Source: slawomir.gawryluk/Shutterstock.com
1. Pumpkin Pictionary
Pictionary is a
classic game that is always a treat in classrooms, and you can adapt it for
online playing. It takes a little more preparation to make Pictionary work on
Zoom, but it’s well worth it for the excitement it generates.
The night before
you introduce this online activity, think of as many different Thanksgiving
traditions and foods as possible and type them down in a document. An hour or
so before the game begins, email this document to two students or players who
are the designated drawers for the game. They can then print out this document
at home and have it ready for the game.
Once students are
online, split the class into two teams–each with one drawer. Pick whichever
team should go first and then start a one-minute timer. That team’s drawer
picks the first word on the printed document and attempts to draw it out. The
rest of their team tries to guess what festive item they’re drawing.
If they choose
correctly, the drawer can move on to the next word on the list. See how many
the team can guess before the minute is up. Whichever team gets the most at the
end of the allocated time wins the game.
If you want to mix
it up, pick a new drawer on each team and have them create their own
Thanksgiving-themed list. Start the timer again and see how many the rest of
their team can get.
2. Sweet Potato Bingo
This game is a
quick and easy way to engage kids, and its winning format smoothly transitions
into online play.
You can make your
version of bingo more festive by creating custom cards. Instead of numbers,
include mini pictures of Thanksgiving foods or customs. You’ll want to send
everyone in your class a different card to print out. Ensure each student can
access a printer and cheap
printer ink to quickly and affordably engage with the game.
Once you’re all on
Zoom, check that everyone has both their custom card and a pencil ready, and
start calling out your Thanksgiving-themed pictures or symbols. The first
person to fill in their whole grid is the winner.
Source: Ralf
Geithe/Shutterstock.com
3. Two Truths and a Cranberry Lie
This classic
ice-breaker is a great way to get even the most reluctant kids invested in your
class. It’s also a straightforward activity to do on Zoom, with virtually no
preparation required.
At the beginning of
the game, ask everyone to come up with two facts and one lie about
Thanksgiving. These could either be truths and untruths about the holiday in
general, or truths and untruths about each person’s individual Thanksgiving
experiences. For example, someone could choose to talk about a recent
Thanksgiving they spent fishing with their grandfather, or they might decide to
make a statement about why we eat turkey at this time of year.
Once someone has
said their three statements, it’s up to the rest of the class to decide which
one is the lie. Typically, this part of the game generates a lot of animated
discussion, helping to get your students excited about Thanksgiving.
4. Turkey Charades
Charades is another
simple game you can play on Zoom. You can either split your class into teams to
make it more competitive or people can play individually.
To make this game
Thanksgiving-themed, tell everyone to pick festive foods, figures and
traditions to act out. In individual play, whoever guesses the correct item or
social practice first gets to go next. In team play, pick one member of each
team to be the mime, and set a minute timer as they act out words from a
Thanksgiving-themed list. Their teammates have to guess what it is they’re
acting out. The winning team is the one who correctly shouts out the most by
the end of the minute.
5. Festive Trivia
When it comes to
fun games, sometimes nothing beats a well-researched trivia quiz. If you’re the
quizmaster, this requires some preparation. You’ll need to come up with several
rounds of questions for people to answer.
Here are a few
ideas for Thanksgiving-themed rounds:
●
Thanksgiving traditions
●
Thanksgiving food
●
Thanksgiving sports
●
Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade
●
The origins of Thanksgiving
●
Native Americans and Thanksgiving
When it comes to
teaching the history of Thanksgiving, make an effort to include both sides. For
many Native Americans, Thanksgiving is a day of resistance and mourning. It
marks the anniversary of white colonial settlement in Massachusetts from the
1600s, an arrival that led to centuries of decimation for the
native population.
Even the local native curriculum in early childhood classrooms
often fails to teach students about the value of indigenous traditions and
customs. It’s a great idea to include questions on the Native American
relationship with Thanksgiving as part of festive trivia. It can help teach all
your students more about native cultures and values.
The Takeaway
Thanksgiving is not
only a time to be with friends and family, but also to take stock of the things
important in our lives. If you’re a teacher who’s looking to engage your
students, you’ll be able to bring your whole class together online with these
Thanksgiving-themed games and activities.
Kids love learning
about this holiday and its historical and cultural importance with these simple
classics. Start preparing now for your November curriculum with these fun
Thanksgiving Zoom activities.
