Thanksgiving and Learning English: A Perfect Pairing (With Some Fun Along the Way!)
Welcome, students and language lovers! Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than to explore what this holiday has in common with learning English.
Stick around for fun challenges, quirky connections, and ideas on how to practice your English while you enjoy the feast.
Ready? Let’s explore!
The Thanksgiving Story: Can it relate to learning a new language?
Imagine this: the Pilgrims land in the New World, hungry, cold, and clueless. They meet the Wampanoag people, who speak a different language and have different customs. Talk about awkward first encounters! But instead of giving up, the two groups worked together—and even shared a meal that we now call Thanksgiving.
If you’re learning English, this might sound familiar. Trying to order food, make friends, or figure out what a “potluck” is can feel like crossing cultural barriers. But just like the first Thanksgiving, language learning is about patience, practice, and connection, even if things don’t always go as expected.
Language Learning and Thanksgiving: True or False Game
- Thanksgiving and learning a new language both require teamwork.
– True! You need practice partners just like the Pilgrims needed the Wampanoag. You won’t get fluent by stuffing yourself with English textbooks alone. - Saying “thank you” is enough to get by in English.
– False… but close! Expressing gratitude is a huge part of communication in any culture. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to practice saying “thank you” (or even “I’m thankful for…”) to teachers, friends, or family. - You can’t learn English at the Thanksgiving table.
– False! A dinner table is one of the best classrooms. You’ll learn fun food-related words like “cranberry,” “gravy,” and “leftovers.” Plus, you’ll get to practice small talk, which is a crucial skill!
Thanksgiving Small Talk Challenge: Can You Handle It?
If you want to impress your hosts or classmates this Thanksgiving, here’s a little cheat sheet for common conversation starters. Try them out and see how people respond!
– “How do you usually celebrate Thanksgiving?”
– “What’s your favorite Thanksgiving dish?”
– “What are you thankful for?”
Now it’s your turn! Complete the sentence below:
“I am thankful for _______ because _______.”
Example: “I am thankful for my English teacher because they always encourage me.”
Now practice saying it out loud—or better yet, share it with someone at your Thanksgiving gathering!
5 Fun Ways to Practice English This Thanksgiving
Here are some creative ways to blend your language learning with the holiday fun:
- Label the food: Write out little signs in English for every dish at the table. For example: “Mashed Potatoes” or “Gravy”
- Teach your family some English phrases: Even if you’re new to English, teach your relatives how to say, “Happy Thanksgiving” and “Thank you.”
- Play a Thanksgiving trivia game in English: Test everyone’s knowledge about the holiday and its traditions.
- Write a Gratitude List: List three things you’re grateful for this year, then read them aloud in English.
- Watch a Thanksgiving movie in English: Try “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” or a any show’s Thanksgiving episode. Subtitles are your best friend.
Learning English can sometimes feel as challenging as preparing your first Thanksgiving meal. There may be a few awkward conversations and inevitable “oops” moments along the way—but these experiences are part of the journey!
Thanksgiving reminds us that making mistakes, like the occasional burnt pie, is perfectly normal. True joy comes from sharing experiences, food, and laughter. Similarly, the best way to improve in any language is through meaningful connections, even if you’re still learning.
This Thanksgiving, embrace the opportunity to engage in conversation and enjoy the process—whether it’s learning English, trying a new recipe, or making new connections.
Happy Thanksgiving! And remember, if all else fails, a warm “Thank you” and a smile go a long way.
What’s your favorite part of Thanksgiving and how will you practice your English this holiday? Share your thoughts with us below.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you.
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: (954) 565 7607
