Thanksgiving is a popular topic for ESL learners of all ages. The holiday combines so many things learners love talking about: food, family, and the universal feeling of gratitude.
This Thanksgiving lesson was made especially for ESL beginners aged 6-11. It is 100% socially distanced and one of the best lessons I have ever taught. It is also adaptable to online learning.
Thankful Hand Turkeys
Beginner Kids Thanksgiving ESL Lesson
Objective: Grammar and writing: “thankful for”
Level: Kids Beginner (ages 6-11)
Length: 45 minutes
Main aim: Students will learn “thankful for” + noun/gerund by making a hand turkey
Sub aim: Students will speak about Thanksgiving
Assumptions: knows subject pronouns, verb “to be” in present tense, some concrete nouns, can hold pencil and form letters
Materials: Image of Normal Rockwell’s Freedom from Want (1943), examples of hand turkeys (saved images from Meaghan Murphey, “How to Make a Hand Turkey in 7 Easy Steps,” Good Housekeeping (Nov. 6, 2020) and Bandita, “Thanksgiving Turkey Drawing,” CleanPNG, or internet access for Google Image search), internet access (or saved YouTube file) and speakers for The Gobble Song, board, writing instrument, paper, basic coloring supplies
Classroom type: in-person social distanced/no contact, in-person normal, online; can be done without internet access or computer if photos printed and song is downloaded/burned to CD
More holiday lessons from TEB:
3 Ways to Celebrate Halloween while Teaching English Online
2 Free Halloween Lesson Plans: Michael Jackson’s Thriller
Free Halloween Live Listening: Stingy Jack
The New (Para)Normal: Halloween games and crafts for the socially distanced classroom