On of our favorite classic Thanksgiving read alouds is, Cranberry Thanksgiving. Chances are you already have this book in your classroom or school library. This is a great story to share in preparation of Thanksgiving because it teaches so many great lessons. . - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
SUMMARY
Cranberry Thanksgiving tells the story of a young girl named Maggie and her Grandmother. In preparation for Thanksgiving, Grandmother prepares her famous cranberry bread. Her bread is so famous that she must hide the recipe so others can’t use it. Each Thanksgiving, Maggie and Grandmother each invite someone to dinner. Grandmother chose to invite a well dressed man staying at the local hotel. Maggie decided to invite her friend Mr. Whiskers, who Grandmother is not fond of. At dinner, Maggie sees that one of the men has found the recipe. Grandmother assumes it is Mr. Whiskers and is shocked to learn it was her guest, Mr. Horace. She is surprised to learn that Mr. Whiskers was actually invited to help keep an eye of Mr. Horace. In the end, Grandmother has a change of heart towards Mr. Whiskers and they enjoy the rest of their Thanksgiving feast.
USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
With Thanksgiving around the corner, Cranberry Thanksgiving is a great way to celebrate the holiday in class while still providing students with meaningful instruction.
- Synthesizing is an important skill that takes a lot of practice. Use Cranberry Thanksgiving as an opportunity to help your students with this reading strategy.
- Discuss the books plot and examine the problem and solution.
- Have students research and write about cranberries.
- Practice writing and sharing poems as a class.
- Introduce students to homophones and provide examples from the book.
- Examine why writers might use italics.
- Lead a group discussion on the role prejudice plays in the story.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30 writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
This resource will provide you with so many lesson ideas and ready to go activities to keep your students engaged. All you need to do is print and you will be ready to teach!
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will also love these similar books:
- Thanksgiving at the Tappletons by Eileen Spinelli
- Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano
- A Turkey for Thanksgiving by Eve Bunting
- A Plump and Perky Turkey by Teresa Bateman
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
