Use these writing prompts for meaningful and creative Thanksgiving inspiration, great for late elementary and middle school!
Reflective Prompts
- Describe your favorite Thanksgiving memory and why it’s special to you.
- Write a letter of thanks to someone who has had a positive impact on your life.
- Write a poem using Thanksgiving-related imagery.
- Write a poem about the beauty of autumn during Thanksgiving.
Family and Friends
- Describe a memorable Thanksgiving dinner with your family or friends.
- Invent a new Thanksgiving tradition for you and your friends.
- Explore the perspective of a pet experiencing Thanksgiving for the first time.
- Write about a Thanksgiving tradition in your family and its significance.
- Explore the importance of family in your Thanksgiving celebrations.
Historical and Cultural
- Research and write about the history of Thanksgiving.
- Imagine you are a Pilgrim on the Mayflower. Describe your journey and arrival.
- Write a letter from a Native American’s perspective about the first Thanksgiving.
- Invent a Thanksgiving-themed holiday in a fictional culture.
- Invent a character who travels back in time to the first Thanksgiving.
Gratitude Journal
- Reflect on the things you are grateful for this year.
- Write a poem expressing gratitude for the harvest season.
- List five things you’re thankful for that aren’t material possessions.
- Reflect on a challenging experience and find something positive to be thankful for.
- Write about a time when gratitude changed your perspective.
- Write about a Thanksgiving where you volunteered to help others.
Thanksgiving Feast
- Describe the preparation and cooking of your favorite Thanksgiving dish.
- Write a menu for a non-traditional Thanksgiving feast.
- Write a story about a Thanksgiving dinner where the food comes to life.
- Explore the emotions of a character hosting their first Thanksgiving dinner.
- Write a dialogue between two Thanksgiving dishes on the dinner table.
- Imagine a Thanksgiving where all the food mysteriously turns into desserts.
- Imagine you are a turkey on Thanksgiving day. Describe your thoughts and feelings.
Travel and Adventure
- Describe a Thanksgiving road trip with unexpected twists and turns.
- Explore the challenges of celebrating Thanksgiving in space.
- Write a fictional story set in a world where Thanksgiving is celebrated differently.
- Write a story about a Thanksgiving adventure in a foreign country.
- Describe a magical Thanksgiving where wishes come true.
- Explore the idea of a Thanksgiving potluck with dishes from around the world.
- Explore the idea of a Thanksgiving picnic in a park.
- Describe a Thanksgiving spent in a cabin in the woods.
Humorous Prompts
- Create a funny Thanksgiving skit or play.
- Write a humorous poem about Thanksgiving mishaps.
- Explore the comedic side of a Thanksgiving family reunion.
- Write a story about a turkey that escapes Thanksgiving dinner.