If you are looking for an engaging Thanksgiving activity for your middle school ELA class, my Thanksgiving reader’s theater script with comprehension activities is a great option. Depending on your readers’ level, you can use this script from 4th through 7th grade. It is a purposeful way to incorporate Common Core standards while also enjoying some Thanksgiving ELA fun.
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The Gift of Time is an 8-page, 13-character script that tells the story of Mrs. Bess’ homeroom class and how they strategize to win the Holiday Food Strive classroom contest. The class that brings in the most food items for this annual school-wide food drive, which supports the City Food Pantry, wins a special ice cream and pizza party. The problem is that Mrs. Bess’ class is more focused on the party than on the importance of giving to those in need.
In addition to the fluency practice your students get with reader’s theater scripts, this resource also includes a variety of reading comprehension activities. There are reader response questions, a context clue worksheet for vocabulary, and two journal prompts you can use for writing or classroom discussions.
The days before Thanksgiving break are always a bit chaotic, with additional absences, modified schedules, and students ready to check out. This makes it the perfect time to try a flexible resource like reader’s theater.
You can use this PDF as a whole-class activity or break your students into smaller groups and give them separate spaces in the classroom to work concurrently. To make the most of the fluency opportunities, I recommend having your students read through the script at least three times, playing different characters.
What’s Included in This Thanksgiving Reader’s Theater Script
This resource is more than a script. It is a full Thanksgiving lesson that covers fluency, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing:
- An 8-page script with 13 speaking roles
- Clear directions so you can print and go
- Reader response questions
- A context clue worksheet for vocabulary
- Two post-reading journal prompts for writing or class discussion
- An estimated Lexile measure of 750
Another great way to utilize this resource is with a substitute teacher. I include a unique script in all of my emergency sub plans because it keeps students busy and engaged while I am away from the classroom. Students can read the script to themselves and then volunteer to perform the story for the class.
How Long Does This Reader’s Theater Take?
Plan for two class periods. On day one, assign roles and read through the script together. On day two, students perform and complete the reader-response questions and context-clue work. The journal prompts work well as a follow-up if you have a short day before break.
If you are interested in trying this unique resource, you can download it directly through my TPT store. It is offered as a printable PDF, but you can also assign it through Easel and Google Classroom by customizing it with a few simple form fields.
A Timeless Holiday Theme
With giving being such an important part of the holiday season, this script works anytime from early November through the winter holidays. Your students may even be inspired to launch a giving event of their own! For more seasonal ideas, check out my Thanksgiving ELA ideas for middle grades and my November ELA activities for middle school.
If you want a print-and-go Thanksgiving lesson that covers fluency, comprehension, and writing in one shot, you can grab The Gift of Time reader’s theater script and activities in my TPT store. It is a printable PDF with the 8-page, 13-role script, reader response questions, a context clue worksheet, and two journal prompts.
