November is a month full of interruptions, holidays, and excitement! But it’s also packed with opportunities for meaningful learning.
If you’re looking for fresh November lesson plan ideas for your upper elementary classroom or homeschool, you’re in the right place!
With just a little planning, this month can be filled with engaging activities that connect to real-world events, inspire kindness, and keep your upper-elementary students motivated all the way to Thanksgiving break.
Veterans Day Lesson Plan Ideas for Fifth Grade and Upper Elementary
Veterans Day is the perfect time to teach your students about honor, service, and history. It’s important for upper elementary and fifth grade students to understand the sacrifices made by veterans and the impact those sacrifices have had on the freedoms we enjoy today. Learning about Veterans Day helps students develop respect, gratitude, and a deeper sense of citizenship.
My Veterans Day Reading Comprehension and Escape Room activities are designed to combine meaningful learning with hands-on fun. Students practice close reading, problem-solving, and teamwork while learning about the importance of Veterans Day.
You can find my Veterans Day resources here.
World Kindness Day Activities for Upper Elementary
World Kindness Day on November 13th is a wonderful opportunity to build empathy and community in your classroom or homeschool. My Kindness Collaborative Poster is a favorite activity—students color and assemble a large poster together while reflecting on ways they can show kindness. It doubles as a beautiful display for your bulletin board or learning space!
👉 Check out my World Kindness Day activities.
Fall Novel Study for Fifth Grade: Sign of the Beaver
November is the perfect time to dive into a fall novel study. One of my favorites for fifth grade is Sign of the Beaver. This historical fiction novel pairs beautifully with discussions about Native American heritage, survival skills, and the importance of friendship. My Sign of the Beaver Novel Study includes comprehension questions, vocabulary, and extension activities to guide your students through the text.
👉 Take a look here.
Thanksgiving Opinion Writing for Upper Elementary Students
As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s a great time to practice opinion writing with your upper elementary students. Kids love to share their thoughts on fun prompts like:
Should the school close the entire week of Thanksgiving?
Should we eat turkey on Thanksgiving?
Should stores be open on Thanksgiving Day?
My Thanksgiving Opinion Writing resource makes this skill-building activity structured, engaging, and easy to prep.
Free Thankful Journal for Fifth Grade and Upper Elementary Students
Want something special for your students this month? I’ve created a FREE Thankful Journal you can download and use right away! It’s a simple, printable activity that encourages reflection and gratitude during the holiday season.
If you’re looking for fresh ideas to keep your students reading this season, I’ve put together a list of my favorite November books for upper elementary and homeschool. These read-alouds are perfect for sparking conversations about history, kindness, gratitude, and Thanksgiving traditions. 📚🍂
👉 Click here to read the full November Books blog post and grab the complete list!
November might feel like a whirlwind of short weeks and holidays, but with the right November lesson plan ideas, it can also be one of the most memorable months of the school year. Whether you’re celebrating Veterans Day, World Kindness Day, diving into a novel study, or practicing Thanksgiving opinion writing, you’ll find everything you need in my TpT store, Plus, don’t forget to download your free Thankful Journal!
