NOVEMBER LEARNING ENHANCED

Can you believe it is almost November? What will you teach after Halloween?

In November, there are several holidays and observances that are great to teach children about, depending on your location and the values or themes you want to focus on. Here are a few common holidays and observances for November that could be interesting for children:

Veterans Day (U.S.) – Celebrated on November 11th, Veterans Day honors military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. This is a great opportunity to teach children about the importance of honoring those who have served the country and to discuss themes like bravery, patriotism, and sacrifice.
Thanksgiving (U.S. and Canada) – In the U.S., Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It’s a holiday centered around giving thanks and spending time with family. This holiday is perfect for teaching children about gratitude, family traditions, and the history of the Pilgrims and Native Americans.
Remembrance Day (Canada, U.K., Australia, etc.) – Also observed on November 11th, this day commemorates members of the armed forces who have died in the line of duty. It often includes ceremonies and the wearing of poppies. This is a time to discuss the importance of remembering those who fought for peace.
Native American Heritage Month (U.S.) – November is Native American Heritage Month, which provides an excellent opportunity to teach children about Native American cultures, histories, and contributions. You can focus on Native American traditions and how they intersect with Thanksgiving, creating a fuller understanding of U.S. history.
Diwali (dates vary) – Depending on the year, Diwali may fall in November. It’s the Hindu Festival of Lights, celebrating the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. This is a wonderful way to introduce children to world cultures, traditions, and the concept of light bringing hope and joy.

These holidays can introduce themes of gratitude, remembrance, family, culture, and history in a child-friendly way.

Teaching children to be thankful is a valuable life lesson that helps them appreciate what they have and fosters a positive outlook. Here are some ways to encourage gratitude in children:

1. Model Thankfulness

Children learn by example, so consistently express your gratitude in front of them. Thank them when they help, and show appreciation for even the small things in life. This creates a habit of thankfulness.

2. Encourage "Thank You" Notes

Have children write or draw thank-you notes for gifts or kindnesses they receive. This helps them reflect on the positive actions of others and express their appreciation in a personal way.

3. Gratitude Journal

Create a simple gratitude journal where children can write or draw something they are thankful for each day. This habit encourages them to focus on the good things in their lives.

4. Teach Through Stories

Read books or share stories that highlight gratitude. Stories about characters who learn to appreciate what they have can inspire children to reflect on their own blessings.

5. Volunteer or Give Back

Participating in charity or community service can help children see how they can make a difference in other people’s lives. It teaches them to be thankful for their own resources and to value giving.

6. Thankful Circle

At meals or during family time, go around in a circle and have everyone share something they are thankful for. This can be a daily or weekly tradition, building a routine of recognizing good things in life.

7. Appreciate Nature

Take nature walks or spend time outdoors, pointing out the beauty around you. Discuss how nature provides for us and how being thankful for the earth is important.

8. Discuss Feelings of Gratitude

Have open conversations with children about how it feels to be thankful and how showing appreciation can strengthen relationships with others.

By incorporating these practices into daily life, you help children develop an attitude of gratitude that will stay with them as they grow.

There are several children's books that are perfect for teaching about Thanksgiving. Here are some popular choices that combine fun storytelling with the holiday’s themes of gratitude, history, and family:

1. "Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving" by Laurie Halse Anderson

This book tells the true story of Sarah Hale, who campaigned to make Thanksgiving a national holiday. It’s an inspiring tale about persistence and how one person can make a difference, suitable for elementary-aged children.

2. "Turkey Trouble" by Wendi Silvano

This fun, lighthearted story follows a turkey who tries to disguise himself to avoid becoming Thanksgiving dinner. Kids love the humor and cleverness of Turkey’s escape plans, and it’s a great read for younger audiences.

3. "Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade" by Melissa Sweet

This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Tony Sarg, the puppeteer who invented the giant balloons for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It’s a fascinating history of one of the most iconic Thanksgiving traditions.

4. "The Thankful Book" by Todd Parr

Todd Parr’s colorful and simple illustrations make this a perfect choice for young readers. It emphasizes gratitude for everyday things, making it a great way to introduce children to the concept of thankfulness.

5. "The Great Turkey Race" by Steve Metzger

In this fun and silly book, three turkeys compete to avoid being chosen for Thanksgiving dinner. The story has a positive message about friendship and teamwork, which is perfect for preschool and early elementary-aged children.

6. "An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving" by Louisa May Alcott

Adapted from Louisa May Alcott’s classic story, this book takes children back to the 19th century to experience a simple, traditional Thanksgiving celebration. It’s a heartwarming story about family and love.

7. "‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving" by Dav Pilkey

This rhyming story is a twist on the classic Christmas poem, but with turkeys. The humor and playful text are a hit with kids, and it touches on the idea of saving the turkeys in a fun way.

8. "Duck for Turkey Day" by Jacqueline Jules

This book is about a young Vietnamese-American girl who is worried that her family doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving the "right" way, because they eat duck instead of turkey. It teaches that Thanksgiving is more about the spirit of togetherness than the exact food on the table.

These books are great for helping children learn about Thanksgiving in a fun and engaging way while also introducing important values like gratitude, family, and traditions.

9.."Arthur's Thanksgiving" by Marc Brown is a classic children's book from the popular "Arthur" series. In this story, Arthur is put in charge of directing the school’s Thanksgiving play, which is all about the first Thanksgiving. He’s excited about his new role until he faces a big challenge: finding someone to play the role of the turkey.