Thanksgiving Directed Drawing Art Activities Thanksgiving Worksheets Art Lessons
Instant digital download · Secure checkout with Payhip
Selected reviews from TPT
★★★★★I used this with the art classes I teach in the afternoon program my school has. The program has grades K - 7th. I was able to use this resource for all students. It is easy to adapt and easy to follow.
Chandra N. · November 2019 · TPT review
★★★★★These were great! All fifth and sixth grade students chose one to draw. We mounted them on black construction paper and hung them like an art gallery for our Thanksgiving feast at school.
Hannah Yates · November 2019 · TPT review
★★★★★I love using directed draws in my classroom. This has a great variety of draws for Thanksgiving. I love it! Thank you!
Callie DeLapp · January 2020 · TPT review
Rated by 64 teachers on TPT (see every rating on TPT). These are selected 4- and 5-star written reviews by teachers on TPT (Teachers Pay Teachers), shown word for word. TPT's newer 4-point scale ("Extremely satisfied" = 4) is converted to stars.
These Thanksgiving Directed Drawing Lessons are 10 step-by-step art activities that teach kids how to draw festive, seasonal Thanksgiving subjects. Each drawing is broken into easy, structured steps so every child can succeed, build drawing confidence and feel proud of their art.
They are designed for Grades 1 to 4 and are easy to adapt for Kindergarten or Grade 5. Art teachers, classroom teachers and homeschool families can use them for a Thanksgiving art project that explores symbols of thankfulness, harvest and family traditions.
WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE)
- 10 Thanksgiving Directed Drawing Lessons with step-by-step visuals: Turkey, Turkey in a Field, Pumpkin, Apple, Turkey with Corn, Owl, Horn of Plenty, Pumpkin Pie, Turkey Dinner and Ham Dinner
- Draw-on pages for individual pages, sketchbooks or workbook assembly
- Title/cover page for a full student workbook
HOW TO USE IT
Hand out individual pages, or photocopy all the pages into a Directed Drawing Workbook using the draw-on pages and title page, which works well for art journals or fall art portfolios. Students can draw directly on the templates, work in their sketchbooks, or draw on blank paper for larger, full-page artwork. Encourage them to outline with black marker or fine liner and color with crayons, markers or watercolor paint.
Each project fits into a 30 to 45 minute art class, and the finished drawings can be displayed for a Thanksgiving or harvest-themed art showcase. Use them for Thanksgiving or fall art lessons, sub plans, early finishers, sketchbook routines, homeschool art, calm creative time or gratitude-themed bulletin boards. Along the way students follow step-by-step drawing guides, strengthen fine motor control, practice line and shape and other Elements of Art, and build focus and perseverance.
FAQ
What grade levels is this best for?
Grades 1 to 4. It can be adapted for Kindergarten or Grade 5 by changing the pacing or simplifying or extending each step.
How long does each lesson take?
Each drawing usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on age, skill level and whether you include coloring or backgrounds.
Can these drawings be combined with other lessons?
Yes. They pair well with writing prompts, Thanksgiving reflections or cross-curricular fall activities.
What art materials work best?
Pencils, erasers and coloring tools such as crayons, markers, colored pencils or watercolor. Outline with a black fine liner or marker for a polished look.
ALL TEACHER REVIEWS (64)
★★★★★ “Great resource for implementing art within the classroom for the Thanksgiving holidays!” Amber S.
★★★★★ “Kids love these directed drawings” Caitlin H.
★★★★★ “I only used the turkey this year but the kids loved it and they turned out great! Thanks!” Christina S.
★★★★★ “Super fun! My students love doing directed drawings. Thank you!” Brittany D.
★★★★★ “I used this with the art classes I teach in the afternoon program my school has. The program has grades K - 7th. I was able to use this resource for all students. It is easy to adapt and easy to follow.” Chandra N.
★★★★★ “I used this with my art classes. I used this resource for all my students. It is easy to adapt and easy to follow.” Janet P.
★★★★★ “These were great! All fifth and sixth grade students chose one to draw. We mounted them on black construction paper and hung them like an art gallery for our Thanksgiving feast at school.” Hannah Y.
★★★★★ “Love a good directed drawing!” Sarah T.
★★★★★ “My kids enjoyed this resource. Thanks!” Cheri O.
★★★★★ “I love using directed draws in my classroom. This has a great variety of draws for Thanksgiving. I love it! Thank you!” Callie D.
★★★★★ “Left for a sub and it was great!” Mandy R.
★★★★★ “My students love directed drawings! These were a great addition to my collection.” Denise Y.
Get free, classroom-ready art lessons and printables in my Free Art Lesson Library.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist and educator whose work has been featured on NBC LX News and in OCO Magazine, as the featured educator on the cover of the October 2025 edition. She designs art lessons for kids and educational resources for teachers, and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast.
TERMS OF USE
Images and lessons are copyright products.
YOU MAY: use this resource for classroom, homeschool or personal educational use, and print and project it for student learning.
YOU MAY NOT: share this with other teachers or post it online. Each educator must purchase their own license.
Sincerely,
Ms Artastic
Pairs Well With
More selected reviews from TPT
★★★★★My students enjoyed these directed drawings. The steps were clear and the finished products turned out great!
Candice D. · June 2026 · TPT review
★★★★★My class really loves directed drawing activities and this was perfect around Thanksgiving.
Amanda Thiele · April 2026 · TPT review
★★★★★Great activity to keep my middle school art students busy during the last week before winter break! Thank you!!
Preston P. · December 2025 · TPT review
★★★★★love using these in my morning tubs for students before the school day starts!
Kailey B. · August 2025 · TPT review
★★★★★Directed drawings are a great activity for those few days before thanksgiving break
Courtney P. · July 2025 · TPT review
★★★★★This was a great resource to use in my elementary art classroom!
Maya Zamora · May 2025 · TPT review
★★★★★I had these out for the sub to use when I had to be out for two days in November. The students enjoyed being able to create their own Thanksgiving scenes using these papers.
SAMANTHA R. · April 2025 · TPT review
★★★★★Loving having this on hand for a quick activity during the holidays.
Megan A. · December 2024 · TPT review
★★★★★Kids loved these. I gave them all of the options and they chose the ones they wanted.
Jessica Hansen · July 2024 · TPT review
★★★★★This was a great resource and makes my job much easier.
Sharon L. · October 2023 · TPT review
★★★★★We used the turkey with our sixth graders on the day before Thanksgiving break. Even with sixth graders, this was an engaging and funny activity. No turkey was alike and the kids loved comparing their results!
Sharon L · November 2022 · TPT review
★★★★★This is a fun filler or lesson activity. I love how each drawing turns out unique but the same.
Leslie H. · November 2022 · TPT review
★★★★★Since we had no art teacher, I needed to find something simple to do before Thanksgiving. My students enjoyed this resource and their work turned out beautiful. Thank you!
Rebecca C. · July 2022 · TPT review
★★★★★Great resource that was fun and engaging. Thank you!
Melissa H. · March 2022 · TPT review
★★★★★My students enjoyed these.
Kevin N. · February 2022 · TPT review
★★★★★Thank you!
Shaniya K. · November 2021 · TPT review
★★★★★My kids loved the choice in drawing.
Danielle N. · November 2021 · TPT review
★★★★★great - easy to follow.
Brooke P. · October 2021 · TPT review
★★★★★My students loved these directed drawings!
David E. · September 2021 · TPT review
★★★★★My students loved the activity, and I enjoyed seeing their finished product.
Lisa R. · August 2021 · TPT review
★★★★★Amazing, thanks!
C Bass Treats · August 2021 · TPT review
★★★★★We had so much fun using these drawing in class.
elementary explosion · July 2021 · TPT review
★★★★★SO fun and a great activity before Thanksgiving break
Kelly E. · June 2021 · TPT review
★★★★★Great resource!
ashley R. · April 2021 · TPT review
★★★★★Thank you for providing such an engaging product for my students.
Laura L. · February 2021 · TPT review
★★★★★Great!
Karen C. · January 2021 · TPT review
★★★★★Students have more fun working on many goals using these activities and keeps their interest online!
Donna Anderson · January 2021 · TPT review
★★★★★Great art project! Well put together. Thank you!
Beth H. · December 2020 · TPT review
★★★★★Such a fun activity!
Kate Walpole · December 2020 · TPT review
★★★★★Was a great kicked-back activity !
Gloria M. · December 2020 · TPT review
★★★★★These are so cute! I love the easy to follow drawing guides, they provide students with much needed drawing confidence. Plus I enjoy the watercolor backgrounds
Adrianna V. · December 2020 · TPT review
★★★★★Great!
Carrie M. · December 2020 · TPT review
★★★★★I'm teaching an afterschool art class and this was very helpful.
Kathy O. · November 2020 · TPT review
★★★★★My students loved this, thanks!
Kelsey J. · November 2020 · TPT review
★★★★★This was a lot of fun and perfect for a time when students need to be sitting at their desks. Thanks!
Kelly G. · October 2020 · TPT review
★★★★★A lot of fun and accessible drawings. Thank you!
Lauren W. · April 2020 · TPT review
★★★★★Great resource, thank you!
Kool Kitty Classroom · February 2020 · TPT review
★★★★★My students love directed drawings! These were a great addition to my collection.
Denise Yamashige · January 2020 · TPT review
★★★★★SO much fun!
Johnnie J. · January 2020 · TPT review
★★★★★Left for a sub and it was great!
Mandy R. · January 2020 · TPT review
★★★★★Great resource! Thank you!
Rebecca S. · January 2020 · TPT review
★★★★★Thanks!
Kathryn J. · January 2020 · TPT review
★★★★★Thank you
Sarah P. · December 2019 · TPT review
★★★★★Great!
Kelsie Ann · December 2019 · TPT review
★★★★★Thanks so much!
Joy Tucker · December 2019 · TPT review
★★★★★Great resource
Tabitha S. · December 2019 · TPT review
★★★★★thank you
Sarah S. · December 2019 · TPT review
★★★★★thanks
Marci G. · December 2019 · TPT review
★★★★★My kids enjoyed this resource. Thanks!
Cheri Odenbach · December 2019 · TPT review
★★★★★Love a good directed drawing!
Sarah T. · December 2019 · TPT review
★★★★★I used this with my art classes. I used this resource for all my students. It is easy to adapt and easy to follow.
Janet P. · November 2019 · TPT review
★★★★★Thanks!
Becky Bacon · November 2019 · TPT review
★★★★★Super fun! My students love doing directed drawings. Thank you!
Brittany D. · February 2019 · TPT review
★★★★★Thanks!
Katelin L. · December 2018 · TPT review
★★★★★thank you
Firsties are Fab · December 2018 · TPT review
★★★★★My kids loved these!
Jennifer P. · December 2018 · TPT review
★★★★★I only used the turkey this year but the kids loved it and they turned out great! Thanks!
Christina Schulze · December 2018 · TPT review
★★★★★Thanks!
AJ Music · December 2018 · TPT review
★★★★★Kids love these directed drawings
Caitlin H. · November 2018 · TPT review
★★★★★Thank you!
KD's Korner · November 2018 · TPT review
★★★★★Great resource for implementing art within the classroom for the Thanksgiving holidays!
Amber S. · November 2018 · TPT review
Rated by 64 teachers on TPT (see every rating on TPT). These are selected 4- and 5-star written reviews by teachers on TPT (Teachers Pay Teachers), shown word for word. TPT's newer 4-point scale ("Extremely satisfied" = 4) is converted to stars.
Love this resource? Let me know