Books, Activities, and More - November Edition

Can you smell the turkey?  How about some pumpkin pie?
Here are some of my favorite things to do in November with my students!

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Picture Books to Read

I make sure to read aloud to my students everyday.  Here are some of our favorites. 

        
         

Chapter Books to Read

Depending on the group I have, I will read some chapter books. Every year is different.  

         

Food in the Classroom

I would be devastated if I ever worked in a district where I could not use food in the classroom.  November is perfect for making foods in your room!

Butter - Take a small jar/container (baby food jars are perfect) and add whipping cream and a pinch of salt.  Students shake their jars until it solidifies creating butter.  Serve with crackers.  This is a great activity to compare/contrast life today with that of the Pilgrims.

Pumpkin Pie in a Bag - This is a no bake activity focusing on sequencing skills (and following directions).  I love it, because it's easy to make.  Many of my students have never had pumpkin before either, so it's a good introduction to this yummy food.  Click the pic below to see this product.

Reading - Author's Purpose

This is my favorite time of the year to teach Author's Purpose - probably because I associate it with food (P.I.E.)!  Here are some things that I do.

Paper Plate - I divide a plate into three sections and have students cut out the books from an extra Scholastic Book Order and glue them in the appropriate section based on the description.  This can also be done on regular paper, but where is the fun in that?

YouTube Videos - Click here or here for a couple I use.

Swat - Write the words Persuade, Inform, and Entertain on the board or large poster.  Divide students into teams (I find 2-3 to be a good number.) Read a passage or ask about particular books as to the author's purpose in writing them. Students 'swat' their answers with a fly swatter. (This game is much more fun if your fly swatters are interesting looking! I have ones with giant flowers on them. From time to time, I will pull out my ginormous fly swatters. They are just cool!)

Author's Purpose Resource - I use this activity to get my students to write with their chosen author's purpose.  I also have some review activities here too! Click the pic below to see the entire product on TPT.

These are just a few things to try this month.  To see all my Thanksgiving products on TPT including a lot of math resources, click HERE.

What seasonal activities do you like to do in November with your students?