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It's Thanksgiving



Last updated Friday, November 4, 2005

Author: Jack Prelutsky
Date of Publication:
ISBN: 0688004423
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Nov. 2005

Synopsis: It's Thanksgiving compiles twelve Thanksgiving poems that are good every day of the year! Twelve sprightly poems about Thanksgiving, including "When Daddy Carves the Turkey," "I Ate Too Much," and "If Turkeys Thought." A delightful collection...that everyone can relate to.

Note to readers:
•  Volunteers: you may pick and choose which poems to read if you would like.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  How do you celebrate Thanksgiving?
•  What is your favorite part of the holiday?
•  What is your favorite holiday?
•  What are you thankful for?

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Some vocabulary words to look out for: bustles, jubilant, bountiful, gaily, luscious
•  What are some of the different things that people do on Thanksgiving?
•  How do these children help their families?
•  Which of these things would you most like to do on Thanksgiving?
•  What were the Pilgrims thankful for on the first Thanksgiving?
•  Do you watch the Thanksgiving parade or football on TV?
•  What are some of your favorite things to do with your family?

Craft ideas:
•  Draw a picture of your family celebrating Thanksgiving, or another favorite holiday.
•  What are you thankful for? Draw a big wishbone, and inside draw pictures of everything for which you are thankful. Bring ahead option -- magazines to cut out pictures for a collage.
•  Make a centerpiece for the table.

Special activities:
•  Pick one of the stories to read aloud while the children act out your words.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!