You know, when Thanksgiving’s just around the corner, there’s a kind of buzz that fills the classroom—it’s almost like the air’s got a bit more warmth and cheer to it. Last year, I remember my students cracking up over turkey crafts and gratitude lists, and it hit me just how naturally kids take to the Thanksgiving spirit. It’s not just about a big ol’ turkey feast; it’s about gathering, giving thanks, and feeling that closeness with family and friends.
And that’s where Thanksgiving poems for kids really shine. These little rhymes bring those values to life in such a joyful, simple way. A short verse can make ‘gratitude’ more than just a big word—it becomes something they feel.
Reading these poems together, whether in class or around the family table, makes the ideas stick. It’s a sweet way to share the heart of Thanksgiving, and who knows? Those words of thanks might just settle into their hearts for years to come.
Why Thanksgiving poems are great for kids
Thanksgiving poems bring holiday magic right into kids’ hands! They’re fun, easy to remember, and capture all the festive vibes—turkeys, family, thankfulness—wrapped in lively verses.
Perfect for Thanksgiving storytime in the classroom or cozy moments at home, these 7 printable Thanksgiving poems for kids with crop marks and bleed have a rhythm and rhyme kids love. And it’s not just about fun; poems spark those big ideas of gratitude and togetherness, giving kids something to think about long after the turkey’s gone.
Here’re the seven printable thanksgiving poems
- I’m Thankful – Jack Prelutsky
- The Turkey Shot out of the Oven – Jack Prelutsky
- First Thanksgiving of All – Nancy Byrd Turner
- Thanksgiving Time – Langston Hughes
- Five Little Turkeys – Anonymous
- Thanksgiving Day – Lydia Maria Child
- A Thankful Heart – Kids & Quotes
Jack Prelutsky’s I’m Thankful is a playful spin on gratitude, showing thankfulness through a child’s eyes with humor and a dash of irony. Instead of the usual “thank you” list, this poem takes us through a series of funny mishaps—a cracked baseball bat, a lost mitten, even a pesky parakeet that bit twice last week! Each line shares something that’s both loved and flawed, making the idea of gratitude feel fresh and full of giggles.
This poem is perfect for Thanksgiving classroom activities or family dinners because it lets kids laugh at the little things in life, even when they’re a bit chaotic. It could spark a fun round of “thankful-for” sharing time, where everyone names something silly they appreciate—bumps and all! Poems like this one bring out the playful side of Thanksgiving and remind us that, while we’re grateful for big things, it’s the everyday moments that add a lot of joy…well, maybe not liver!
Jack Prelutsky’s The Turkey Shot out of the Oven is pure Thanksgiving chaos, packed with humor and a good dose of imagination! Just picture it: a turkey stuffed with unpopped popcorn blasts out of the oven, knocking plates off the table, splattering across walls, even sticking to the ceiling! The vivid language makes you feel like you’re right there in the middle of the “deafening boom” and the turkey mayhem.
This poem is a perfect pick for Thanksgiving classroom fun or a family dinner laugh! Kids can act out the wild scenes, imagine their own kitchen mishaps, or even write funny endings to the story. It brings out the silly side of Thanksgiving, reminding us that the holiday isn’t just about a perfect meal—it’s about the messy, unforgettable moments, too!
Nancy Byrd Turner’s First Thanksgiving of All whisks us back to that first Thanksgiving, where Pilgrims and Native Americans gathered in peace, sharing food and friendship. Turner’s words beautifully capture the warmth and unity of that gathering—simple moments of gratitude that started it all. Through her imagery, you can almost see the tables spread, the smiles exchanged, and the joy of a shared meal under open skies.
This poem is perfect for adding history to Thanksgiving classroom fun or family dinner conversations! It invites kids to imagine what the first Thanksgiving was like, sparking all kinds of creative activities—drawing what they think that gathering looked like, or sharing what they’d feel thankful for if they were right there at the table. It’s a lovely way to blend history with the heart of Thanksgiving, bringing kids closer to the roots of the holiday in a memorable way!
Langston Hughes’s Thanksgiving Time brings Thanksgiving to life with all the sights, sounds, and smells of the season! He captures that chilly night air, the “big and yellow-orange” moon, and the pantry shelves full of spices. You can almost feel those “crisp brown leaves” underfoot and imagine the “turkey nice and fat to bake”—it’s like a Thanksgiving scene that unfolds right in front of you.
This poem is perfect for Thanksgiving classroom fun or family dinner talk because it draws kids into the magic of the season. They’ll love sharing what Thanksgiving looks, smells, or sounds like to them, and it’s a great chance for some creative activities—maybe they’ll even draw their own autumn scene! Hughes’s words make Thanksgiving feel like more than a holiday; they turn it into a season of sights and sounds, all about gathering close and celebrating warmth and gratitude.
The poem Five Little Turkeys by Anonymous is an absolute delight! With each line, five little turkeys “waddle off” one by one, creating a fun countdown that kids can follow along with. Simple rhymes and a playful rhythm make it easy to remember—and it builds up just the right mix of excitement and suspense for Thanksgiving Day!
This poem is perfect for Thanksgiving classroom activities or family dinners because it invites kids to join in on the fun. They can hold up their fingers for each turkey or even pretend to “waddle off” as each line unfolds! It’s a wonderful way to bring some laughter to the table while sneaking in a little counting practice. By the end, kids are left grinning and ready for Thanksgiving, with a holiday rhyme they won’t soon forget!
Lydia Maria Child’s Thanksgiving Day takes us on a bumpy, chilly, and thrilling journey “over the river and through the wood” to Grandfather’s house! With each line, we’re pulled into the excitement of sleigh rides, windy days that “sting the toes and bite the nose,” and the joyful sight of Grandmother’s house at the end, pumpkin pie waiting on the table.
This poem is a perfect pick for Thanksgiving classroom fun or family gatherings because it’s so easy to jump into the adventure. Kids can chant along to the “Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day!” lines or even act out the sleigh ride, making it an interactive, laughter-filled activity. It’s a poem that captures the joy of Thanksgiving traditions and the thrill of a family journey—by the end, everyone’s ready to dive into the celebration, bells ringing and pie in hand!
I penned down this little poem, ‘A thankful heart’ – hope you like it. This poem brings together all the little things that make the holiday so special: gathering with family, sharing food, and giving thanks for the love and care we share with those around us. The lines are simple yet heartfelt, making it easy for kids to connect with the message of gratitude and joy.
Making Thanksgiving memories that last
Let’s remember—it’s not just about turkey and pie. It’s about sharing gratitude and building memories that last. Whether you’re reading poems, telling stories, or creating a “thankful jar” filled with everyone’s blessings, each tradition brings a spark of joy to the holiday.
And here’s the best part: Thanksgiving traditions don’t have to stop here! Families can add their own—like a gratitude circle, a funny family toast, or even a poem recital. These little moments turn Thanksgiving into something unforgettable, filling hearts long after the last bite of pie is gone.
