Looking to bring the Thanksgiving spirit into your speech therapy sessions? Speech therapy Thanksgiving books are perfect for sparking language-rich discussions, targeting vocabulary, and connecting with kids around gratitude, creativity, and friendship themes. These stories are packed with opportunities to engage students in fun and meaningful ways through character voices, problem-solving activities, or talking about traditions. Read on to discover how these books can add festive vibes to your sessions while building essential language skills! Be sure to check out the free speech therapy Thanksgiving printables!
Thanksgiving-themed books are fun to read in my speech room. Here are some suggestions for my favorite picture books to use when working on language skills. This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
Why are Speech Therapy Thanksgiving Activities Important?
Thanksgiving-themed speech therapy activities offer more than just seasonal fun—they’re a fantastic way to build essential language and social skills in the classroom. These activities help students work on vocabulary, sequencing, storytelling, and critical thinking in a relevant and engaging context. Plus, with gratitude, teamwork, and problem-solving themes, speech therapy Thanksgiving activities encourage positive social interactions and empathy. By bringing the spirit of the season into therapy sessions, speech therapists can create memorable learning experiences that connect with students and support their communication goals.
A Turkey For Thanksgiving by Eve Bunting
This is a charming Thanksgiving story about Mr. and Mrs. Moose, who want to invite a turkey to their Thanksgiving dinner. They set off on an adventure to find one, enlisting the help of friends along the way. However, the turkey is scared, thinking he will be the main course! The story has a lighthearted twist when it’s revealed that Mr. and Mrs. Moose only wanted him as a guest, not the meal. This funny and heartwarming tale emphasizes kindness, friendship, and the spirit of Thanksgiving.
The ending of this book has a funny surprise ending!
How do I use it in therapy:
- figurative language
- grammar
- vocabulary
- story recall
Turkey Trouble by Wendy Selvano
This is a funny story about a turkey who realizes he’s in big trouble as Thanksgiving approaches—he’s about to be the main course! To avoid being eaten, Turkey has a clever plan: he disguises himself as a different farm animal, hoping to blend in and stay safe. Each disguise fails, but he keeps trying until he comes up with his best idea. The book delivers a humorous twist on Thanksgiving with colorful illustrations, encouraging creativity and quick thinking as Turkey finds a way to save himself just in time.
How I use it in therapy:
- inferencing
- vocabulary
- sequencing
- story recall
Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson
This is a warm story about gratitude and friendship. Bear feels lonely and wants to throw a big feast to show his friends he cares, but his cupboards are empty. As he starts to worry, his friends arrive individually, each bringing food to share. Bear has nothing to offer, but his friends remind him that his presence is enough. Ultimately, they all enjoy a cozy meal together, celebrating the true meaning of thankfulness. The book beautifully highlights generosity, friendship, and the joy of sharing.
Who doesn’t love this series? I’m always amazed at the level of vocabulary in these!
How I use it:
- vocabulary
- grammar
- story elements
- rhyming
- theme
Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet
This book tells the inspiring true story of Tony Sarg, the creative mind behind the giant balloons in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The book follows Tony’s journey as a young puppeteer with a knack for invention and his eventual creation of the iconic parade balloons. Through colorful illustrations and engaging storytelling, readers see how Tony’s imagination and engineering skills helped bring joy to millions of people. This story celebrates innovation, creativity, and the power of following one’s passion, making it a fascinating read for kids and adults.
How I use it in therapy:
This is a fascinating book about the man who created the giant balloons for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This is a great book!
How I use it:
- vocabulary
- nonfiction
- recall
- character traits
I hope you enjoy these books as much as I do! If you’d like to see how I choose the books I use in therapy, read my previous post about Literacy-Based Speech Therapy: Choosing the Best Books
Download the FREE speech therapy Thanksgiving bookmarks below! Enter your name and email, and they will be sent to your inbox!
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