Celebrate creativity and gratitude this November with the Thanksgiving Turkey Art Lesson by Ms Artastic — a hands-on, low-prep art and literacy experience that helps students reflect on what they’re thankful for while creating a vibrant turkey artwork.

Designed specifically for Kindergarten through Grade 3, this art project blends drawing, painting, and writing with character education and reading comprehension. Students will follow a step-by-step tutorial to create their turkeys using wax crayons or oil pastels and watercolor or tempera paints, then extend their learning with reflective writing and reading comprehension activities — all themed around thankfulness and kindness.

This resource is not just an art project — it’s a complete cross-curricular lesson that integrates art, literacy, and social-emotional learning in one joyful, meaningful package.

💛 Why Teachers Love This Lesson

If you’ve ever wanted a Thanksgiving art lesson that’s fun, peaceful, and easy to teach — this one’s for you.

It’s perfect for those busy November days when you want your students engaged in meaningful, independent learning that still feels special.

Students explore gratitude through art, storytelling, and writing while practicing fine motor skills, following directions, and building confidence as young artists. The reading and writing components reinforce comprehension, vocabulary, and reflection skills — making this ideal for classroom teachers, art specialists, and homeschool parents alike.

The result? A stunning art display filled with heart and color — and a classroom full of thankful smiles.

🎨 This Resource Includes (Non-Editable, American English)

Everything you need for a complete, meaningful Thanksgiving art experience:

Full 3-Page Lesson Plan

• Step-by-step teaching guide with objectives, prep notes, and delivery tips
• Lesson hook: Picture Puzzle Activity to build curiosity and engagement
• Critical Thinking Questions and participation strategies
• Gallery Walk reflection ideas and display suggestions

Teacher Guide: “The Thankful Turkey”

• Classroom discussion starters about gratitude and kindness
• Anchor chart ideas with class brainstorming prompts
• Visual examples for classroom displays

Art Tutorial Pages

• 16 illustrated steps with written directions for easy classroom instruction (Powerpoint & PDF!)
• Wax crayon and watercolor (or tempera paint) techniques
• Optional writing or drawing prompts for “Thankful Feathers”

Student Worksheets & Literacy Activities

• Reading passage: “About Thanksgiving” (informational reading)
• Reading comprehension story: “The Turkey Art Day”
• Reading comprehension question pages + full answer key
• Opinion Writing: “What is the best way to show that you are thankful?”
• Draw-and-Write: “Thankful: Write & Draw”
• Compare & Contrast chart: Showing vs. Saying Thankfulness
• KWL Chart (What I Know / Want to Know / Learned)
• Artist’s Statement & Reflection worksheets
• 3 Stars and a Wish reflection
• Feelings color reflection page
• Art rubric (Creativity, Craftsmanship, Responsibility)

Art & Design Extensions

• Element of Art: Line Worksheet
• Element of Art: Value (Gray Scale Exploration)
• Symmetry Practice Worksheet
• “Creative Process Magazine Cover” art extension page

Word Work & Vocabulary Support

• Sight Word Tracking List for early readers
• Word Bank of Tricky Words (with definitions and teaching ideas)

Display Materials

• Bulletin board sign for classroom or hallway display
• Anchor chart: “What Are You Thankful For?”