How to Catch a Turkey Writing Activity for Elementary Students

The holidays are an exciting time in the classroom, and Thanksgiving offers many opportunities for engaging writing lessons. A fun activity that brings laughter and creativity is the “How to Catch a Turkey” writing project. This activity lets students use their imaginations to come up with silly, creative ways to catch a turkey. As their teacher, I love this activity because it generates real enthusiasm for writing. In this article, I’ll explain what the activity is, how it works, and why teachers and students love it so much.

What is the How to Catch a Turkey Writing Activity?

The How to Catch a Turkey writing activity is a fun procedural writing project for elementary students. The goal is to have students write out the steps for how they would catch a turkey. Teachers provide planning sheets, drafting paper, and other materials to facilitate the writing process.

The activity allows students to problem solve and use their imaginations to come up with wacky, silly, or creative ways to catch those tricky turkeys. Will they use a net? Create an elaborate trap? Dress up in a turkey costume? The ideas kids come up with are often hilarious.

Some of the things included in the writing activity are:

• A teacher guide with tips for implementing the project
• A scoring rubric for grading the writing
• Graphic organizers for brainstorming and planning
• Differentiated drafting/publishing paper
• A template for a class book cover
• Turkey page topper decorations
• Flip book templates
• Directions for a related turkey craft
• Bulletin board letters and signage

With all these materials, teachers have everything they need to guide students through the writing process and create a festive display featuring their work.

Why Teachers Love the How to Catch a Turkey Writing Activity

There are many reasons why teachers love using the How to Catch a Turkey writing activity in their classrooms:

It’s Engaging

The silly, creative nature of this activity engages students in a way few other writing projects can. Kids have so much fun coming up with their zany ideas that they forget they are doing “work.”

It Fosters Imagination and Creativity

This activity requires students to think divergently There are no right or wrong answers, which empowers kids to tap into their creativity. The results are often remarkably inventive ideas

It Aligns to Writing Standards

Even though the activity is fun, it still hits many core writing standards. Students go through the entire writing process from brainstorming to publishing a final piece.

The Finished Product is Adorable!

Between the turkey page toppers, crafts, and bulletin board display, the students’ final pieces create a Thanksgiving showcase that brightens up the entire classroom.

It’s Flexible

Teachers can implement this as a whole class writing lesson, as a writing center activity, for early finishers, or even as sub plans. The resources are adaptable for many contexts.

5 Ways for Teachers to Use the Writing Activity

There are several ways for teachers to utilize the How to Catch a Turkey writing activity in their classrooms:

1. Seasonal Writing Project

One way is to use it as a seasonal writing project in November. Teachers can walk the whole class through each step of the writing process using the included resources.

2. Whole Group Writing Lesson

Alternatively, teachers could also use it as a focused writing lesson on procedural writing. Guiding the whole class through how to write a “how to” piece.

3. Writing Centers

Put the planning pages, graphic organizers, and drafting paper in a Thanksgiving writing center for students to work on independently.

4. Early Finisher Task

Give the materials to early finishers so they can quietly work on their “How to Catch a Turkey” pieces when they complete other work.

5. Sub Plans

Finally, the activity also makes perfect sub plans. Leave detailed instructions and all materials for subs to implement seamlessly.

Complementary Turkey Activities

The How to Catch a Turkey writing activity pairs nicely with other turkey-themed activities and lessons:

Turkey Read Alouds

There are many fun turkey stories that complement this activity, like Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano or 10 Fat Turkeys by Tony Johnston. Read one aloud to get kids excited about turkeys before they brainstorm their ideas.

Turkey Crafts

Simple turkey crafts like handprint turkeys, turkey disguises, or turkey hats are perfect extensions of this writing activity.

Turkey Jokes and Riddles

Practice reading comprehension with some silly turkey jokes and riddles. Students will have fun while building literacy skills.

Turkey Math Activities

Incorporate math with Thanksgiving themed activities like graphing family dinner preferences, estimating the weight of a turkey, or using turkey clip cards to practice skip counting.

Why I Love Using This Activity

As an elementary teacher, I look forward to doing this activity every November. The kids have so much fun with it that it makes writing enjoyable even for my most reluctant writers. I love seeing their creative ideas come to life. Displaying their work along with the decorative page toppers and bulletin board letters creates an adorable showcase that families absolutely love. Plus, it’s easy for me with the printable planning sheets, rubrics, drafting paper, and other included resources. It’s hands-down one of my favorite seasonal writing activities. I highly recommend any teacher try it out! The giggles and smiles it brings will warm your heart.