of Familiar Themes: Leverage familiar themes, such as family, pets, favorite toys, or holiday-related topics like “What’s your favorite Thanksgiving food?” These themes resonate with younger children and make writing more relatable.
• Encourage Drawing and Labeling: Allow younger kids to combine drawing with their writing. They can draw a picture and label it or write a short sentence or phrase to describe it.

For Older Kids (Middle School and High School):

• Abstract and Thought-Provoking Prompts: Older kids can handle more abstract and thought-provoking prompts that require deeper reflection. For example, “Describe a time when you had to show gratitude even when it was difficult.”
• Extended Prompts: Provide more detailed prompts that require a longer response, such as, “Write a short story about a Thanksgiving adventure.”
• Prompts with Multiple Parts: Create prompts with multiple parts or questions to encourage critical thinking and comprehensive responses. For instance, “Explain the history of Thanksgiving and how it has evolved over the years.”
• Incorporate Literary Techniques: Challenge older kids to incorporate literary techniques like metaphors, similes, or alliteration in their writing. For example, “Write a poem that expresses your feelings of gratitude, using metaphors to describe what you’re thankful for.”
• Promote Personal Reflection: Encourage older kids to reflect on their experiences and emotions. Prompts may revolve around introspective questions like, “What does gratitude mean to you, and how has it shaped your life?”
• Research-Based Prompts: Introduce prompts that involve research, analysis, and argumentation. For example, “Research the history of Thanksgiving and write an essay explaining the significance of the holiday.”
• Narrative or Persuasive Writing: For high school students, you can offer prompts that involve narrative storytelling or persuasive writing. They can write a short story about a unique Thanksgiving experience or argue a specific point of view related to the holiday.

Tailoring your creative writing prompts to the age and developmental stage of your kids ensures that they provide the right level of challenge and support for their writing abilities.

Fun Thanksgiving Writing Prompts

Here’s a list of 40 total Thanksgiving creative writing prompts, 10 for each grade/age level.

If you’d like to grab this list in printable form (along with some Thanksgiving theme writing pages!), you can do so here .

Preschool and Kindergarten

These prompts are designed to be simple and engaging for preschool and kindergarten-age kiddos, fostering creativity and gratitude while developing essential writing skills!

• Draw and Describe Your Favorite Thanksgiving Food: Have your child draw a picture of their favorite Thanksgiving dish, and then help them describe it using simple words. For example, “I like turkey. It’s yummy!”
• Write a Thank You Note: Help your child write a thank you note to someone they are grateful for. For example, “Thank you, Mom, for the delicious pie!”
• Create a List of Things You’re Thankful For: Encourage your child to make a list of things they are thankful for, such as family, friends, toys, or pets.
• Draw Your Dream Thanksgiving Meal: Ask your child to draw what their dream Thanksgiving meal would look like, and then have them describe it to you.
• Tell a Story About a Thanksgiving Adventure: Prompt your child to tell a simple story about a Thanksgiving adventure, like going on a turkey hunt or having a special meal with a talking turkey.
• Draw a Thanksgiving Picture and Write a Sentence: Have your child draw a Thanksgiving-themed picture and then write a simple sentence about it. For example, “I see a pumpkin.”
• Write a Sentence About What You Wear on Thanksgiving: Ask your child to describe what they wear on Thanksgiving. For example, “I wear a fancy dress.”
• Draw and Describe a Thanksgiving Tradition: Encourage your child to draw a picture of a Thanksgiving tradition your family has, like watching the parade or playing football, and then describe it.
• Write a Thank You Note to Nature: Help your child write a thank you note to nature for the beautiful fall leaves, and ask them to describe their favorite leaf.
• Create a Simple Thanksgiving Poem: Work with your child to create a short, rhyming Thanksgiving poem. For example, “Turkeys on the run, Thanksgiving has begun. Pumpkin pie so sweet, it’s a special treat.”

Elementary Students

Here are ten creative writing prompts suitable for elementary kids. These prompts are designed to inspire elementary-age children to express themselves creatively and reflect on the meaning of Thanksgiving.

They can be adapted to different grade levels, allowing for varying levels of complexity in the responses.

• Describe Your Perfect Thanksgiving Day: Have your child write a detailed description of what their perfect Thanksgiving day would look like. Encourage them to use vivid language and sensory details.
• Write a Thanksgiving Letter: Ask your child to write a letter to someone they are thankful for, expressing their gratitude and sharing what they appreciate about that person.
• Create a Thanksgiving Acrostic Poem: Have your child write an acrostic poem using the word “THANKSGIVING,” with each letter representing something they are grateful for.
• Tell a Thanksgiving Tale: Encourage your child to write a short story about a Thanksgiving adventure, whether it’s a journey back in time to the first Thanksgiving or a fictional tale about a turkey’s adventure.
• Design a Thanksgiving Menu: Have your child design their own Thanksgiving menu, including appetizers, main dishes, sides, and desserts. They can describe each dish and explain why they chose it.
• Write a Dialogue Between a Turkey and a Pilgrim: Challenge your child to write a dialogue between a Thanksgiving turkey and a Pilgrim. What would they say to each other?
• Describe Your Thanksgiving Traditions: Ask your child to write about the family traditions they follow on Thanksgiving and why they are important.
• If I Were a Thanksgiving Turkey: Have your child imagine they are a Thanksgiving turkey. Ask them to write from the turkey’s perspective, describing their thoughts and feelings.
• Thanksgiving Interview: Encourage your child to “interview” a family member about their favorite Thanksgiving memories and traditions. Write the interview in a question-and-answer format.
• Create a Thanksgiving Poem or Song: Challenge your child to write a poem or song about Thanksgiving. They can choose the theme, whether it’s gratitude, family, or the Thanksgiving feast.

Middle School Students

Here are ten creative writing prompts suitable for middle schoolers:

• Write a Thanksgiving Journal Entry: Have your kids imagine they are a Pilgrim or Native American at the first Thanksgiving. Write a journal entry from their perspective, describing the experience and their thoughts.
• The Great Thanksgiving Escape: Encourage your kids to write a short story about a Thanksgiving turkey’s daring escape from the dinner table. What adventures does the turkey encounter?
• A Thanksgiving Mystery: Challenge your kids to write a mystery story set on Thanksgiving. There’s a missing item or a mysterious event, and they need to solve the case.
• Thanksgiving Around the World: Ask your kids to research and write about how Thanksgiving or similar gratitude-themed holidays are celebrated in other countries. Compare and contrast these traditions with the American Thanksgiving.
• An Interview with a Historical Figure: Have your kids write an imaginary interview with a historical figure from the first Thanksgiving, such as Squanto or William Bradford. What questions would they ask, and how might the historical figure respond?
• The Thanksgiving Feast of the Future: Encourage your kids to envision a futuristic Thanksgiving feast. What new foods, technology, or new Thanksgiving tradition might be part of a Thanksgiving family celebration in the future?
• If You Could Invite Anyone to Thanksgiving: Have your kids write about whom they would invite to their Thanksgiving dinner if they could choose anyone, living or historical. Why did they make these choices?
• A Thanksgiving Poem of Gratitude: Challenge your kids to write a heartfelt poem expressing gratitude for the people, experiences, or things they are thankful for in their life.
• Thanksgiving Traditions Essay: Ask your kids to write an essay discussing their family’s Thanksgiving traditions and how these traditions have evolved over the years.
• The Thanksgiving Debate: Assign a Thanksgiving-related debate topic. For example, “Should Black Friday shopping start on Thanksgiving evening?” Have your kids research and present their arguments in writing.

These prompts are designed to engage middle school students in creative and reflective writing while encouraging them to explore different aspects of the Thanksgiving holiday. They can be adapted to different skill levels and serve as opportunities for critical thinking and self-expression.

High School

Here are ten creative writing prompts suitable for high school-age students, designed to engage them in critical thinking, creativity, and self-expression while encouraging them to explore deeper themes related to Thanksgiving and gratitude. They provide a bit more opportunity for in-depth writing and reflection.

• The Modern Pilgrim: Have students write a first-person narrative from the perspective of a modern-day Pilgrim who time-traveled to experience the first Thanksgiving. What differences and similarities would they observe?
• Thanksgiving Through the Eyes of an Immigrant: Ask students to write a story or reflection from the viewpoint of an immigrant experiencing Thanksgiving in the United States for the first time. What surprises or challenges might they encounter?
• A Thankful Letter to the Future: Encourage students to write a letter to their future selves, expressing gratitude for the people, experiences, and opportunities they hope to have in the years to come.
• The True Meaning of Giving Thanks: Challenge students to write an essay exploring the true essence of giving thanks. What does gratitude mean to them, and how does it relate to the holiday of Thanksgiving?
• The Thanksgiving Experiment: Have students envision a unique Thanksgiving experiment. What happens when people try to celebrate the holiday without food or in complete silence? Write a narrative about the outcomes.
• An Alternative Thanksgiving History: Prompt students to rewrite the history of Thanksgiving from a different perspective. For instance, what would the history be if it were told by Native Americans or African Americans?
• The Thanksgiving Feast of the Future: Encourage students to create a detailed vision of a Thanksgiving feast in the distant future. Describe the cuisine, customs, and technology of this futuristic celebration.
• Thanksgiving Reflection Poem: Ask students to write a reflective poem about the people and things they are thankful for, but with a focus on personal growth and self-discovery.
• The Politics of Thanksgiving: Have students write an essay or op-ed piece discussing the political, cultural, or environmental aspects of Thanksgiving. Explore topics like food sustainability, the representation of Native Americans, or the holiday’s commercialization.
• A Thanksgiving Mystery: Challenge students to write a mystery story set during Thanksgiving. What mysterious event or crime occurs, and how is it solved?

Incorporating Creative Writing into Your Thanksgiving Curriculum

Now that you know why it’s a great idea to get your kids writing creatively during Thanksgiving (and have some great prompts to help you out!), let’s talk about ho w you can actually fit this into your homeschool curriculum.

Creative writing isn’t just an extra activity; it can become a valuable tool for teaching various subjects and skills.

Here are some thoughts on how you can incorporate creative writing into your homeschool curriculum during the holidays:

Set Clear Learning Objectives

In other words…what is your “why” for your activities? What skills or knowledge do you want your children to gain through these creative writing exercises?

Whether it’s improving vocabulary, enhancing descriptive writing, or exploring historical themes, defining objectives will guide your approach and activities.

Theme Integration

Integrate Thanksgiving themes into other subjects! For example, in history, your kids can explore and write about the historical context of Thanksgiving, the Mayflower voyage, and the interactions between the Pilgrims and Native Americans. In science, they might write about topics like the life cycle of a turkey or the fall season.

Creative writing can easily become a cross-disciplinary exercise that enriches your curriculum.

Multimodal Learning

Incorporate various learning styles by combining writing with other forms of communication.

For example, you might have your children create visual representations alongside their creative writing, such as drawings, diagrams, or collages. These multimodal approaches enhance comprehension and memory.

Field Trips and Experiential Learning

Take advantage of the Thanksgiving season by organizing field trips or experiential learning activities. If you can, visit a historical site related to the Pilgrims (or even take a “virtual” field trip if you can’t go in person). Encourage your kids to document these experiences through writing and reflection.

Interactive Storytelling

Foster interactive storytelling by having your children create and perform Thanksgiving-themed plays or share their stories during a Thanksgiving gathering. This not only promotes public speaking skills but also builds a sense of community through shared narratives.

Fun Thanksgiving Writing Activities

Finally, Thanksgiving provides a fantastic opportunity for students to take on creative writing projects that go beyond a daily writing prompt.

The following fun writing activities not only encourage imagination and self-expression, but also allow kids to dive deeper into the spirit of the holiday. Here are some inspiring Thanksgiving creative writing projects for your homeschool:

Thanksgiving Journals

Thanksgiving journals are a great way for your kids to document their thoughts, feelings, and experiences throughout the holiday season.

These journals can include daily reflections on gratitude, descriptions of Thanksgiving traditions, and even illustrations. This project will encourage consistent writing and self-expression.

Short Stories or Essays on Gratitude

Challenge your kids to craft short stories or essays centered on the theme of gratitude.

They can write fictional tales that revolve around characters learning the value of thankfulness, or they can write personal essays discussing the people, moments, or experiences for which they are most thankful.

Letters of Thanks

Involve your kids in writing letters of gratitude to family members, friends, or even community helpers like firefighters, teachers, or healthcare workers.

This project not only hones their writing skills but also nurtures empathy and thankfulness.

Creating Thanksgiving-Themed Poetry

Encourage your kids to explore the world of poetry by composing Thanksgiving-themed poems!

They can experiment with different forms like haikus, sonnets, or free verse to express their feelings of gratitude, the beauty of autumn, or the essence of the holiday.

Historical Narratives

Delve into the history of Thanksgiving by challenging your children to write historical narratives.

These narratives can explore the events surrounding the first Thanksgiving, the Mayflower voyage, or the interactions between the Pilgrims and Native Americans.

Research, storytelling, and writing converge in this educational project.

Thanksgiving Recipe Book

Combine creativity with practicality by creating a family Thanksgiving recipe book!

Have your children write short descriptions of their favorite Thanksgiving dishes, along with the recipes. Illustrations or photographs can accompany the descriptions, turning this project into a cherished keepsake.

Diary of a Thanksgiving Turkey

In a humorous twist, encourage your children to write a diary from the perspective of a Thanksgiving turkey. What would the turkey think and experience in the days leading up to the holiday? This imaginative exercise encourages creative storytelling.

Comparative Thanksgiving Analysis

For older students, have them research and write an analytical essay comparing Thanksgiving traditions and celebrations in different parts of the country or even in different countries. This project promotes research skills, critical thinking, and cultural understanding.

Thanksgiving Play or Skit

For a hands-on project that combines creative writing with performance, encourage your students to write a Thanksgiving play or skit.

They can perform it for family members during the Thanksgiving celebration, bringing their writing to life in a fun and interactive way.

These Thanksgiving creative writing projects offer a wide range of opportunities for your kids to explore their creativity, strengthen their writing skills, and deepen their understanding of the holiday’s significance. Choose the project that resonates most with your family and watch the magic of Thanksgiving come to life through the written word!

Homeschool Creative Writing Resources

I hope this post was helpful to you in giving some ideas for incorporating creative writing into your Thanksgiving homeschooling plans!

Make sure to grab my Thanksgiving Creative Writing Prompts printable to get a copy of all 40 prompts listed in this post, along with some cute Thanksgiving writing papers for your kids to use with their writing!

You might also like these FREE Creative Writing Graphic Organizers to help your kids organize their ideas as they write throughout the year.

Happy writing, and Happy Thanksgiving!

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Simple Yet Meaningful Thanksgiving Writing Activities

Looking for a way to engage your secondary ELA students this holiday season? Try using simple yet meaningful Thanksgiving writing activities to keep your classes focused and interested during those final days before fall break.

It can be challenging to think of ways to keep middle and high school students engaged around the holidays. Through trial and error, I’ve found that the best approach is to channel their energy about the upcoming season in lessons instead of plowing through our units as usual. But how? It’s also important to maintain the integrity and rigor of our curriculums. I have a few ideas.

THANKSGIVING WRITING ACTIVITIES

1. thank you emails.

Asking students to practice writing thank you emails (or letters!) blesses others and also helps students to hone their real-world writing skills. This year, especially, people can use a few kind words to lift their spirits. Here’s a free lesson you can download to get started. Spread positivity and encouragement around the world.

2. Turkey Pardon Plea

Get creative. Read  this article   and Watch  this video clip   about the United States’ Thanksgiving tradition of pardoning turkeys. Then, have students participate in a creative writing assignment. Ask them to take on the persona of a turkey who is vying for that coveted spot of being pardoned to a life of luxurious retirement. In their piece, students should work on developing a specific voice. How would a turkey in this situation share his or her plea? Would it be most effective to be humorous, desperate, cunning, argumentative, defensive, or despondent? Write along with your teens, and have fun laughing as you share your responses.

3. Write about Theme

As a class, watch this video clip . Have students respond to the narrator’s message and the symbolism of the images. What is the central idea or theme of this inspirational, nonfiction clip? How do the film creator and narrator develop it?

Or, watch this short film . Use this video as an opportunity to write about theme. Ask students to brainstorm possible lessons viewers should take away from this story, and then begin identifying text evidence that supports the development of the theme. This video clip would also work well for making personal connections with the theme. If students need ideas of where to start, you may want to host a brief discussion about how Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for us to express empathy and compassion for others who may be hurting.

4. Figurative Language

Memes can be an engaging way to incorporate informal Thanksgiving writing activities into the classroom. Pictures often communicate an idea far better than a paragraph of words. As a class, study some examples of irony, comedy, or allusion in Thanksgiving memes. Then, encourage students to create one of their own to share! You will find plenty of examples if you search Google for “Thanksgiving memes.”

Another way we can incorporate figurative language into our holiday lessons is by studying holiday idioms and expressions. What types of phrases do English speakers use this time of year that have both a literal and figurative meaning? This lesson is important when studying formal versus informal language as well as with ELL students who are not familiar with the figurative meanings.

5. Picture Book Patterns

Try reading picture books about thankfulness. A few of my favorites are How to Catch a Turkey by Adam Wallace, Dav Pilkey’s ‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving , Room for Everyone , and A Little Thanksgiving SPOT by Diane Albers. Ask students to get together in small groups and discuss behaviors, attitudes, and dialogue that convey an attitude of gratitude. Do the characters in each book do similar things…or different? Then, ask students to reflect on how they personally show thankful hearts. In the midst of daily stressors, how can setting our minds on what we have to be thankful for keep us healthy?

6. Documentary Analysis

Watch the high-interest and unique documentary My Life as a Turkey .  As students watch the film, they can practice a variety of reading strategies. For example, have them keep a t-chart with a running list of questions the movie make them think of and possible answers. Students can also include interesting facts and thoughts about them on the t-chart. With this documentary, students can make a variety of inferences and predictions, summarize and sequence, and even analyze the theme of an informational text.

7. Gratitude Mindfulness Journaling

Have students complete some gratitude journaling . These low stakes writing assignments teach students about a specific social emotional element of thankfulness. For example, exercising can increase our mental health and help us to feel more grateful! As students write, they can also color and doodle, making this journaling activity perfect for a bell ringer. Students can participate in a rhythmic, calm writing session to regulate themselves for the class period that lies ahead.

8. Top 10 List

Families appreciate when students bring home information to share at the Thanksgiving dinner table. Ask students to write a Top 10 list of what they are most thankful for. BUT! Don’t make this just any old list. If you want to add a twist of fun, watch Kid President’s 25 Things to be Thankful For video and then generate an equally light-hearted list.

For an added level of difficulty or to differentiate, you could also have them research Thanksgiving and write down the Top 10 most interesting facts about the holiday or the Top 10 Thanksgiving myths everyone believes. Students could then turn their research into a 3 Truths and a Lie game to share their findings. To further tie this activity into your writing standards, have students work on properly citing their facts in MLA format.

9. Research Then and Now

People too often celebrate holidays without asking important questions about why they are significant, what they mean, and how they’ve evolved. Ask students to research the origin of Thanksgiving. How did it begin? What was it like? How do their findings compare with the cultural norms surrounding their Thanksgiving today? Allow students to explore differences in Thanksgiving traditions, and give them time to talk about how each of their experiences is unique.  

Learning during the holiday season can be fun, even in the secondary classroom! Try one (or more) of these ideas this Thanksgiving writing activities to engage your students and share some laughter.

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BEST THANKSGIVING WRITING PROMPTS

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Black friday is the one day of the year where the devil makes selling your soul a good thing, although there are some bizarre t’s & c’s., write a story about somebody trying to rationalize giving into temptation, even though they know they shouldn’t., your character finally gives into a temptation they've been avoiding, and becomes better because of it., at some point in your story, a character says “you’re better than this…”., your family’s holiday dinners always end with everyone at each other’s throats. this year you’re determined to keep a low profile, but your patience is being put to the test..

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Start your story with someone saying, sarcastically, "What have I got to be thankful for?"

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Write about a character who is back home for the holidays, and finds that nothing has changed.

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The best Thanksgiving writing prompts

Ah, Thanksgiving. The holiday of (burnt) turkeys, (dysfunctional) families, (awkward) dinners, (controversial) pilgrims, and (questionable) history. Of course, that's not all there is to Thanksgiving — there's also a lot of gratitude, traditions, emotional comings-together, and, of course, pie. 

And if you think that all of this would make the perfect storm for a story, you're right! We've even got all the Thanksgiving writing prompts you need to get started. Whether you're a teacher guiding kids through fun writing activities or a writer looking to practice some writing just in time for Thanksgiving, here's to giving thanks to all of the stories that get us through life. 

If you're looking to cut to the chase, here are our top ten Thanksgiving writing prompts:

• "What are YOU doing here for Thanksgiving?"
• Write about a Thanksgiving meal from the perspective of someone who is not grateful. 
• Your character's father stands up to give a speech at Thanksgiving. What he says next surprises everyone.
• It's Thanksgiving, and somebody's forgotten the turkey.
• Write about someone whose turkey recipe is to die for — literally.
• Your character has a plan. They're going to save the turkeys. All of them.
• Write a story about a family dinner from the perspective of an in-law who's married into the family.
• Write a story about a family dinner that includes someone unexpectedly showing up.

If you’re interested in branching out beyond Thanksgiving and becoming an author of all seasons, check out our free resources on the topic:

• Reedsy's guide to crafting your first novel  — Writing a novel might seem like an impossible task at the beginning, but it’s completely doable if you know all of the ingredients that go into a book. This blog post will boil a novel down to its bare essence, including plot, structure, characters, and pacing so that you can get started on your own masterpiece. 

Ready to start writing? Check out  Reedsy’s weekly short story contest  for the chance of winning $250! You can also check out our list of  writing contests  or our directory of  literary magazines  for more opportunities to submit your story.

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5 Thanksgiving Activities to Use in Middle School ELA

Looking for creative ways to integrate Thanksgiving activities into your middle school ELA curriculum this year? Look no further! I’ve put together a list of 5 of my favorite engaging  Thanksgiving reading and writing activities  that will get your students feeling thankful while developing their ELA skills at the same time!

1. Thanksgiving Figurative Language

The first activity that you might consider using is Thanksgiving figurative language.   This activity will help sharpen your students’ understanding of figurative language by having them identify examples of metaphor, simile, onomatopoeia, personification, oxymoron, and alliteration from a list of Thanksgiving-inspired quotes.

Give students a list of 20 figurative language sentences that each relate to Thanksgiving in some way. And don’t stop at the turkey in your examples. You can also draw on things like Football, the changing of the leaves, the history of Thanksgiving, and anything else that connects to this holiday. Here are a few that I like to use myself…

• “The sound of silence filled the room as the quarterback hurled a touchdown throw.”
• “The leaves fell gracefully to the ground, twirling like ballerinas.”
• “The turkey was a magnet, drawing in all members of the family with its delicious scent.”

I will typically put students into pairs and have the class complete to see which pair can complete them all correctly first.  This adds a fun element and students always get into it.  Once students have finished, I like to go over the answers as a class. This usually leads to some meaningful Thanksgiving-related discussion!

2. Thank You, Ma’am by Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes’ short story “Thank You, Ma’am” might not be directly about Thanksgiving, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not an extremely fitting story to teach around this time of the year. As its title suggests, the spirit of the holiday is central to “Thank you, Ma’am.”

In Hughes’ story, a boy tries to steal the purse of a woman who is walking home alone at night. When the boy is unable to get away with his crime, he expects punishment. Instead, Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones brings him home and offers him a kindness that he will never forget.

I like to start off teaching this short story with some pre-reading discussion questions that relate to the story indirectly. This, along with a little background context on the author, helps warm students up to the ideas in the story before getting them to read the text itself.

After they’re finished reading the story, I have students complete some work with character analysis of Mrs. Jones and Roger, dive deeper into the story with some analysis questions , and end off the lesson with a creative response where students take on the role of Roger and write a letter to Mrs. Jones 10 years after their encounter.

3. Save the Turkey Persuasive Writing

Another fun Thanksgiving activity you can use in your middle school ELA classroom is  s ave the turkey persuasive writing . For this activity, your students will have to imagine themselves as a turkey on a farm who has just heard an awful rumor: they will be the Turkey who was chosen for Thanksgiving supper! Your students will need to write convincingly in order to persuade the farmer to reconsider…

Instead of getting them to start writing right away, you can take this opportunity to give students some tips for improving their persuasive writing skills, such as:

• Factual vs Emotional Arguments:  Tell students to make sure that their reasons are not just emotional, but that they are logical and based on factual elements.
• Counter Arguments: Get them to anticipate the opposing arguments and come up with something to counter that point.
• Formal vs Informal Style : Persuasive writing should have a more formal style. Encourage students to use strong vocabulary words and to avoid dead or overused words (i.e. good, bad, happy, sad, etc.).

I like to also take this opportunity to give students tips for organizing their writing. I like to have them use a persuasive pre-writing planning sheet to help them get started, and I remind them how to write a strong introduction, body paragraph, and conclusion. You can complete this activity by having students share what they wrote in front of the class. Or, you can get them to share their writing in small groups.

4. Thanksgiving Menu Assignment

The Thanksgiving menu reading assignment   is the ELA equivalent to a delicious, three-course Thanksgiving supper! It involves a side dish, main course, and dessert. This Thanksgiving-themed activity can serve as the post-reading assessment for any short story or novel. Your students will complete assignments on the menu, one from each of the three courses below…

For the side dish, I assign students ELA skills-based tasks that they should be able to complete rather quickly. Like any great side dish, these should serve to complement the main one. Here’s an example of a side dish assignment your students’ might do:

• Make a Venn Diagram comparing the similarities and differences between the setting of the reading to where you live.

Main Course

The main course is where you can really get your students to dive deep into story elements and analyze important aspects of the text. Here’s an example of a main course menu item that you can assign your students:

• Write a paragraph about the main character in your reading. Consider writing about their physical appearance, personality traits, relationships with others, and whether they change/develop or remain the same.

For what many would say is the best part of the meal, the dessert, I get students to respond creatively to what they are reading. Here’s an example of a dessert option that your students can choose to further connect themselves to the text:

• Write a short poem or song about the reading. It could be about an event or about a character.

These are each just one example of the different kinds of assignments you can give for the three courses, but I usually like to give them three  to choose from for each course to allow for differentiation, and I supply organizers for each of the choices as well.

5. Thanksgiving Descriptive Writing

The last Thanksgiving activity I want to suggest is Thanksgiving descriptive writing.   You can start this activity by giving your students a lesson on descriptive language by teaching them about the power of using imagery and comparisons (metaphor, simile, and hyperbole) in their writing.

Then, as a final project, you can get them to apply what they’ve learned by writing a descriptive paragraph on something Thanksgiving-related. Here are a few possible topics you can give them to activate their descriptive language:

• Jumping into a pile of fall leaves
• Thanksgiving dinner
• A football game

I also give students pre-writing worksheets  that prompt them to think about the imagery and comparisons they will use in their descriptive writing. I get them to categorize each of the sensory words they will use to describe their topic next to images representing the five senses. Then, I have them write out metaphors, similes, and hyperbole that will improve the imagery of their descriptions.

If you are interested in grabbing all the resources mentioned above in a ready-to-use bundle, you can click the image below.

BONUS: Thanksgiving Reading Mystery

You can also mix things up ahead of Thanksgiving with a  Thanksgiving reading mystery . Reading mysteries are a  fun way to engage your students and challenge them to look for text evidence, infer information, and read more closely. Because who doesn’t love a good mystery?

The premise is that Mary is hosting the family Thanksgiving dinner, and when she takes the topper off to reveal the delicious pumpkin pie, she notices that it’s gone! Someone has eaten the whole thing, and it’s up to your students to determine who was the most likely culprit. You can click here to check out the Mystery of the Missing Pumpkin Pie here   or learn more about the full-year program here.

There you have it! I hope you and your students have a wonderful Thanksgiving experience in your ELA classroom! If you’re looking ahead at ELA activities for the winter, I talk about the perfect idea for you in another post.

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30 Thanksgiving Writing Prompts

Thinking about another slice of pie and what you’re going to watch on TV, whether it’s football, the parade, or Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, makes it easy for everyone to forget what Thanksgiving is supposed to be about and why it’s such an important holiday to celebrate for Americans.

In particular, for children it’s difficult to ever understand the holiday properly unless they’re given the opportunity.

That’s why having them work on writing prompts about Thanksgiving is a great way to give them a moment to be thoughtful and really appreciate Thanksgiving fully.

How To Use These Prompts

These prompts are best to be used throughout the month of November, leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday.

In doing so, they should give students a better understanding of both the history of Thanksgiving, as well as why and how we celebrate it.

These prompts can be worked on as solo assignments, but it’s always good to also discuss them as a group, because this will open up students to a deeper and more well-rounded understanding of the question or topic at hand.

The Thanksgiving Writing Prompts

• Why do we celebrate Thanksgiving?
• What do you have to be thankful for?
• How do you show that you’re thankful for something?
• Why is it important to show thanks to those who deserve it in your life?
• What role do Native Americans play in the Thanksgiving story?
• How should we celebrate Native Americans today?
• What foods does your family have at Thanksgiving? Which is your favorite?
• What traditions are specific to your family on Thanksgiving?
• Do you watch football on Thanksgiving? Why is this seen as an important tradition?
• Does your family like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? Why?
• Can you think of any movies or books that use Thanksgiving Day as an important plot point? How do they use it?
• Why is spending time with family important?
• Abraham Lincoln made Thanksgiving a holiday during the Civil War. Why would it be important to be thankful during a violent conflict?
• What is the weather usually like on Thanksgiving? How does it make you feel?
• Every year the president pardons a turkey, meaning that he sets it free. Why do you think this tradition started?
• How do you think the foods eaten on Thanksgiving change depending on where in the country you live?
• Following Thanksgiving is generally seen as the start of the Christmas season. Why do you think there is no break between the two?
• Do you like Black Friday, or try to ignore it? Why?
• If you could go to Thanksgiving dinner with any historical figure, who would you choose? What would you talk about?
• Who cooks Thanksgiving dinner in your family? Is this how your family normally cooks?
• Do you like Thanksgiving? Why or why not?
• Has your opinion changed on Thanksgiving over time? Why?
• What does it mean to be grateful?
• During the Great Depression, President Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving a week earlier to allow more time for buying and selling products before Christmas. Why would he put consumerism ahead of tradition? Can this be felt today?
• Why do people tend to give more food, clothes, and toys to charity during Thanksgiving and the holiday season?
• Can you think of any songs about Thanksgiving, the way there are songs about Christmas? Why do you think there are fewer songs about Thanksgiving?
• A lot of people want to travel around thanksgiving. Because of this, travel prices go up. Is it fair that it costs more to travel to see family and friends around the holidays? Why or why not?
• How does the story of the first Thanksgiving contrast with how Native Americans were treated by settlers in the years that followed?
• What do you know about the Pilgrims, and why were they so important to American history?
• Are you familiar with the poem, “Over the river and through the wood?” What does it mean to you?

Looking For More Information?

Teachers looking for more resources and writing prompts can find them throughout this website.

You might also find our gratitude journal prompts for kids helpful, or maybe you’re wanting to inspire some thoughtful writing about kindness .

If you’re enjoying this site, please share it with your family, friends, and colleagues!

If there is anything missing that you would like to see here, please reach out to us. 🙂

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5 Fun Thanksgiving Writing Prompts

With Thanksgiving approaching, students seem to be bouncing off the walls. Why not tap into that boundless energy with some fun writing activities?

The following activities work especially well for elementary and middle school students. You can adapt them for in-class writing or expand them into larger projects.

1. Origin Stories

"Family traditions reveal what you value enough to repeat, and—if done with love—build warm, happy associations."

—Daniel Willingham

Does your family follow any special Thanksgiving traditions? In a mini research project, explore the origin of a family tradition:

• What is the tradition?
• Where does it come from?
• Who is responsible for carrying it on?

Talk to people close to you to learn more about it.

As an alternative, build an argument for a new Thanksgiving tradition. Answer the same questions as above but also give reasons to adopt the new tradition. 

Get the Google Doc. 

2. Thanksgiving Foods, Ranked

Thanksgiving is a foodie extravaganza. Turkey, stuffing, pie—yum, yum, yum! Which dishes are your favorite? Which ones do you avoid? Rank the food at your Thanksgiving celebration from worst to first. Give reasons for each choice. Present your final rankings in a BuzzFeed-like style, using  this article as a model .

Get the Google Doc.

3. The Great Gobbler Escape

In a wild turn of events, your Thanksgiving turkey has come to life on the morning of the big holiday. Write a creative story from the perspective of the turkey as it attempts to escape to safety. What destination does it have in mind? How does it get there, if at all? 

4. Turkey-Day Camera Roll

If you could describe your Thanksgiving day in three photos, what would they show? Describe each picture—whether real or make believe. Make sure to explain who is in it, what is happening, where it is happening, and when it is happening. Use sensory details such as colors, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures to bring each photograph to life. Arrange your photo descriptions chronologically.

5. Then and Now

Interview a grandparent or other older person about past Thanksgivings. (If the person comes from a culture that doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving, ask about a different holiday or family gathering.) Ask about traditions, food choices, and favorite memories. How did the person’s experiences compare to yours? In a brief essay, explore the similarities and differences.

Teacher Support

Consider this support as you introduce the prompts.

Learning Objectives

By responding to these prompts, students will . . .

• Express their creativity through writing.
• Demonstrate a deeper appreciation for their family history and traditions.
• Use sensory language to capture action and convey experiences and events.
• Write clearly and coherently for an authentic task, purpose, and audience.

Note:  Some prompts will fulfill additional genre-based objectives.

Teaching Tips

• Adjust each prompt's language to meet the needs of your students.
• Accommodate students whose families may not celebrate Thanksgiving. Invite them to write about other cultural holidays or traditions. For instance, a student could apply the food rankings activity to a different gathering or celebration.
• Encourage students to add images or other visuals to their writing.

Teacher Support:

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The State Standards provide a way to evaluate your students' performance.

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Thanksgiving Writing Paper Plus 15 Gratitude Writing Prompts

Nurture a spirit of gratitude in your students.

Will you be doing some Thanksgiving writing this season? Then you need our free Thanksgiving writing paper! Plus, check out our list of 15 gratitude writing prompts below.

Just submit your email to get your free Thanksgiving writing paper, featuring leaves, pumpkins, turkeys, and a beautiful design featuring the word grateful . Print it on white paper or use pretty fall colors to add to the festive feel.

  Yes! I Want My Thanksgiving Writing Paper

Thanksgiving writing prompts to inspire gratitude and reflection:

• What about your family or friends are you most grateful for? Why?
• What book are you most grateful for having read?
• What are three of your very favorite things to do? Why do you like to do them?
• What is your favorite holiday and why?
• What is your favorite season and why?
• What is something special about you that others might not know?
• What is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen outdoors?
• What is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen indoors?
• Share something another person currently does or once did for you for which you are grateful. It could be something they do every day, once in a while, or did only once.
• What are some ways that your body or mind is strong?
• What from the school year so far are you most proud of?
• What is your favorite food to eat during Thanksgiving or another family celebration?
• What is something you hope to remember about your life right now when you are a grown-up?
• What is something from your past that you are thankful for?
• What are you grateful for about your school?

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38 Meaningful Gratitude Activities for Kids 

From gratitude stones to handwritten letters. Continue Reading

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5 {fun} Thanksgiving writing prompts for your homeschool

by Kim Kautzer | Oct 11, 2017 | Writing & Journal Prompts

It can get pretty hectic around the house in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Instead of assigning your children their normal writing schoolwork, why not take a little break and let them choose one of these clever creative writing prompts ? For added fun, have them read their stories after Thanksgiving dinner!

1. Gobble! Gobble! Tweet!

Imagine you are the Thanksgiving turkey . It is your good fortune to discover that the Farmer accidentally left the door to the house ajar. You sneak in unnoticed. Quickly, you find the computer and login to Twitter .

You have just enough time to type five tweets. What will you say to your followers in no more than 280 characters (not words!) per tweet?

2. Invitation to Dinner

Suppose  you can invite one special person , living or dead, to share your family’s Thanksgiving dinner this year. Would you choose a favorite relative who lives far away? A famous explorer you have studied in school? The Queen of England? Your best friend who moved away?

Think about who you would invite, and then write down 10 questions you would like to ask this person .

3. Thanksgiving Traditions

What does your family do for Thanksgiving? Do you host a big gathering at your house? Do you travel to another state to visit grandparents? Is Thanksgiving a small get-together, or is the house packed with friends and family? Who does the cooking? Does your family have  traditions , such as playing games, watching football, or putting puzzles together?

Write about how you spend Thanksgiving , describing the sights, sounds, flavors, and aromas of the day. Use this Thanksgiving Word Bank if you need help thinking of strong, descriptive words.

4. Leaf Pile Adventure

After Thanksgiving dinner, you and your cousin decide to explore the neighborhood. At the end of the street, you notice a giant pile of leaves.

Together, you make a running start and leap right into the middle of the pile! Suddenly, the ground opens up beneath you, and you find yourselves sliding down a steep slide.

Write a story about what happens when you land at the bottom of the slide . Where are you? Include three different things that happen on your adventure , and conclude your story by telling how you and your cousin get back home.

5. A Feast of Favorites

At the first Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims and Indians ate foods such as wild turkey, venison, berries, squash, corn, roasted eels, and shellfish.

If you could go back in time to that historic event, what would you bring to share with your new friends? Make a list of 3-5 of your personal favorite Thanksgiving foods, and describe each one .

Did you enjoy using these 5 Thanksgiving writing prompts in your homeschool? Don’t just stop at the holidays! Now the kids can journal all year long with PRINTABLE Journal All Year! Writing Prompt Calendars .

Each set is jam-packed with dozens of topics ranging from silly to serious. Choose Journal All Year! Writing Prompts (elementary) or Journal All Year! Essay Prompts (teens) . Just $3.50 each!

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• Thanksgiving Writing Prompts for Middle School Students

Thanksgiving is a great time to engage middle school students in writing prompts. There are many fun and creative prompts available, such as writing a letter as a turkey convincing Americans not to eat turkey for Thanksgiving, making a Top 10 list of things they are thankful for, and writing a script for their favorite TV show’s Thanksgiving episode. These prompts encourage students to think deeply, express their thoughts and emotions, and develop their writing skills.

But that’s not all! Middle schoolers can also dive into the world of creative writing with prompts that include writing an acrostic poem, describing their favorite Thanksgiving dish, and even crafting a story about a mom’s Black Friday shopping adventure.

Not only do these prompts spark creativity, but they also allow students to reflect on the meaning of Thanksgiving and express gratitude. Students can explore Thanksgiving traditions, delve into the importance of being thankful, and consider the true meaning behind this special holiday.

So, if you’re a middle school teacher or parent looking for engaging Thanksgiving writing topics, look no further! This article will provide a variety of prompts that will inspire your middle schoolers to think deeply, write passionately, and experience the joy of creative expression during the Thanksgiving season.

• Exploring the Meaning of Thanksgiving and Gratitude

Another set of writing prompts for middle school students revolves around exploring the meaning of Thanksgiving and expressing gratitude. These prompts will encourage students to think deeply, reflect on Thanksgiving traditions, and consider the importance of being thankful.

One prompt idea is to have students write about their favorite Thanksgiving tradition and explain why it is meaningful to them. This allows them to reflect on the activities they enjoy most during the holiday and express their gratitude for these cherished moments. Additionally, students can write about a time when they felt grateful and why that experience had such an impact on them.

Another prompt idea is to ask students to imagine they are hosting Thanksgiving dinner for their family and friends. They can write about the preparations they would make, the menu they would plan, and how they would create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This prompt encourages students to think about the importance of hospitality and the joy of gathering loved ones together.

By engaging middle school students with writing prompts that delve into the meaning of Thanksgiving and cultivate gratitude, teachers can help them develop their critical thinking skills and foster a sense of appreciation. These prompts provide an opportunity for students to express their thoughts and emotions, enhancing their writing abilities while encouraging a deeper understanding of the holiday’s significance.

In conclusion, Thanksgiving writing prompts provide an excellent opportunity to engage middle school students, encourage thoughtful reflection, and foster creativity in the classroom. With a wide range of prompts available, students can explore different themes such as Thanksgiving traditions, gratitude, and the meaning of being thankful.

These writing prompts allow students to dive deep into their thoughts and emotions, helping them develop their writing skills while expressing themselves in a meaningful way. From writing a letter as a persuasive turkey to creating a Top 10 list of things they are thankful for, these prompts encourage students to think outside the box and explore their creativity.

Furthermore, prompts focused on gratitude and reflecting on Thanksgiving traditions help students understand the importance of being thankful and appreciative. Whether they are describing their favorite Thanksgiving dish or writing a story about a mom’s Black Friday shopping adventure, students can tap into their own experiences and observations, enhancing their understanding of the holiday.

By incorporating these middle school Thanksgiving-themed writing prompts into the curriculum, teachers can empower their students to embrace their writing skills, expand their imagination, and develop a deeper appreciation for the holiday. Thanksgiving becomes more than just a day off; it becomes an opportunity for personal growth, self-expression, and community connection.

• Source Links
• https://www.weareteachers.com/thanksgiving-writing-paper-prompts/
• https://www.journalbuddies.com/prompts-for-holidays/thanksgiving-journal-prompts/
• https://minds-in-bloom.com/20-thanksgiving-writing-prompts/

Thanksgiving Reading Comprehension Activities for Middle School

November is the perfect time to incorporate Thanksgiving reading comprehension activities into your middle school classroom. You’ve survived the chaos of Halloween and you still have a few weeks before the chaos before Christmas break begins. You even have several days off to look forward to in the month! Make the most of your instructional time with these enjoyable reading comprehension activities and worksheets that focus on essential skills!

Thanksgiving Writing Activities to Get Your Students Writing

There are a variety of writing prompts that focus on Thanksgiving. I like to have my students write a paragraph every week explaining something they’re grateful for. You can also have students write a longer narrative about a favorite holiday memory or meal. Students could also research the history of harvest celebrations and write a longer paper based on what they find!

Middle School Students Thanksgiving Reading Comprehension Activities & Worksheets

I fondly remember doing fun and creative activities at school during the holidays, but it is often difficult for teachers to find fun holiday activities that are aligned to the standards. That’s why I created my Thanksgiving Reading Comprehension Activities & Worksheets bundle! This bundle is perfect for the days before Thanksgiving when your students have a hard time focusing.

My students really love these context clues color by number worksheets! They read a Thanksgiving-themed sentence and then use context clues to determine the meaning of unknown words. They’ll then color in boxes based on the answers to reveal a mystery image! Students will love getting to color, and you’ll love that they’re practicing an important skill.

The bundle also includes two differentiated reading comprehension passages. These passages include two reading levels so that you can help students who may struggle with reading comprehension. The passages include context clues questions, reading comprehension questions, and a writing assignment.

I also included a Thanksgiving text message analysis activity in this bundle. My text message analysis activities are very popular. Students enjoy the cell phone format so much that they don’t even realize that they’re making inferences and citing evidence! The Thanksgiving-themed messages will keep the holiday spirit going while your students are actively engaged in learning.

The holidays can be stressful for teachers, but they don’t have to be! These Thanksgiving reading comprehension activities & worksheets for middle schoolers are exactly what you need to be festive in your classroom without compromising learning opportunities.

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100 Creative Writing Prompts for Middle and Grade School Students

Creative writing is an important activity for middle and grade school students, as it nurtures imagination, enhances writing skills, and promotes self-expression.

Writing prompts provide a structured yet open-ended way for young writers to explore new ideas and build confidence in their abilities.

Here are 100 creative writing prompts designed specifically for middle and grade school students to inspire their creativity and help them develop their writing talents.

You can also download these from the link just below and at the end of the article

How to Use Creative Writing Prompts

Using creative writing prompts with middle and grade school students can be both fun and educational. Here are some steps to make the most out of these prompts:

• Choose a Prompt : Select a prompt that aligns with the students’ interests or current lessons. Make sure it is age-appropriate and exciting.
• Set a Writing Time : Allocate a specific amount of time for the writing activity, such as 10-20 minutes. This helps students focus and stay on task.
• Encourage Free Writing : Allow students to write freely without worrying too much about spelling or grammar. The goal is to get their ideas flowing.
• Share and Discuss : After writing, encourage students to share their stories with the class. This builds confidence and helps them learn from each other.
• Reflect and Expand : Discuss the stories and provide positive feedback. Encourage students to expand on their ideas and develop their stories further.

Tips for Using Prompts:

• Be Flexible : Allow students to interpret the prompts in their own way. There are no right or wrong answers.
• Incorporate Visuals : Use pictures or objects related to the prompts to stimulate imagination.
• Make it Fun : Turn it into a game or challenge, such as a “story of the day” or “writing marathon.”
• Encourage Creativity : Praise creative and unique ideas to boost students’ confidence and motivation.

Benefits of Creative Writing Prompts:

• Enhance Creativity : Prompts encourage students to think outside the box and use their imagination.
• Improve Writing Skills : Regular writing practice helps improve grammar, vocabulary, and overall writing ability.
• Build Confidence : Successfully completing writing tasks boosts students’ confidence and self-expression.
• Promote Critical Thinking : Analyzing prompts and developing stories helps build critical thinking skills.

Creative writing prompts are a great way to engage middle and grade school students in writing activities. They provide a structured yet flexible way to explore ideas and develop writing skills in a fun and supportive environment.

We also have Creative writing prompts for high school students here on the site as well.

Fantasy and Imagination

• Magic Pet : Imagine you have a magical pet. What kind of pet is it, and what adventures do you go on together?
• Secret Door : Write a story about finding a secret door in your school. Where does it lead?
• Superhero for a Day : If you could be a superhero for a day, what powers would you have, and how would you use them?
• Living in a Fairy Tale : Write about living in your favorite fairy tale. What role do you play?
• Time Travel : Imagine you can travel through time. Where do you go, and what do you see?
• Invisible for a Day : What would you do if you were invisible for a day?
• Talking Animals : If animals could talk, what would they say? Write a conversation between you and your pet.
• Wizard School : Describe your first day at a school for wizards. What classes do you take?
• Magic Potion : You find a magic potion that grants one wish. What do you wish for, and what happens?
• Adventure in Space : Imagine traveling to another planet. What is it like, and who do you meet?

Real-Life Scenarios

• Best Day Ever : Write about the best day you’ve ever had. What made it so special?
• Neighborhood Detective : You are a detective solving a mystery in your neighborhood. What clues do you find?
• Helping Hand : Describe a time when you helped someone. How did it make you feel?
• Dream Vacation : Write about your dream vacation. Where do you go, and what do you do?
• New Hobby : You decide to try a new hobby. What is it, and what do you learn?
• Favorite Holiday : Describe your favorite holiday and how you celebrate it.
• A Day with a Celebrity : Spend a day with your favorite celebrity. What do you do together?
• School Play : Write about being in a school play. What character do you play, and what is the story about?
• Pen Pal Adventure : You have a pen pal from another country. Write about your first letter to them.
• Sports Hero : Imagine you are a famous athlete. What sport do you play, and what challenges do you face ?

Animals and Nature

• Bird’s Eye View : Write a story from the perspective of a bird flying over your town. What do you see?
• Animal Adventure : If you could be any animal for a day, what would you be, and what would you do?
• Garden Fairy : Imagine you discover a fairy living in your garden. What adventures do you go on together?
• Forest Friends : Write about a day in the life of animals living in a forest .
• Underwater World : Describe an adventure under the sea. What creatures do you meet?
• Rescue Mission : You rescue an injured animal. How do you help it recover?
• Pet’s Perspective : Write a story from the perspective of your pet. What do they think about their day?
• Wild Safari : Imagine going on a safari. What animals do you see, and what adventures do you have?
• Seasonal Changes : Describe how your favorite place changes with the seasons.
• Nature Walk : Write about a walk in the woods. What do you see, hear, and feel?

Adventure and Exploration

• Hidden Treasure : Imagine you find a map leading to hidden treasure. What do you discover?
• Pirate’s Life : Write about a day at sea as a pirate searching for treasure.
• Mountain Climb : Describe an adventure climbing a mountain. What challenges do you face?
• Desert Journey : Write about traveling through a desert. What do you encounter?
• Island Survival : You are stranded on a deserted island. How do you survive and what do you do?
• Space Mission : Describe a mission to explore outer space. What do you discover?
• Haunted House : Write a story about exploring a haunted house. What mysteries do you uncover?
• Lost in a Maze : You are lost in a maze. How do you find your way out?
• Undercover Agent : Imagine you are an undercover agent on a secret mission. What do you have to do?
• Wild West : Write about an adventure in the Wild West. What characters do you meet?

Relationships and Emotions

• Friendship : Write about how you became friends with your best friend. What brought you together?
• Family Traditions : Describe a special family tradition. Why is it important to you?
• Acts of Kindness : Reflect on a time when someone showed you unexpected kindness. How did it impact you?
• Conflict Resolution : Write about a conflict between two friends and how they resolve it.
• First Day : Describe your first day at a new school. What emotions do you feel?
• Sibling Adventures : Write about an adventure with your siblings. What do you do together?
• New Friend : Imagine meeting a new friend from a different country. How do you communicate and what do you learn from each other?
• A Helping Hand : Write about a time you helped someone in need. What did you do, and how did it make you feel?
• Courage : Describe a time when you had to be brave. What happened, and how did you find the courage?
• Special Bond : Write about a special bond you have with a family member or pet. How do they make your life better?

School and Learning

• Favorite Subject : Write about your favorite school subject. Why do you enjoy it, and what have you learned?
• Class Project : Describe a class project you worked on. What was it about, and what did you learn from it?
• School Adventure : Imagine an unexpected adventure happening at your school. What happens?
• Teacher for a Day : If you could be a teacher for a day, what would you teach, and how?
• School Play : Write about being part of a school play. What role do you play, and how do you prepare for it?
• Field Trip : Describe a memorable field trip. Where did you go, and what did you experience?
• Homework Helper : Write about a time you helped a friend with their homework. How did you explain the concepts?
• Classroom Pet : Imagine your classroom has a pet. What kind of pet is it, and how do you take care of it?
• Science Experiment : Describe a science experiment you conducted. What was the hypothesis and the outcome?
• Reading Journey : Write about a book you read that had a big impact on you. What did you learn from it?

Holidays and Celebrations

• Holiday Magic : Write about your favorite holiday and what makes it special.
• Birthday Surprise : Describe a surprise birthday party you threw for a friend or family member.
• Festive Fun : Write about a holiday tradition you look forward to every year. How did it start, and what do you do?
• Halloween Adventure : Imagine going trick-or-treating in a magical neighborhood. What characters do you meet?
• New Year’s Goals : Write about your goals for the new year. How do you plan to achieve them?
• Christmas Wish : Describe a special Christmas wish you have. What would you do if it came true?
• Thanksgiving Feast : Write about preparing a Thanksgiving feast with your family. What dishes do you make?
• Easter Egg Hunt : Describe an Easter egg hunt adventure. What surprises do you find?
• Fourth of July : Write about celebrating the Fourth of July with fireworks and fun activities.
• Valentine’s Day : Imagine planning a Valentine’s Day celebration for your friends. What do you do to make it special?

Science and Technology

• Future Inventions : Imagine you invented something that changes the world. What is it, and how does it work?
• Space Explorer : Write about being an astronaut on a mission to explore a new planet. What do you discover?
• Robot Friend : Describe a day with a robot friend. What can the robot do, and how does it help you?
• Eco-Friendly World : Imagine living in a world where everyone uses eco-friendly technology. What is daily life like?
• Underwater City : Write about a city built underwater. How do people live and what challenges do they face?
• Science Fair : Describe a science fair project you create. What is the hypothesis Section 8: Science and Technology (continued)
• Science Fair : Describe a science fair project you create. What is the hypothesis, and what are the results?
• Gadgets of the Future : Imagine a gadget that makes life easier. What does it do, and how does it work?
• Virtual Reality Adventure : Write about an adventure you have in a virtual reality world. What do you experience?
• Tech in School : How do you think technology will change schools in the future? Describe a day in a high-tech classroom.
• Space Station Life : Imagine living on a space station. What is your daily routine, and what challenges do you face?
• AI Assistant : Describe a day with an AI assistant that helps you with everything. How does it improve your life?
• Eco-Inventions : Write about an invention that helps protect the environment. How does it work?
• Exploring the Deep Sea : Imagine being a marine biologist exploring the deep sea. What creatures do you discover?
• Solar-Powered City : Write about a city that runs entirely on solar power. How is it different from other cities?
• Robotics Competition : Describe a robotics competition you participate in. What kind of robot do you build, and what challenges do you face?

Mystery and Thriller

• Lost Treasure : Write about finding a lost treasure map. What do you discover on your adventure?
• Haunted Library : Imagine exploring a haunted library. What spooky things do you encounter?
• Secret Agent Mission : You are a secret agent on a mission. What is your assignment, and how do you accomplish it?
• Mysterious Disappearance : Write about the mysterious disappearance of a class pet. How do you solve the mystery?
• Hidden Passage : You find a hidden passage in your home. Where does it lead, and what do you find?
• Unexplained Events : Describe a series of unexplained events happening in your town. How do you investigate them?
• Ghostly Encounter : Write about meeting a ghost. What does the ghost want, and how do you help it?
• Secret Society : Imagine discovering a secret society at your school. What do they do, and how do you join?
• Locked Room : Write a mystery set in a locked room. How do you solve the puzzle?
• Spy Gadget : Describe a high-tech spy gadget you use on a mission. How does it help you?

Diverse Cultures and Perspectives

• Cultural Festival : Write about attending a cultural festival from another country. What do you see, hear, and taste?
• Pen Pal from Afar : Imagine having a pen pal from a different country. What do you learn about their culture?
• Family Heritage : Describe a tradition from your family’s heritage. How is it celebrated, and what does it mean to you?
• Language Learning : Write about learning a new language. What challenges and fun experiences do you have?
• Global Adventure : Imagine traveling around the world. What different cultures and people do you encounter?

Creative writing prompts are an excellent way to inspire middle and grade school students to explore their imagination and improve their writing skills.

By engaging with diverse themes and scenarios, young writers can develop a deeper understanding of the world and their place in it.

Encourage your students to use these prompts regularly, share their stories, and continue honing their creative writing abilities.

Happy writing!

• https://storywritingacademy.com/creative-writing-prompts-middle-school/
• https://www.imagineforest.com/blog/writing-prompts-for-middle-school/

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Making English Fun!

I have been a teacher of English for over 15 years, in that time i made hundreds and thousands of resources and learnt so much i think its worth sharing. Hopefully to help teachers and parents around the world.

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Education Producer

• Madison, Wisconsin
• PUBLIC MEDIA/PBS WISCONSIN
• Public Broadcasting
• Partially Remote
• Staff-Full Time
• Opening at: May 21 2024 at 14:50 CDT
• Closing at: Jun 4 2024 at 23:55 CDT

Job Summary:

PBS Wisconsin Education's Education Producer develops and produces classroom media for upper elementary and middle school science, social studies, local history and culture, and English Language Arts studies. This may include identifying topics, themes, and/or learning goals, conducting research, writing scripts, interviewing guests, or directing hosts. This position primarily produces in video format, but may also produce interactives, animations, and educational text supports. In this hybrid role you will bring your aesthetic and creative skills to select stories and generate ideas for in-classroom learning media, manage logistics for and lead in the production of that media, and oversee and/or participate in post-production tasks all the way through media publishing. We are looking to fill two Education Producer positions. One position will primarily be focusing on producing science education content, while the other position will focus on Arts and Culture content produced for ELA classrooms. Both producers will be expected to assist with the production of media that focuses on other curricular content areas produced by our team. This position works with colleagues across the educational ecosystem to ensure that the content we create is aligned with educational standards in use in Wisconsin and works with advisors to ensure that the content is accurate and inclusive. This position reports to the Executive Producer of Education.

Responsibilities:

• 25% Researches and develops production strategy for one or more programs across broadcast and digital platforms
• 35% Produces, develops, and edits content that may include identifying topics, themes, guests, conducting pre-interviews and/or interviews, writing, and/or integrating content for multimedia platforms
• 10% Performs daily operational activities for live and pre-recorded content, and may direct the editorial and creative process of production activities
• 15% Collaborates with other content creators in pre- to post-production processes, prepares materials, and handles logistics for broadcast and/or digital publications
• 5% Maintains familiarity with studio equipment and/or applicable technology for production
• 5% May schedule and direct operational activities for content production, including live/recorded studio or field productions
• 5% Collaborate with project partners, educators, and cross-department units to ensure produced media aligns with agreed upon or desired learning goals.

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals. The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world. For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Preferred Bachelor's Degree in media production and/or science education/ELA curricular areas.

Qualifications:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS - Experience producing video and/or creating educational resources. - Competency in video production; experience with pre-production, production, and/or post-production processes. - Strong written communication skills as needed for the pre-production process. e.g. Script development, curriculum development etc. - Proven ability to translate topics into easily understood material, with an ability to employ engaging, creative approaches. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Technical cinematography skills, including knowledge of DSLR and/or cinema-style cameras, lenses, and lighting. - Technical knowledge of video editing post-production, including familiarity with Adobe Premiere and motion graphics. - Familiarity communicating topics for learning, familiarity with National or Wisconsin state standards - For the Education Science Producer; experience communicating science topics for learning, familiarity with National or Wisconsin state science standards, and familiarity with environmental education and climate science. - For the Education Arts & Culture Producer, familiarity communicating ELA topics for learning, familiarity with National or Wisconsin state ELA standards, and familiarity with ELA education.

Full Time: 100% This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location.

Appointment Type, Duration:

Ongoing/Renewable

Minimum $56,112 ANNUAL (12 months) Depending on Qualifications We expect to pay in the mid to high 50's to low 60's. Actual pay will depend on qualifications.

Additional Information:

The person in this position will be required to comply with the Ethical Guidelines for All Staff of Wisconsin Public Radio and Television located here: https://www.wpr.org/wpr-ethical-guidelines , in addition to the UW-Madison code of ethics. Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment. #PBS

How to Apply:

The following must be received for your application to be complete: 1) Resume 2) A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, including additional information on any of the required or preferred experience bullet points that connect to your experience and background. 3) A portfolio that includes two to four video pieces that you have worked on. We will also accept other media formats, such as animations, interactives, or other educational media. Choose samples where the intent of the piece is to explain or educate on a topic. Include a paragraph explaining your exact role in creating the resource or media, what aspects you were not directly responsible for or involved in, and what you think is successful about the work. 4) Optional (not required to complete application): Samples of lesson plans or curriculum development, or a cinematography reel. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three professional references with titles, emails, and phone numbers (including at least one supervisory reference). Note that references will not be contacted without your prior knowledge.

Amanda Vinova [email protected] 608-262-0598 Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Official Title:

Multimedia Producer II(PB007)

Department(s):

A46-PUBLIC MEDIA/PBS WISCONSIN

Employment Class:

Academic Staff-Renewable

Job Number:

The university of wisconsin-madison is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer..

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• Kontinental Hockey League

Gagarin Cup Preview: Atlant vs. Salavat Yulaev

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Gagarin cup (khl) finals:  atlant moscow oblast vs. salavat yulaev ufa.

Much like the Elitserien Finals, we have a bit of an offense vs. defense match-up in this league Final.  While Ufa let their star top line of Alexander Radulov, Patrick Thoresen and Igor Grigorenko loose on the KHL's Western Conference, Mytischi played a more conservative style, relying on veterans such as former NHLers Jan Bulis, Oleg Petrov, and Jaroslav Obsut.  Just reaching the Finals is a testament to Atlant's disciplined style of play, as they had to knock off much more high profile teams from Yaroslavl and St. Petersburg to do so.  But while they did finish 8th in the league in points, they haven't seen the likes of Ufa, who finished 2nd. 

This series will be a challenge for the underdog, because unlike some of the other KHL teams, Ufa's top players are generally younger and in their prime.  Only Proshkin amongst regular blueliners is over 30, with the work being shared by Kirill Koltsov (28), Andrei Kuteikin (26), Miroslav Blatak (28), Maxim Kondratiev (28) and Dmitri Kalinin (30).  Oleg Tverdovsky hasn't played a lot in the playoffs to date.  Up front, while led by a fairly young top line (24-27), Ufa does have a lot of veterans in support roles:  Vyacheslav Kozlov , Viktor Kozlov , Vladimir Antipov, Sergei Zinovyev and Petr Schastlivy are all over 30.  In fact, the names of all their forwards are familiar to international and NHL fans:  Robert Nilsson , Alexander Svitov, Oleg Saprykin and Jakub Klepis round out the group, all former NHL players.

For Atlant, their veteran roster, with only one of their top six D under the age of 30 (and no top forwards under 30, either), this might be their one shot at a championship.  The team has never won either a Russian Superleague title or the Gagarin Cup, and for players like former NHLer Oleg Petrov, this is probably the last shot at the KHL's top prize.  The team got three extra days rest by winning their Conference Final in six games, and they probably needed to use it.  Atlant does have younger regulars on their roster, but they generally only play a few shifts per game, if that. 

The low event style of game for Atlant probably suits them well, but I don't know how they can manage to keep up against Ufa's speed, skill, and depth.  There is no advantage to be seen in goal, with Erik Ersberg and Konstantin Barulin posting almost identical numbers, and even in terms of recent playoff experience Ufa has them beat.  Luckily for Atlant, Ufa isn't that far away from the Moscow region, so travel shouldn't play a major role. 

I'm predicting that Ufa, winners of the last Superleague title back in 2008, will become the second team to win the Gagarin Cup, and will prevail in five games.  They have a seriously well built team that would honestly compete in the NHL.  They represent the potential of the league, while Atlant represents closer to the reality, as a team full of players who played themselves out of the NHL. 

• Atlant @ Ufa, Friday Apr 8 (3:00 PM CET/10:00 PM EST)
• Atlant @ Ufa, Sunday Apr 10 (1:00 PM CET/8:00 AM EST)
• Ufa @ Atlant, Tuesday Apr 12 (5:30 PM CET/12:30 PM EST)
• Ufa @ Atlant, Thursday Apr 14 (5:30 PM CET/12:30 PM EST)

Games 5-7 are as yet unscheduled, but every second day is the KHL standard, so expect Game 5 to be on Saturday, like an early start. 

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Rusmania • Deep into Russia

Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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