Thanksgiving Performance, Books and a Giveaway

I am having a hard time wrapping my brain around the idea that there are only 4 more school days until we are off for a week for Thanksgiving. I feel like we just got into the swing of Thanksgiving activities and POOF they are going to be over. This week we are gearing up for our big elementary fall feast and performance on Friday. It is a tradition at my school for the elementary students to perform a dance and/or sing a song for all the parents and then it is followed by our traditional feast. This year my kiddos are singing a Turkey Named Bert (LOVE this song) and dancing the Virginia Reel. They have been practicing for weeks and have come so far since we first started. I am so proud of them. After our performance the parents set up for our elementary feast. Each grade level brings in different items to contribute to the feast-main dishes, side dishes, desserts, drinks etc. It is a wonderful community event that brings everyone together. It helps get the holiday season started in the right direction. I will post pictures of all these activities at the end of the week.

I wanted to share some of my favorite Thanksgiving books with you. I am going to try and fit in as many of these stories as possible next week. This is my favorite:

A Thanksgiving Wish by Michael Rosen. It is about a little girl who is worried that Thanksgiving will never be the same since her grandmother just passed. The book explains how the power of tradition brings comfort and peace to her family. It is a beautifully written story that hits home with me every year when I read it.

10 Fat Turkeys by Tony Johnston is silly book about 10 crazy turkeys and it helps kids with counting backwards.

The Littlest Pilgrim by Brandi Dougherty is a sweet story to read about friendship and kindness.

What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving stories? Please leave a comment and let me know. I love adding new books to my classroom collection.

Also, hop on over to my friend Rebecca's blog at Classroom Compulsions. She is having a Fall Giveaway with TONS of amazing items from several bloggers. There is something for everybody at every grade level. If you enter, you may even get something from my little store to use for Thanksgiving in your classroom. 

Have a great Sunday everyone!