8 Thankful (and Totally Fun!) November Activities for Preschoolers

Keeping little hearts full and hands busy all month long!

Halloween may be over, but the fun doesn’t stop there! November is the perfect time to slow things down, sprinkle in some gratitude, and celebrate all things cozy. Here are eight playful, easy-to-prep ideas that bring warmth, learning, and kindness into your classroom.

1. Gratitude Leaves Tree

Cut colorful paper leaves and have children share what they’re thankful for. Tape them to a “Thankful Tree” on your wall.

 Teacher Tip: Add one leaf each day for a growing visual of classroom gratitude!

2. Pumpkin Pie Playdough

Make homemade playdough with pumpkin pie spice — it smells like Thanksgiving in a jar! Give kids cookie cutters to make pretend pies.

 Talk about how ingredients change when mixed.

3. Feather Letter Match

Attach alphabet letters to paper feathers. Kids match uppercase and lowercase “feathers” to make their turkeys complete!

 Learning Boost: Letter recognition + fine motor fun.

4. Friendship Soup

Each child brings one “ingredient” (real or pretend!) to add to your classroom “soup.” Stir it together while talking about sharing and kindness.

 Social Lesson: Teamwork and gratitude in one heartwarming activity.

5. Turkey Yoga

Move like animals getting ready for fall — stretching turkeys, waddling ducks, and sleepy bears!

 Movement Moment: A perfect brain break between centers.

6. Thankful Storytime

Read books like Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson or The Thankful Book by Todd Parr, then let kids draw something they’re thankful for.

 Language Focus: Builds emotional vocabulary and reflection.

7. Nature Collage Art

Take a short nature walk and collect leaves, twigs, and pinecones. Back in class, use them to create “Thankful Collages.”

 Sensory Fun: Texture, color, and creativity — all in one!

8. Mini Thanksgiving Feast

Host a pretend (or real!) class feast. Let the kids help “set the table,” make decorations, and practice polite table manners.

 Life Skills: Gratitude, patience, and celebration of togetherness.

Final Thoughts

November is all about gratitude — and preschoolers are naturals at finding joy in little things! Whether it’s sharing crayons or spotting the biggest leaf outside, these activities remind us that thankfulness grows best when we nurture it every day.

Happy teaching, and happy (early) Thanksgiving!