Make Thanksgiving Literacy Fun
If you’re looking for a hands-on way to teach sentence structure and reading fluency this November, this Thanksgiving Sentence Scramble is a perfect fit! Students will build, read, and write complete sentences using themed pocket chart cards and matching cut-and-paste worksheets.
This activity is ideal for Kindergarten and first grade learners who are developing sight word recognition and understanding how words come together to form a sentence. In this post, you’ll find an easy step-by-step guide, teaching tips, and classroom ideas to help you make the most of this Thanksgiving resource.
To download some FREE sample pages, click here or on any photo in this post. If you would like to purchase this complete packet, scroll down to the bottom of this post to obtain links to my online stores.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Thanksgiving Sentence Scramble
Step 1: Prepare the Materials
Print and laminate the sentence cards to use in your literacy centers. Each set is numbered, so students can easily keep track of the 20 different Thanksgiving sentences.
👉 Why: Lamination makes the cards durable and reusable every year.
💡 Tip: Store each set in a small labeled zip bag to save time during center rotations.
Step 2: Model the Activity
Show students how to arrange the words in the correct order to make a complete sentence. Discuss what clues (capital letters, punctuation marks) help them figure it out.
👉 Why: Modeling helps students understand how sentences work before they try independently.
💡 Tip: Start with a short, familiar sentence such as “The pie is hot!”
Step 3: Independent or Partner Practice
Once students have built their sentences, they can complete the cut and paste worksheets. They cut out the words and glue them in the correct order to match the model sentence.
👉 Why: Moving from hands-on to written work reinforces grammar, sequencing, and fine motor skills.
💡 Tip: Use the worksheet as a quick check for understanding or as homework review.
Step 4: Extend the Learning
Have students read their completed sentences aloud or illustrate them to create a festive class Thanksgiving book.
👉 Why: Reading their own work improves confidence and fluency.
💡 Tip: Display their finished pages as a seasonal classroom bulletin board.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If students find it tricky, point out punctuation marks and capital letters as starting clues.
- For beginners, use the worksheet first so they can see the model sentence before building it.
- To support fine motor development, use glue sticks with wide handles and pre-cut sentence strips for early learners.
Age Group Adjustments
- Preschool and Early Kindergarten: Use only the cut-and-paste worksheets with shorter sentences.
- Kindergarten and Grade 1: Combine both the pocket chart activity and worksheets for full engagement.
- Early Grade 2: Encourage students to write new Thanksgiving sentences using sight words and seasonal vocabulary.
This Thanksgiving Sentence Scramble brings reading, writing, and sentence building together in a fun, meaningful way. It’s easy to prep, engaging for young learners, and perfect for your November literacy block. Students will love building sentences about Thanksgiving while strengthening their reading fluency and sight word skills.
Where to Purchase the Thanksgiving Sentence Scramble
If you would like to purchase the complete 53 page Thankgiving Sentence Scramble packet, click on either store link below.
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