Thanksgiving is the perfect time to mix festive fun with meaningful literacy practice in the classroom! One of my favorite ways to get kids up, moving, and learning is with this Thanksgiving Read and Write the Room activity. If you’re looking for an engaging way to bring Thanksgiving vocabulary into your literacy centers, this activity is just the thing.

What is Read and Write the Room?

Read and Write the Room is an interactive literacy activity that gets students moving while practicing reading and writing skills. Word cards are placed around the classroom, and students walk around with clipboards or recording sheets to “hunt” for the words. When they find a card, they read the word and write it down in the correct spot on their response sheet.

This simple routine builds:

• Word recognition (perfect for seasonal vocabulary)
• Reading fluency
• Handwriting and spelling practice
• Engagement (because movement makes learning fun!)

You can check out more Read and Write the Room activities in this post, 10 Best Read and Write the Room Activities for Kindergarten Students.

Thanksgiving Food Vocabulary

Thanksgiving is full of vocabulary words that children love exploring, including all of the different holiday foods. Here are a few of the Thanksgiving food vocabulary words that are included in this activity:

• Apple pie
• Carrots
• Corn
• Cranberries
• Green bean casserole
• Sweet potatoes
• Turkey

Adding themed words not only builds vocabulary but also sparks conversation about family traditions.

How to Set Up Thanksgiving Read and Write the Room

Thanksgiving Read and Write the Room is a quick and easy activity to set up.

1. Print and Cut Vocabulary Cards – Use picture and word cards with Thanksgiving images and vocabulary.
2. Post the Cards Around the Classroom – Tape them on walls, doors, and even furniture at student eye level.
3. Give Each Student a Recording Sheet – Students use a clipboard and pencil to walk around and record the words.
4. Add an Extra Challenge – Encourage early finishers to use the words in a sentence or even write a short Thanksgiving story!

More Thanksgiving Activities:

Looking for even more ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in the classroom? Try these fun activities:

• Thanksgiving Count and Write the Room – Practice counting and number writing with a festive math twist.
• 10 Thanksgiving Preschool Activities – A collection of crafts, literacy, and math projects perfect for little learners.
• Fun Toddler Turkey Activities for Thanksgiving – Simple, hands-on activities designed just for toddlers.
• I Am Thankful Alphabet Thanksgiving Writing – Build literacy skills while reflecting on gratitude.
• Preschool How to Cook a Turkey Writing Template – A creative writing and craft activity kids love.

Thanksgiving Food Read and Write the Room

If you’re looking for a way to keep your students engaged and learning during the busy holiday season, Thanksgiving Read and Write the Room is the perfect activity. It combines movement, vocabulary practice, and writing in a fun and festive way that kids love.

With just a little prep, you’ll have a literacy center that’s meaningful, interactive, and seasonal. Give it a try this November, and watch your students build their reading and writing skills while celebrating Thanksgiving!