Gifted and Talented Curriculum Thanksgiving Unit Grades 3 4 5

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This unit contains both a printable packet version AND individual JPEG files for each document so that you can easily upload to Google Classroom. Since they are in JPEG format, students should be able to write on the documents in Google Classroom.

Additionally, this unit now includes a PARENT INSTRUCTIONS edition that you can easily pass on to parents when students are out of school. The instructions are easy to follow and allow parents to work with students just as you would in the classroom! This also makes it super easy to send home additional materials for students that need extra enrichment outside of your classroom!

This Thanksgiving mini-unit was developed for a Gifted and Talented classroom, but could also be used in the regular classroom. It is designed for grades 3-5 but could be adapted for other grades as well. Every activity is common core aligned and the standards are listed on each activity intro page.

Included in this mini-unit:

It Wouldn't Be Thanksgiving Journal - Students will write a letter to their parent persuading them to continue a Thanksgiving tradition that they hold dear. (GT: Differentiation, Critical Thinking, CC: W.3.1, W.4.1, W.5.1)

STEM Thanksgiving Day Parade - Students will use materials that you give them (list is included) to create a Thanksgiving Day parade float. Includes STEM think worksheet that asks them to write and draw out their plans. (GT: Affective Development, Competitiveness, Critical Thinking, Differentiation, Teamwork, CC: SL.3.3, M.P.1, M.P.2, SL.4.3, CCRA.SL.2)

Razzle Dazzle Words - Students will use the given vocabulary terms (Thanksgiving and feast related) and definitions to create a visual dictionary sheet (included) that includes the word, definition, picture, a sentence, and part of speech. (GT: Vocabulary, Creativity, Common Core Standards: L.3.1, L.3.6, L.4.1, L.4.6, L.5.1, L.5.6)

Thankful Paper Bag Books - Students will create paper bag books that illustrate things they are thankful for (GT: Affective Development, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Listening, CC: SL.3.3, SL.3.5, W.3.2, SL.4.3, SL.4.5, W.4.2, CCRA.SL.2, SL.5.5, W.5.2)

Minute to Win It - Students will play in teams to complete three active games with one another. All instructions included and use simple ingredients and tools. (GT: Affective Development, Critical Thinking, Differentiation, Teamwork, CC: SL.3.3, M.P.1, SL.4.3, CCRA.SL.2)

RACK Chains - Students will complete paper chains containing the good deeds they are doing for the people they are thankful for - creating a classroom art piece. (GT: Affective Development, Differentiation, CC: SL.3.3, SL.4.3, CCRA.SL.2)

What's on the Research Menu Today? - Students will use a choice game board to find subjects to research that are Thanksgiving related. There are six research projects to choose from. You could have students research all six or have them choose a few. Rubrics are included!! (GT: Research, Presentation, RI.3.1, RI.4.1, RI.5.1)