Fall is in the air! đ It’s that magical time of year when pumpkin spice lattes are back, spooky season is winding down, and Thanksgiving is right around the corner.
As we trade Halloween candy for turkey dinners, we wanted to take a moment to say a HUGE thank you for all your hard work and dedication. Your support means the world to us, and we’re so grateful for your kind comments, feedback, and amazing ideas.
To show our appreciation, we’ve got a few fun freebies for you! đ Feel free to share this page with anyone that might like to snag these goodies too. And don’t forget to sign up for our email list to stay in the loop for future surprises.
Here’s to a fantastic Thanksgiving filled with good food, great company, and lots of gratitude! Happy holidays, and thank you again for all that you do.
To thank you for all you do, we’ve created this BIG bucket list of 100 fun activities to inspire lots of quality time with loved ones and self-care! You can also share this bucket list with your students to complete with their families and friends.
Fall is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and recharge. This Fall Teacher Writing Prompts pack offers a delightful escape into the heart of autumn. With six pages of prompts, this journal invites educators to savor the season, find inspiration, and nurture their well-being.
Are you ready to dive into a world of gratitude this Thanksgiving season? By focusing on gratitude, we can improve our mood, strengthen our relationships, and even boost our creativity! These writing prompts are a great way to engage students with kindness and reflection for November.
These Thanksgiving planner pages were designed to help teachers and parents have more time to enjoy the day with less chaos and fewer last-minute trips to the store! You can plan a full menu, keep a close eye on your budget, and even track which dishes your guests are bringing!
Are you ready for Thanksgiving? This resource is for YOU! âĨ Starting the day with affirmations is a simple but effective way to boost mental and emotional well-being, and to create a more positive and supportive classroom environment.
Each tracker features 26 seasonal images that students can color to represent each book they read or a certain amount of reading time. There is also a checkbox for choosing how much each image represents (number of books or reading period,) and a note box for writing a list of their favorite books!
Which Thanksgiving Challenges resonate with you?
Thanksgiving break is just around the corner, and while it’s a time for feasting and family, it can also present unique challenges for teachers. Letâs dive into some of the common challenges you may face during this festive season and explore some helpful solutions.
Challenge #1
The Pre-Break Jitters đ¤
As Thanksgiving and fall break approaches, students’ minds start to wander. It’s like herding cats, but with more sugar rushes and less fur.
đ Solution: Engage with fun, holiday-themed activities that reinforce learning. Consider Thanksgiving-themed math problems, writing prompts about gratitude, or creating a class Thanksgiving feast!
Challenge #2
The Post-Break Blues đ
After a week of turkey, football, and family, getting students back into the swing of things can feel like a herculean task.
đ Solution: Start with a fun, engaging activity to re-energize the class. A quick game, a class discussion about their break, or a creative writing prompt can help ease them back into the routine.
Challenge #3
The Attendance Abyss đ
With family vacations and holiday travel, attendance can take a nosedive. Keeping track of assignments and making up missed work can become a real challenge!
đ Solution: Create a clear plan for absent students, including online resources, video lessons, and flexible deadlines. Consider using a classroom management tool to easily communicate assignments and due dates.
Challenge #4
The Holiday Homework Hustle đ
Assigning meaningful work that isn’t just a time-filler can be a real challenge. Striking the right balance between engaging and overwhelming is key!
đ Solution: Keep assignments short and sweet. Focus on review activities or creative projects that students can complete at their own pace. Consider offering choice boards or project-based learning opportunities to spark interest.
Challenge #5
The Decorating Dilemma đ¤
The pressure to have a Pinterest-worthy display is real! While holiday decorations can add a festive touch to the classroom, they can also feel overwhelming and take up valuable instructional time.
đ Solution: Involve students in the decorating process. Assign small groups to create decorations related to a specific learning objective. This can be a fun and engaging way to reinforce learning while adding a festive touch to the classroom.
Challenge #6
The Holiday Overwhelm đ
The constant hustle and bustle of the holiday season can take a toll on teachers’ mental and emotional well-being.
đ Solution: Prioritize self-care. Take short breaks throughout the day to relax and recharge. Practice mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing. Set realistic expectations for yourself and avoid overcommitting. Remember, it’s okay to say no.
10 Easy Self-Care Tips for Teachers
Teaching can be a demanding profession that requires immense dedication and energy. While educators are committed to nurturing young minds, they often neglect their own well-being. Self-care is not a luxury for teachers; it’s a necessity!
By prioritizing self-care, educators can enhance their mental and physical health, improve their teaching effectiveness, and maintain a positive outlook on life.
“I use essential oils to create a calming atmosphere in my home. Lavender and chamomile are my favorites.” – Lisa
“I believe in the power of laughter. Watching a funny movie or TV show can instantly lift my spirits.” – Cheryl
“Setting boundaries is crucial. I learn to say no to extra commitments and prioritize my own needs.” – Owen
Here are some of our best teacher self-care tips:
- Prioritize Sleep: Ensure you’re getting enough rest to recharge your body and mind. Create an inviting and comforting atmosphere to relax and unwind in.
- Mindful Eating: Practice mindful eating, savoring each bite and avoiding overindulging. Prep healthy meals ahead of time to make it easier!
- Limit Screen Time: Take breaks from technology to reduce eye strain and mental fatigue. Replace endless scrolling with a calming bedtime routine.
- Practice Gratitude: Reflect on the positive aspects of your life, achievements, and special people in your life. Our Thankful Writing Prompts are a great tool!
- Set Boundaries: It’s easy to overcommit with so many social events and gatherings this season. Protect your time and energy this holiday season!
- Take Breaks: Schedule short breaks throughout the day to rest and relax. You can check in with our free Teacher Journal Prompts to reflect and reconnect.
- Connect with Nature: Spend time outdoors to reduce stress and improve your mood. Our free Fall Bucket List includes lots of ways to get outside!
- Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness techniques like meditation or deep breathing to reduce anxiety. Grab your free Teacher Affirmations here!
- Seek Support: The end of the year can be a stressful and challenging time. If needed, talk to friends, family, or a therapist about your feelings and concerns.
- Celebrate Yourself: Reward yourself for your hard work and dedication! Grab a pumpkin spice latte and plan a fun day out or a cozy day inside. You deserve it!
By prioritizing self-care, teachers can enhance their overall well-being, improve their teaching effectiveness, and create a more positive learning environment for their students. Remember, self-care is not selfish; it’s essential. So, let’s make self-care a priority this Thanksgiving season and beyond.
We invite you to share your own self-care tips and tricks in the comments below. Let’s inspire and support each other on this journey of self-care!
Need easy and low-prep activities for Thanksgiving?
Curious about our top-notch Thanksgiving music resources? Weâve curated six of our educatorsâ favorites below! These ready-to-use activities are incredibly accessible and easy to incorporate into your classroom, regardless of your musical background. No prior training is needed! Each listening experience is one-of-a-kind, and thereâs no right or wrong answer. Why not give one a try yourself and join in the fun?
Mindful Listening Activity Pages
There are no wrong answers! Students can note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. There is plenty of room to draw a scene and select keywords that resonate with their listening experience. Choose from musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more!
Weather and Feelings Coloring Pages
Weather is a recurring theme in classical music. Does a musical piece remind the listener of a snowy day or a cheerful sunny afternoon? Students can select the weather symbols that come to mind. Is the music happy or sad? Characters with emotions invite students to explore their feelings while listening.
Musical Carnival Coloring Activity Pages
Which carnival rides and activities would best fit a piece of music? Does the tempo feel like a roller coaster or a peaceful swing ride in the sky? Students can listen and color their own fun carnival! Choose a tasty treat from the snack bar, then stop at the prize booth before finishing.
Listen and Color Activity Pages
While listening, students imagine a scene and choose the keywords/elements that resonate with their listening experience. There is lots of room for drawing, coloring, and journaling in the box! Students often engage in discussions about what they’ve heard or felt. Great for displaying!
Autumn Story Activity Pages
Autumn story features a festive fall theme to enjoy! This calming Thanksgiving-themed classical music listening activity pack is perfect for winding down the year and reflecting on gratitude. Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, and more – great for Thanksgiving activities, unit studies, and seasonal class parties!
Turkey Trot by Leonard Bernstein
Do you need engaging brain breaks? This single-page listening activity is great for Thanksgiving or for adding to your November sub plans. Just print and play! The music is available on YouTube or your favorite streaming services. Also great as a send-home activity for fall or Thanksgiving break!
Pre K – 5th Grade
These engaging activities are most frequently used by third and fourth-grade teachers, but their adaptability serves all elementary grade students! These activities were designed with consideration for multiple developmental levels and learning styles, ensuring that everyone can benefit from these enriching experiences.
Thanksgiving Fun
“My students loved this! Perfect for before Thanksgiving break.”
Jonathan âââââ
Highly Engaging
“My kids LOVE listening and coloring, and I’m so excited to be able to use this next fall! Thanks!”
Christenson’s Creative Class âââââ
Versatile and Fun
“Amazing resource!”
Jessica ââââ
Pre-Break Sub Plans
“This was a great resource for before our break. My students loved it and it was easy for a sub to use when I had to be out.”
Kelli âââââ
Easy to Implement
“I am grateful to have resources like these to use with my in-person and virtual students. They are easy to use and visually appealing.”
Stacie âââââ
What are the benefits of these activities for my students?
These resources offer a delightful musical journey through fall and Thanksgiving! They are designed to spark creativity, build musical knowledge, and foster a lifelong love of music. Educators can immerse students in themed listening experiences, engage them in interactive activities, and adapt the resources to various learning environments. By exploring famous composers, developing listening skills, and connecting with emotions through music, students will not only celebrate fall and Thanksgiving, but also gain valuable tools for emotional intelligence and creative expression!
Resource Benefits
- Seasonal Connections: Immerse yourself in the sounds of fall and Thanksgiving with themed listening experiences that bring the music to life!
- Active Learning: Engage with music through a variety of fun and interactive activities, like unraveling musical mysteries and expressing emotions through art.
- Adaptable Learning: Enjoy the flexibility of using these resources in various settings, including classrooms, homeschool environments, and even virtually.
- Build Musical Knowledge: Meet and learn about famous composers from different eras and discover their unique musical styles.
- Develop Listening Skills: Students will train their ears to identify different instruments, musical elements, and the emotions conveyed through the music.
- Spark Creativity: Unleash student creativity through art, writing, and even story creation!
- Boost Emotional Intelligence: Students learn to connect with and express their emotions through the powerful language of music.
- Celebrate Holidays: Enhance your fall and Thanksgiving celebrations with themed music pieces and activities, making learning festive and engaging.
- Foster a Lifelong Love of Music: Embark on a musical journey that ignites a passion for music appreciation and exploration that lasts a lifetime.
Learning Objectives
- increased knowledge of composers from different backgrounds
- observe and identify seasonal/holiday influences within compositions
- familiarity with the composers’ works
- ability to recognize, and engage with, popular pieces of music
- identify different instrument sounds
- social-emotional exploration of feelings and moods within the music
- creative expression by drawing and choosing colors related to a musical theme
- Identify and differentiate between the sounds of various classical instruments.
- Recognize and name iconic classical music pieces by famous composers.
- Connect music to different historical periods and cultural contexts.
- Express emotions and feelings evoked by listening to different classical pieces.
- Analyze and describe the musical elements present in various compositions.
- Compare and contrast the musical styles of different composers and eras.
- Develop critical listening skills through focused activities and discussions.
- Expand vocabulary related to music theory and historical figures.
Grab the November Listening Activity Bundle for only $11! đ¤Š
Calming Classical Music: A Thanksgiving Activity Bundle
Just print & play! Do you need engaging classical music activities or music sub plans for November? This Thanksgiving Listening Activity Bundle offers creative music appreciation! You’ll find 160 activity pages in this festive collection.
Bundle Benefits:
No musical training is required – just print and play!
Save time! The music selections are already curated for you
Add music appreciation to various lessons and unit studies
Students explore social-emotional themes through listening
Low-prep engaging and mindful activities for students
Easily find the music on YouTube or your favorite music services
I’m loving these so far! I just have a few questions.
What kind of music is included?
The Thanksgiving listening pack features a diverse selection of classical music pieces from various composers and eras. You’ll find iconic works by Beethoven, Mozart, and many more, alongside pieces that explore different genres and historical periods.
Do I need musical expertise?
Absolutely not! These listening packs are accessible for everyone, regardless of their musical background. The included materials provide all the information and guidance you need to confidently lead engaging music exploration activities. Teachers also love adding these low-prep printables to their sub plans!
How do these activities save time?
These curated Thanksgiving listening activities eliminate the need for extensive research and planning. We have already carefully selected iconic pieces of classical music to share with your students and paired them with engaging activities – saving you hours of valuable time you can dedicate to other aspects of your lessons.
What types of activities are these?
The contents of these activity packs will vary, but they all offer a variety of low-prep, engaging activities for different learning styles. You’ll find listening exercises, discussion prompts, creative drawing spaces, and more – all designed to help students actively engage with the music. The only prep involved is to find the selected music on your favorite streaming services!
How can I integrate these activities?
Just print and play! These low-prep activities are designed to complement various subjects and learning objectives. Use it to enhance history lessons, explore cultural connections, celebrate holidays, or simply foster creativity and emotional expression through music.
Can I use these in different learning environments?
Yes! These printable activities are adaptable to various settings, including traditional classrooms, homeschool environments, and even virtual learning platforms. The diverse activities and printables cater to individual and group learning needs.
Agee & Row 