Writing Prompt: My Unusual Thanksgiving

This lesson started with a guest poet in my classroom and I have added a little bit to it each year.  The original prompt was describing "My Unusual Thanksgiving."  The visiting poet's family was a mix of cultures and she shared some of the traditions that her family celebrates this time of year.

We collected ideas in our writing notebooks and then wrote list poems.  I also did the assignment and created the poem shown above.  To download a printable copy of "My Unusual Thanksgiving" click here.  

The next year I taught the lesson myself, but this time I used a simple graphic organizer to collect sensory details.  To download the Five Senses graphic organizer shown below, click here.

Happy Friday!

 

Thanksgiving Prompt with Free Sensory Details Recording Sheet and Giveaway

A year ago, I had my students write a poem called My Unusual Thanksgiving.  We had a guest speaker who shared her poetry so I didn't create a printable for the lesson.

Here is the original prompt:

Write a list poem called "My Unusual Thanksgiving". Try to include images and events that are not typical of a Thanksgiving dinner on TV.  What makes the way you and your family celebrate unique?

This year my students have five days off over Thanksgiving weekend.  I created this sheet to help them record a moment during their weekend.  I plan to have them bring the sheet back to school and do the rest of the writing process in class. 

Here is the link to the Google Doc of the Sensory Details Recording Sheet.

This year I expanded my Imagery 2.0 product to include more graphic organizers and lesson ideas.  This process helps my students show not tell in their writing. Parents at conference were impressed.

Here is the link to Imagery 2.0 in my Teachers Pay Teachers store.
Here is the link to Imagery 2.0 in my Teacher's Notebook store.

My Unusual Thanksgiving Part 2

I gave myself the writing prompt from November 16: My Unusual Thanksgiving List Poem.
My result is a list poem called Thanksgiving on My Uncle's Farm.  I published it on my poetry blog Poems of Silliness.
I know I teach writing better when I write regularly.  I know I teach reading better when I read the books my students are interested in.
Next year I may give this writing prompt as homework.  I found when I needed to write a poem about my experience to share with my class, I pay attention to the details. 

My Unusual Thanksgiving List Poem

Write a list poem called My Unusual Thanksgiving.  Try to include images and events that are not typical of a Thanksgiving dinner on TV.  What makes the way you and your family celebrate Thanksgiving unique?

This writing prompt was inspired by a parent who shared her poetry with our class.  Her Thanksgiving includes Hawaiian and East Indian traditions.

Thanksgiving in my family means getting an advent calendar from my grandmother.

What are your unique traditions?

If you need more directions to write a list poem, I have a free download at my Teachers pay Teachers store. 

Update:  I added on to this idea here.  My poem about My Unique Thanksgiving is on Poems of Silliness.