Let’s be real: coming back after Thanksgiving break is rough—for everyone. The kids are still in turkey-coma mode, you’re surviving on leftover pie and caffeine, and that Monday morning energy? Yeah, it’s not giving. But instead of jumping straight into assessments or new units, try easing back in with a few fun and simple activities for after Thanksgiving Break that get students reconnected, writing, and learning—without requiring you to spend your entire Sunday prepping.
1. “My Thanksgiving Break” Writing & Drawing Freebie
Start your first day back with something simple and meaningful! This print-and-go worksheet lets students write and draw about their favorite parts of the break—what they ate, who they saw, and what made it special.
💡 Why teachers love it:
- It eases students back into routines through a familiar, low-pressure topic.
- It’s a great morning work or writing center option.
- It doubles as a quick writing sample or share-out for morning meeting.
👉 Grab the free printable here: Download the freebie
2. December Morning Meeting Slides
If there was ever a time to bring structure and connection back to the classroom, it’s after a long break! My December Morning Meeting Slides are the easiest way to reestablish routines without overthinking it.
Each day includes a quick question, activity, or discussion prompt to start the day with purpose and positivity.
💡 Why it’s a lifesaver:
- Slides are ready to go—just display and click!
- Promotes community, communication, and calm during those first chaotic mornings.
- Perfect for grades 1–4 and aligned to social-emotional goals teachers already value.
3. Trash Can Math
One of my favorite activities for after Thanksgiving Break is a math game! Nothing gets kids re-engaged faster than a little friendly competition! Trash Can Math is a place value game that combines number sense and strategy. How it works:
- You’ll need a dice, a whiteboard (or the included page), and a marker.
- Tell students they will roll the dice three times (or four if you include hundreds) and must choose where to place each digit as they go—ones, tens (and hundreds). Once they place it, they can’t move it.
- After all the rolls, compare the numbers. Whose is the biggest? Discuss the choices. Encourage students to think: “If I rolled a 2 first, should I put it in tens or ones?”
- You can start the game as a whole-class discussion, then transition to partner or small group play. As students get the hang of it, you can vary by adding hundreds or thousands place.
Why it fits right after break:
- It needs almost no prep—you’re ready to go as soon as you blow up a dice or pull one from a drawer (or use a virtual dice!).
- It re-engages students with thinking and collaboration, shifting their minds back into “math mode” after a break.
- It’s flexible—you can keep it short for a quick transition activity or extend for more rounds if time allows.
✨ Suggestion: Use this on your first math block back. Introduce the game, play one quick round as a class, then let students try it in small groups. Use the momentum from the reflection sheet (from Activity 1) and the structure of your morning meeting (Activity 2) to make a strong start.
Read more about it and grab the free game boards in this blog post.
🍎 Let’s Review
The first few days after break don’t have to feel like herding cats. With a balance of reflection, structure, and fun, you can help students ease back into learning—without losing your mind. And these activities for after Thanksgiving Break are perfect!
Start with the My Thanksgiving Break freebie, keep the good vibes rolling with December Morning Meeting Slides, and bring the energy with Trash Can Math.
